In our weekly legal column, the Leader, with the expert advice of the team at GHP Legal, sets out to answer some of your problems. Today's question is answered by partner Robert Williams...

Mum fell and was injured when bus pulled off before she sat down. Could she claim compensation?

Q: My mother, who suffers with rheumatoid arthritis and uses a walking stick, fell when the bus driver pulled away sharply before she was safely seated. She suffered a broken hip and dislocated shoulder. This was October last year. Although her physical injuries have been repaired, she still suffers discomfort and is now too frightened to go on the bus into town. She says she has had enough upset without trying to pursue a claim, but I feel the bus company should pay compensation so she can at least afford a taxi whenever she wants to go out and regain her independence. What would be the chances of a claim succeeding?

A: There will be a duty to take extra care to reflect your mother's vulnerability. It should have been clear from your mother's appearance, i.e. she held a senior bus pass and required a stick to walk, that she was elderly, infirm and likely to be vulnerable to losing her balance.

Much will depend on how visible she was to the driver. The closer she intended sitting to him or her the better. The driver may have seen her in her place and expected her to have sat down. If she was still in the aisle, then the driver should not have pulled off. These claims are not straightforward.

Some bus companies may recognize that the elderly are a key part of their business and commit themselves to certain, higher, standards. Any policies should be sought out online.

Your mother will have a full history of medical evidence to support her claim. Not only did the driver's lack of consideration cause your mother physical injuries but also life restricting anxiety. All these things should be taken into consideration. Your mother should seek advice from a local personal injury lawyer who can go through the steps needed to make a claim. If she finds it difficult to attend a solicitor's office, firms such as ours can usually arrange a home visit.

• This question has been answered by Robert Williams, a partner with GHP Legal.  If you would like to speak to someone about this or any other legal matter it is still possible, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that we continue to offer our high levels of service to our clients. In accordance with government guidelines, most of our lawyers are currently working remotely which means you may not now receive a response as promptly as you may expect. Please kindly bear with us and we will respond as soon as we are able.

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