SEPTA faces personal injury claim for 'jerky' ride

A Philadelphia woman who claimed she sustained physical injuries after a SEPTA bus on which she was riding made a jerky movement, causing her to fall down, is suing the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

Philadelphia attorney Andrew R. Benn, of Dranoff Associates, filed the personal injury lawsuit June 14 at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on behalf of Janet Thompson of the city’s Somerton section.

According to the civil complaint, Thompson was attempting to exit the SEPTA bus one afternoon in early August 2010 when the vehicle made a quick move, causing Thompson to trip and fall to the ground.

The suit does not name the bus driver as a defendant, but does fault the driver for operating the vehicle in a negligent manner so as to cause the plaintiff to fall down.

The lawsuit accuses SEPTA of negligent operation, failure to provide a safe means to board the vehicle and other acts of negligence.

As a result of the incident, Thompson suffered various injuries to her neck, back, arms, legs, wrists, knees and nervous system, the lawsuit states. She also suffered neurological and other internal injuries, as well as mental anguish and physical pain, all of which has prevented her from enjoying life’s pleasures.

Thompson has been forced to expend large amounts of money on medical care, the complaint alleges.

Thompson demands judgment from the defendant in an amount in excess of $50,000, plus related costs.

The non-jury matter awaits listing.

The case number is 110600918.