Faulty SEPTA door sends passenger to hospital, suit says

A Philadelphia woman says she suffered severe injuries when a SEPTA door unexpectedly closed on her, according to a suit filed at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

According to the complaint, Tawnya Caffarelli, of the 2300 block of South 63rd Street, was riding a SEPTA bus on Aug. 10, 2012. As she exited the bus at 15th and Market streets, the driver allegedly closed the doors before Caffarelli was completely out of the doorway.

The incident caused Caffarelli to injure her shoulder, wrist, arm and hand, as well as a severe shock to the nervous system, the complaint says. She seeks damages in excess of arbitration limits from SEPTA and the driver, who could not be identified and is currently listed as John Doe.

Caffarelli says that SEPTA and the driver acted negligently by operating the bus in a careless manner, failing to observe passengers exiting the vehicle, and failing to follow SEPTA's safety procedures.

The plaintiff also states that since she does not own a car or have car insurance, it is SEPTA's obligation to provide no-fault automobile insurance and personal injury protection benefits to Caffarelli. She has incurred medical bills for treatment of her injuries, but SEPTA has not paid them, the suit says.

Caffarelli's husband, John, has also filed suit, seeking re-payment for his wife's medical expenses and damages for the deprivation of Caffarelli's assistance to cover the costs.

Caffarelli is represented by David Rosenbaum of Rosenbaum & Associates.

The case ID number is 140603462.