Bus Driver Physically Assaults a Female Passenger...

by Ivy
(Washington, DC)

I'm a female and was assaulted by a Washington DC bus driver. I got on the bus and he made an ignorant statement. We started having a verbal confrontation because of the disrespectful comment he made when I boarded.

During the verbal confrontation he took it upon himself to elbow me right in my jaw...and I'm a woman. Is this grounds for a lawsuit?

He was on the job at the time he assaulted me. Now my jaw and neck are sore. But it's also the principle...somebody should be held accountable!

Can I sue the metro in Washington DC because their bus driver assaulted me? Is there anything else I can do?

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Bus Driver Physically Assaults a Female Passenger...":

Ivy (Washington, DC):

Anyone can sue anyone else at anytime, and anywhere. The question is – Is it the right decision?

There is no doubt you suffered harm by the acts of the bus driver. There is also no doubt he and the city are responsible for his actions.

If you haven’t reported the incident yet, do it now. Make sure you go through proper channels. Go to DC.GOV. This is the main site for the city and all of its departments. There is also a “Consumer Complaint Form” there for you to use.

Then contact the DC Metro police Department. Tell them you have been assaulted and would like to file a Formal Complaint.

Finally, contact a local Attorney. There are many in the Washington DC area whose Law Practices’ concentrate in the area of City Lawsuits. These Attorneys have substantial experience in DC legal matters. Most will not charge you for an initial office consultation.

You do have a good case. Discuss it with the Attorney you choose. You will then be able to make a knowledgeable decision.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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