Francisco Padilla Bedoy vs. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, et al.

Case Background

On May 23, 2024, Francisco Padilla Bedoy filed a personal injury lawsuit alleging negligence after he fell from his bus seat when the bus was driving from a bus stop. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Shirley K. Watkins and Huey P. Cotton presided over this lawsuit. [Case Number: 23VECV02280]

Cause

Francisco Padilla Bedoy (referred to as “Plaintiff”) was a California resident at the time of the events described. Defendant Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“Metro”) operates as a public government entity under U.S. laws and Defendant Anthony Earl Wright was a Government entity employee.

On May 25, 2022, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the Plaintiff rode Metro Bus Line #166 in Panorama City, California. While on the bus, the Plaintiff was not properly secured in his seat. As the bus operator drove away from a stop, the Plaintiff fell due to the sudden movement.

Injury

As a direct result of the Defendants’ negligence, carelessness, and recklessness, the Plaintiff suffered serious injuries. These actions led to harm to the Plaintiff’s health, strength, and ability to function. The Plaintiff also experienced physical injury, shock, and damage to the nervous system. The injuries caused significant mental, physical, and emotional pain and suffering, which continues to affect the Plaintiff.

Damages

As a direct result of the Defendants’ negligence, carelessness, unlawfulness, and recklessness, the Plaintiff required medical care. The Plaintiff consulted physicians for examination and treatment of the injuries. This led to medical and related expenses, and the Plaintiff would continue to incur similar costs in the future.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Francisco Padilla Bedoy
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): B.J. Abron | Lior M. Behdadnia
  • Defendant(s): Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority | Anthony Earl Wright
    • Counsel for Defendant(s):Steven Garcia | Thomas Griffin

Claims

Plaintiff included the sole count of negligence against Defendants claiming that their negligence, carelessness, and recklessness caused the Plaintiff to suffer serious injuries and require medical treatment.

Defense

Defendants denied the allegations of negligence and asserted affirmative defenses.

Jury Verdict

On October 23, 2024, the jury found that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Anthony E. Wright were negligent in this case. Their negligence was determined to be a substantial factor in causing harm to Francisco Padilla Bedoy. The jury awarded the following damages to the Plaintiff: $335,000 for future medical expenses, $100,000 for past non-economic losses (including physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress), and $100,000 for future non-economic losses, totaling $535,000 in damages.

Additionally, the jury determined that Francisco Padilla Bedoy was also negligent, assigning 50% of the responsibility for his harm to him and 50% to Metro and Anthony E. Wright.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com