Virginia Research Librarian Struck by Bus Wins $8 Million in Damages

Richmond, Virginia: a research librarian at the Library of Virginia who was struck by a GRTC Transit System bus in 2007 recently won $8 million in damages. Meikiu Lo, age 34, suffered spinal and shoulder damage, multiple hip and pelvis fractures, and has suffered chronic pain since her accident in which a GRTC bus struck her as she crossed the street beside the library. Lo had waited on the sidewalk until the street was clear prior to crossing and was also approximately 2/3 of the way across, when the bus struck her while making a right turn.

The jury deliberated for one hour prior to reaching their decision to award Lo the entire amount in damages that her attorneys requested on her behalf. The medical evidence presented in the case showed that Lo will likely undergo multiple surgeries for hip replacement before she reaches 50 years old.

The bus company offered to settle the case for $1.8 million, and also fired the bus driver at fault. However, this isn’t the only bus accident that the company will have to deal with; in fact, on September 30, 2009, Loucendia Reed Lambert, age 55, was struck by a GRTC bus while crossing the street to her job at the Department of Health. She subsequently died as a result of her injuries. The bus driver involved in the incident is scheduled for a hearing next week in Richmond General District Court on charges of reckless driving.