Transport for London (TfL) is reportedly facing a public liability lawsuit after a woman sustained facial injuries whilst waiting for a London Underground train on the Central Line.
The woman, who has not been named for legal reasons, claims that she was standing on the platform at the Mile End Tube station during rush hour in November 2009 when the incident occurred.
Whilst she waited, a Central Line train passed through. As it did so, a section of a plastic barrier detached from the train and struck the woman in the face at an estimated 30 mph, causing a 5cm cut on her forehead. Two other commuters also sustained injuries.
Following an investigation into the incident, it was found that staff on the train were aware of the loose barrier but due to communication problems, failed to remove it. Director of Safety at the London Underground, Mike Strzelecki explained:
“We detected there was a faulty barrier and we failed to remove it promptly and efficiently. If things had gone slightly differently we would have removed that barrier and the accident wouldn’t have happened,”
If TfL is found to be wholly liable for the incident, it could face a fine of up to £20,000 and even more in personal injury damages. It is hoped that as a service used by the general public, the transport body will have taken out a professional insurance policy for public liability issues.