Bus Company Settles Amputee Lawsuit for $15M

An 85-year-old man who lost part of his leg after a public bus hit him in a Southern California crosswalk settled a lawsuit Monday for $15 million – just before a jury reached a verdict that would have given him even more.

Julio Huayanca settled with Southland Transit Inc., which had a contract to provide city bus service in Baldwin Park, City News Service reported.

He was struck in a crosswalk in August of last year, and underwent seven surgeries. His right leg was amputated below the knee.

Southland Transit acknowledged liability for the accident and the jury was asked only to award damages.

Lawyers reached the settlement – and then the Los Angeles Superior Court jury said it had reached a verdict.

Judge Marc Marmaro allowed the reading of the verdict, which held that Huayanca was entitled to more than $17 million.

The $15 million settlement will stand, according to Spencer Lucas, one of Huayanca’s lawyers.