Latest bus-train crash lawsuit seeks $1.4M from city, bus driver David Woodard
Bus passenger Imran Mirza suffered concussion, fractures, ligament tears, statement of claim alleges
An Ottawa man and his spouse are suing the City of Ottawa and the estate of OC Transpo bus driver David Woodard, who died along with five others after the bus he was driving crashed into a Via Rail train in September 2013.
Imran Mirza is seeking $1.4 million in damages, while his spouse, Shahana Mirza, is seeking $75,000 in damages for loss of care, companionship and guidance she would have otherwise received from her partner.
The statement of claim filed Wednesday says Imran Mirza suffered a concussion, two fractures, two ligament tears and various abrasions and contusions, as well as reduced memory and cognitive function, permanent and ongoing pain, loss of strength, stress, frustration, irritability, disturbed sleep and chronic fatigue.
Imran Mirza is a self-employed IT consultant and the claim alleges his ongoing impairments have resulted in economic losses.
The lawsuit is the latest legal action against the city and Woodard in relation to the bus-train crash. More than a dozen other plaintiffs, including family members of those killed in the Sept. 18 crash, have also sought damages.
None of the allegations has been proven in court.