The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) was successfully sued by a former conductress for $6 million.
Stephanie Tilmutt, 42, sued her former employer for damages suffered while working on a bus. The matter was heard in the Supreme Court on April 19, 20 and 21 this year, and judgment was handed down last Friday.
Attorneys from the law firm Kinghorn and Kinghorn led evidence that on April 29, 2005, Hilmutt was working on a bus when she attempted to change a paper roll and the vehicle made a sudden stop.
She was thrown on her back, where she remained for about two minutes. She was eventually helped up by two passengers. The court was told that the driver was very abusive to the calls of passengers who told him of what was happening.
Tilmutt testified that she suffered severe pain and suffering from the fall. She sought medical attention from the company's doctor and also privately. While suffering pain, the company allowed her to work while suffering discomfort until November 23, 2007, when she was given a medical redundancy.
Tilmutt was awarded $15,000 for her medical expenses and $6 million for pain and suffering. Two expert witnesses testified that Tilmutt will continue to suffer medically as a result of her injuries.