On 22 June 2009, Mrs L, accompanied by her daughter and son in law, went on the day trip excursion from their P & O Cruise Liner. As they waited in the queue to catch the shuttle bus, a representative directed them to the disability shuttle bus stating that it was suitable for wheelchairs as Mrs L is wheelchair bound.
The Spanish driver of the shuttle bus put Mrs L on the bus, however there were no security clamps or straps to secure her wheelchair. He then proceeded on the journey. As the bus turned went round a roundabout and braked suddenly, Mrs L was thrown from her wheelchair backwards into the stairwell and hitting her head and extremities in the process.
She was taken back to the ship and treated on board for her injuries, which included:-
- Concussion and headaches
- Severe bruising and swelling to her right eye, shoulder, hip and knee
- Severe exacerbation of osteoarthritis
- Shock and memory loss
P & O have admitted liability for the accident, however Mrs L's injuries are on-going as she continues to suffer with severe headaches and loss of mobility in the hip. Medical evidence as to the full extent of her injuries is being obtained.