Following a recent two-day trial, a London County Court has dismissed a personal injury claim brought against East London Bus & Coach Company after the Judge found the Claimant, Ms Yvette Luzombolo, to be fundamentally dishonest. The case centred around a fall on a London bus, which Ms Luzombolo claimed was caused by the driver’s negligent driving which caused her to slip and suffer severe injuries. However, CCTV footage and surveillance evidence provided a very different version of events.
What really happened?
Ms Luzombolo had alleged that the bus was travelling “very fast” and that she fell due to sudden braking as the bus was approaching a stop. She alleged that the braking was reckless and so severe that passengers swayed in their seats, shouted in fear, and even called out to the driver. However, the CCTV footage from inside the bus showed that:
Inconsistencies in her injury claims
The court also considered Ms Luzombolo’s reported injuries. She claimed serious mobility issues, chronic pain, and a “frozen shoulder” that left her unable to lift her arm”. However, surveillance footage exposed major contradictions:
The court’s decision
The Judge found that the Claimant’s account of the accident and her reported injuries were dishonest. The court found no evidence of negligence on the part of the bus driver, finding that the bus driver had driven entirely properly at all times. Instead, it was determined that Ms Luzombolo had been dishonest by
As a result, her claim was dismissed. The judge also made a formal finding of fundamental dishonesty under Section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 and ordered her to pay the Defendant’s costs of defending the claim.
Conclusion
This judgement serves as a strong reminder that personal injury claims must be presented honestly and should be supported by evidence. Combined with careful preparation and attention to detail, surveillance footage, medical reports, and CCTV can expose inconsistencies, leading to serious consequences for claimants who attempt to exaggerate their cases.
Ultimately, whilst unfortunately accidents do happen, this case highlights the risks of bringing exaggerated or dishonest claims.
If your business is facing personal injury claims or legal disputes, Backhouse Jones has the expertise to support you. Our specialist transport lawyers provide expert legal guidance to protect your company from fraudulent or exaggerated claims. Contact us today.