Bus Company Ordered to Pay Portion of Passenger’s Medical Expenses After Fall

A South Korean court has ruled that a bus company is responsible for covering 30% of the medical expenses incurred by a passenger who fell and required shoulder surgery after standing up before the bus came to a complete stop. The ruling highlights the ongoing legal considerations surrounding passenger safety and liability on public transportation in South Korea.

Details of the Incident and Court Ruling

According to the ruling announced on February 21, 2026, by Judge Ryu Hee-hyun of the Busan District Court’s Eastern Branch Civil Division, the bus company must pay 2.73 million won (approximately $1,900) to the plaintiff, identified as ‘A’, including consolation money and covering delay damages. Seoul Economic Daily reports the incident occurred at approximately 8:53 p.m. On July 4, 2024, as the bus approached an apartment complex stop in Busan.

Passenger A was attempting to exit the bus when they lost their balance and fell, resulting in injuries to the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. The injuries required eight weeks of treatment and surgery, with total damages, including medical and nursing care, amounting to 5.77 million won.

Court’s Reasoning and Liability Assessment

The court found the bus operator liable under Article 3 of the Automobile Damage Compensation Guarantee Act. However, Judge Ryu limited the company’s responsibility to 30%, citing the passenger’s actions and pre-existing conditions.

“The accident occurred while the plaintiff was moving toward the exit before the bus had completely stopped,” Judge Ryu stated. “Considering that the plaintiff’s pre-existing condition appears to have significantly contributed to the extent of the injury, the defendant’s liability is limited to 30%.”

The court emphasized that liability ratios in such cases – where accidents occur before city or village buses come to a complete stop – are determined on a case-by-case basis, carefully weighing the passenger’s duty of care against the driver’s safety obligations.

Implications and Ongoing Legal Considerations

This ruling underscores the importance of passenger awareness and caution when exiting buses, even as vehicles approach stops. It also reinforces the bus company’s responsibility to ensure passenger safety. Courts in South Korea continue to navigate the complexities of assigning liability in these situations, balancing the actions of both passengers and drivers.