A serious allegation of negligence has been filed against a local transit company following an incident that left a passenger with severe injuries. On September 3, 2024, Ricardo Nolazco Anaya filed a complaint in the Ventura Superior Court against Ventura Transit System, Inc., and one of its employees, Edgar Doe.
According to the complaint, on July 21, 2024, Edgar Doe, while working for Ventura Transit System, Inc., failed to secure a folded wheelchair in the company’s van. This oversight resulted in the wheelchair falling onto Anaya, causing him significant harm. The lawsuit alleges that Doe's actions were not only negligent but also reckless and unlawful. "Defendant EDGAR DOE had a legal duty to drive, operate and otherwise control the bus in a reasonably safe manner," the complaint states. It further asserts that Doe breached these duties, leading directly to Anaya's injuries.
Anaya is seeking damages under three main causes of action: negligence; negligent entrustment; and negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. The first cause of action accuses Doe of failing to ensure passenger safety by not securing the wheelchair properly. The second cause targets Ventura Transit System for allowing an allegedly incompetent driver to operate their vehicle. "Defendants VENTURA TRANSIT SYSTEM, INC., and DOES 1 through 25 knew or should have known that Defendant EDGAR DOE was incompetent or unfit to operate the van," reads the complaint.
The third cause of action extends liability to Ventura Transit System for their hiring practices. It claims that Doe was unfit for his role and that the company failed in its duty to properly hire, train, supervise, and retain competent employees. "Defendants VENTURA TRANSIT SYSTEM, INC., breached their duty of care when they negligently hired, trained, retained and/or supervised Defendant EDGAR DOE," Anaya alleges.
Anaya is seeking various forms of relief from the court including past and future general damages for pain and suffering as well as special damages for medical expenses incurred due to his injuries. He also seeks pre- and post-judgment interest allowable by law along with coverage for costs associated with filing this suit.
Representing Ricardo Nolazco Anaya are attorneys Michael Alder and Lilit Shamiryan from Alder Law P.C., based in Valley Village, California. The case has been assigned Case No.: 2024CUPP029776 in the Ventura Superior Court.