Michael Dodoo v. Manhattan and Bronx
Surface Transit Operating Authority, 6276/94
New York Law Journal
April 29, 1997
Supreme Court, Bronx County, April 8, 1997.
JUDGE: Anne E. Targum.
ATTORNEYS: Herbert L. Waichman and Jonathan O.
Gill of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, Great Neck, for Michael Dodoo.
Rudolph N. Silas, Brooklyn, for MABSTOA.
DISBURSEMENT: $ 265,000 (past pain and suffering);
$ 1.5 million (future pain and suffering).
FACTS: On Sept. 24, 1993, Michael Dodoo, then 15,
attempted to board a city bus on his way to school. The doors of
the bus closed on his foot and he was dragged until he managed to
dislodge his foot. He fell, and the bus then ran over his left foot.
There were no witnesses to the accident.
Mr. Dodoo claimed that the bus driver failed to make sure the bus
doors were clear before closing them and moving forward. MABSTOA
argued that the accident did not occur in the manner plaintiff alleged,
and that the Mr. Dodoo either slipped while getting on or off the
bus or that he simply fell off the bus.
INJURIES: Mr. Dodoo alleged he suffered dislocation
fractures of the left forefoot, which required open reduction with
external fixation, surgical debridement and skin grafts.
JURY TRIAL: Trial lasted two weeks, with one hour
deliberation.
