Jury awards 4 million to man who lost leg after chasing Metro Transit bus

Christopher Lee Swickard received a $4. 26 million award from a Hennepin County jury after a Metro Transit bus ran over him in February 2023, resulting in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. The jury found Metro Transit and its driver, Said Muse, 80% liable for the incident, attributing 20% of the fault to Swickard for attempting to board the bus after it left the stop. The jury calculated total damages at $5. 33 million, reflecting the severity of Swickard's injuries and the impact on his life.

Metro Transit is considering an appeal, which would leave the agency liable for the financial award since Muse was acting as an employee at the time. Swickard's legal team criticized Metro Transit for denying responsibility and not seeking a settlement. Muse, who resigned shortly after the incident, argued that Swickard's actions were negligent. Metro Transit warns passengers about the dangers of running after departing buses, highlighting the importance of safety measures. The case underscores broader discussions about public transit safety and driver responsibility in similar incidents.