A sudden and unexpected stop on a public bus has led to a lawsuit against a major transit authority. Leslie Langel filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on March 4, 2025, accusing the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority of negligence following an incident that left him injured.
The complaint stems from an event on February 8, 2024, when Langel was riding a Sunrunner Bus near Tropicana Field in Pinellas County. According to the lawsuit, while seated behind the bus driver, Langel was thrown into the wall behind the driver due to a sharp and sudden stop. This incident allegedly resulted in significant injuries for Langel. The plaintiff asserts that at all times he was lawfully on the premises of the defendant who had a duty to ensure his safety. The complaint highlights that this duty was breached by failing to provide proper care and secure transportation settings for passengers.
Langel's legal action claims multiple instances of negligence by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. These include failing to implement adequate safety policies and procedures, not enforcing existing protocols for safe bus operation, and inadequately hiring and training personnel responsible for passenger safety. Specifically mentioned is the alleged unsuitability of the bus driver involved in this incident, which Langel argues should have been evident prior to their hiring.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,001 along with interest and costs associated with his injuries. He cites severe bodily harm resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions as consequences of the defendant's negligence. Furthermore, under Count II - Respondeat Superior Claim Against Defendant - Langel asserts that since the bus driver was acting within their employment scope during this incident, the transit authority is liable for their actions under this legal doctrine.
Representing Leslie Langel is attorney Blake R. Carl from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., located at 111 2nd Avenue NE Suite 1600 in St. Petersburg. The case has been assigned Case Number: 25-001022-CI.