Record-Breaking $72.5 Million Payout to Bus Accident Victim Marks One of MTA’s Largest Settlements

Aurora Beauchamp, a 68-year-old cancer patient, has been awarded a groundbreaking $72.5 million judgment against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) after being severely injured by a city bus on the Lower East Side. This judgment, believed to be one of the largest ever against the MTA, comes as a result of a tragic accident on March 6, 2017, that left Beauchamp with life-altering injuries including a crushed pelvis and significant nerve damage. The incident occurred when bus driver Eduard Khanimov turned the M14 bus onto East Houston Street, striking Beauchamp and pinning her under the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes.

The jury, taking less than three hours to deliberate, awarded Beauchamp $25 million for past pain and suffering, $32 million for future pain and suffering, and $8.5 million for future medical services, on February 22. Her husband, Saul Beauchamp, was also compensated with $7 million for the loss of services and companionship. The MTA, faced with this historic verdict, plans to appeal, citing concerns over the impact of such awards on transit service funding.

Aurora Beauchamp’s ordeal began just as she was on her way to share her uterine cancer diagnosis with her mother. The accident, which occurred near her childhood home, drastically changed her life. Beauchamp, now residing in Bradenton, Florida, and confined to a wheelchair, has faced years of struggle and pain. Despite the MTA’s efforts to minimize the impact of her injuries, the jury’s decision reflects a significant acknowledgment of her suffering and the long-term effects of her injuries.

The verdict serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence and the importance of pedestrian safety. It also underscores the need for the MTA and similar organizations to address safety concerns proactively and treat victims of negligence with fairness and compassion. The Beauchamps plan to use the awarded funds to improve Aurora’s quality of life, including hiring aides, purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, and possibly relocating to a more suitable home.