Lawsuit Filed by Jonathan W. Johnson, LLC on Behalf of Family of Mother Who Died on Greyhound Bus

ATLANTA - Feb. 28, 2019 - PRLog -- Jonathan W. Johnson, LLC and co-counsel Rod Dixon filed a lawsuit in Fulton County State Court on behalf of three daughters whose mother died on a Greyhound Bus ride from San Diego, CA with a destination of Monroe, GA on July 19, 2017.  Robin Shelby (58) was traveling with her grandson for a family reunion that was scheduled to take place in Monroe, GA.  The case is Payne v. Greyhound Bus Lines et al., State Court of Fulton County, File No. 19EV001098.

The bus made multiple stops as it made its way across the country, and Ms. Shelby experienced no issues until the Tupelo, MS to Birmingham, AL leg of the trip. During that 2 ½ hour leg of the trip, Ms. Shelby began having trouble breathing.  Upon arriving in Birmingham, Alabama on July 19, 2017 at 2:30 p.m., Ms. Shelby informed a staff member at the Birmingham depot about her breathing difficulties. EMTs were allegedly called to the station and they examined her. The layover at Birmingham was only thirty (30) minutes and to keep the bus on schedule, the Greyhound staff told Ms. Shelby that the bus was leaving and that she would have to board the bus to continue her journey. Ms. Shelby returned to the bus per Greyhound staff's request.

During the 2 ½ hour trip from Birmingham to Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Shelby continued to have trouble breathing. Ms. Shelby's 11-year-old grandson approached the bus driver and told him that his grandmother was having difficulties. The driver told him to return to his seat. The bus did not stop until it reached its next destination: Atlanta, Georgia.

As Ms. Shelby was exiting the bus in Atlanta, she complained of shortness of breath and subsequently collapsed. A call to 911 was made and Grady EMTs responded to the scene. They immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation ("CPR"). They transported her to Grady Memorial Hospital while continuing CPR. Upon arrival at Grady, advanced resuscitative measures were taken, but to no avail. Ms. Shelby was pronounced dead at Grady shortly after her arrival. An autopsy was performed which found that the cause of death was Pulmonary embolus due to deep vein thrombosis ("DVT") of the lower extremity as a result of immobilization.

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a common carrier and has a duty of care owed to its passengers. O.C.G.A. § 46-9-132 states, "A carrier of passengers must exercise extraordinary diligence to protect the lives and person of his passengers but is not liable for injuries to them after having used such diligence." Further, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-3 states, "In general, extraordinary diligence is that extreme care and caution which very prudent and thoughtful persons exercise under the same or similar circumstances."

The family believes Greyhound was aware of their mother's condition and failed to exercise due care. In fact, they believe Greyhound ignored Ms. Shelby's grandson's request for help. Ms. Shelby was a devoted mother who raised three strong daughters. She was an integral part of their lives even though they were living in different parts of the country. They had come to Georgia in high spirits for a family reunion but were greeted with the tragic death of their mother.  They are seeking an award equal to the full value of Robin Shelby's life.

About The Law Firm

Jonathan W. Johnson is an attorney located in Atlanta, Georgia who has been involved in the litigation of wrongful death and common carrier accident cases for 25 years.  He may be reached at by phone at (404) 298-0795 or by email at jwj@jonathanjohnsonatlantalawyer.com.  His website is www.jonathanjohnsonatlantalawyer.com