Parties and Setting
Kharis Goodwin resided in Bridgeport, Connecticut. On October 13, 2022, she was driving eastbound on Barnum Avenue. At the same time, James J. Mclaine, a bus driver employed by the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, operated a passenger bus westbound on the same road. He was working in his official capacity during the incident.
The Collision
At around 4:45 p.m., Mclaine made a sudden left turn onto Noble Avenue. He turned directly in front of Goodwin’s vehicle without yielding. The maneuver caused a violent crash. Goodwin’s vehicle struck the side of the bus, resulting in a serious collision. The complaint accused Mclaine of speeding, failing to yield, failing to brake, and not providing any audible or visual warning.
Physical Harm and Emotional Impact
The crash threw Goodwin forward into the seat restraints. She sustained severe injuries, including sharp and burning pain in her neck and shoulder. She experienced tingling, throbbing, and stabbing sensations. These symptoms were consistent with damage to soft tissues, ligaments, and blood vessels. The pain interfered with her sleep, caused anxiety, and disrupted her daily life. The injuries were described as permanent and significantly reduced her physical and emotional well-being.
Demand for Compensation
Goodwin sought compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. She claimed her injuries limited her ability to engage in everyday activities and enjoy life. The complaint described the physical damage as long-term and life-altering. She requested the court to award appropriate financial relief and recognize the seriousness of her ongoing condition.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Kharis Goodwin
Counsel for Plaintiff: James A. Saraceni
Defendants: Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority | James J. Mclaine
Counsel for Defendants: Edward P. Brady, III
Allegation of Negligence
Claim – Negligence against Mclaine:
Goodwin alleged that Mclaine drove recklessly and failed to operate the bus with due care. His actions directly caused the collision and her injuries. She asked the court to hold him legally responsible for the harm she endured.
Defense
The Defendants denied most of the allegations in the complaint and asserted that Kharis Goodwin’s own negligence caused or contributed to the collision. While they admitted to some basic background facts, they denied liability for the crash and incorporated those denials across all three counts of the complaint.
In their special defense, the Defendants argued that Goodwin failed to yield the right of way as required by Connecticut General Statutes §14-299(b)(1). They stated that she entered the intersection despite a vehicle already being lawfully present. They further claimed she was inattentive, failed to keep a proper lookout, did not apply her brakes or sound her horn in time, and neglected to maneuver her vehicle to avoid the crash. The defense emphasized that Goodwin did not maintain control of her vehicle or act reasonably under the circumstances.
Jury Verdict
On December 11, 2024, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Defendants, Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority and James J. Mclaine. After considering the evidence and testimony presented during trial, the jury concluded that the Defendants were not legally responsible for the collision. The jury determined that the Plaintiff, Kharis Goodwin, failed to prove negligence on the part of the Defendants and that any injuries or damages she sustained were not caused by their actions.
