In a wrongful death lawsuit where a family was seeking $15 million in damages against Greyhound Lines, a jury recently awarded $2 million to the surviving spouse of a man who was hit and killed after exiting the bus in rural West Texas.  

According to court documents, the incident happened Feb. 24, 2021. Erik Myers was taking the bus from New Mexico to Texas when he “experienced a medical emergency overnight.” His wife, Sara Geimer, filed suit in March 2021, alleging bus driver April Lowe had pulled over and allowed Myers to deboard, but that he was left on the side of the road, where it was “dark and extremely cold” and that he was “left without his personal belongings, including his cell phone.” 

The lawsuit alleged that hours after he exited the bus, he was struck by a vehicle and killed. Geimer had alleged Greyhound and Lowe were negligent in allowing Myers to exit the bus at the unscheduled stop and should have called law enforcement and waited for help to arrive. Greyhound presented evidence to the jury that Myers was under the influence of prescription medication, including a sleep aid, and alcohol at the time of his death. 

In a 10-2 decision, the jury found the negligence of both bus driver April Lowe and Myers caused the incident and apportioned 50 percent liability to each of them. 

The panel awarded Myers’ wife $1 million for loss of companionship and $1 million for past and future mental anguish. Because of the apportionment finding, Greyhound will owe $1 million in damages. 

The jury returned its verdict Feb. 4 after a seven-day trial that was presided over by Dallas County District Judge Bridgett N. Whitmore. 

Greyhound is represented by Scott Self and Hunter Tormey of Fee Smith & Sharp, William Toles of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr and Heidi Gumienny of Wright Close & Barger. 

Geimer is represented by Cesar Tavares and Emily Vechan of Williams Hart Boundas.

The case number is DC-21-03628.