The Bus Ride That Changed Everything
I still remember that morning like it just happened. Cold, grey sky, coffee in one hand, headphones in the other. I got on the number 27 bus, same as always. I wasn’t even running late.
Then, out of nowhere — bang. The bus slammed into some delivery van at a junction. People screamed, bags flew. I went straight into one of those metal bars near the front, even though I was strapped in. It didn’t matter. My shoulder cracked, ribs bruised, and my neck’s never been the same since.
I didn’t even think about bus accident compensation at first. I just wanted to breathe without it hurting. But when work told me my sick pay would run out in four weeks, I panicked. Rent, bills — I was stuck.
Trying to Get Help (And Being Treated Like a Nuisance)
It took a while, but someone told me to speak to a solicitor. They were actually nice. I explained everything and gave hospital papers and a police report. Took months of waiting, but I got some money in the end. Not a huge amount, but enough to catch my breath financially. Enough to feel human again.
Just When I Thought It Was Over…
I was only back at work for six weeks when it happened again.
I was in the kitchen area of the catering place where I worked, just grabbing a cup of tea, when I slipped. Hard. Someone had mopped but didn’t bother putting up a wet floor sign. My leg went out from under me, and I heard something pop. I knew straight away it was bad.
Torn ligament in my knee. Same shoulder injured again. Cue another round of hospitals, ice packs, painkillers… and panic. How do you even tell your boss you’re hurt again?
Filing a Slip at Work Claim Wasn’t Easy
I didn’t want drama, but I also wasn’t going to just suffer quietly. I found out I could file a slip at work claim, so I did.
Not gonna lie — it felt like I was the villain. People at work avoided me, like I was faking it or trying to cash in. But I knew what happened. And eventually, the CCTV backed me up. Even someone who had quit called me to say that safety stuff was always ignored there.
It took ages, but the claim worked out. And honestly? I don’t regret it. I stood up for myself. Again.
What I Learned
These past two years taught me something important: no one’s going to look out for you except you. Whether it’s a bus crash or a fall at work, people will move on — but your body won’t forget.
So if you’re ever in my shoes, please — don’t suffer in silence. Ask questions. Get help. Make the call. You’re not being dramatic. You’re protecting yourself.