Former flight attendant awarded payout after bus fall

A former flight attendant has been awarded almost $250,000 compensation eight years after she fell from a bus in Canberra.

Queensland-based Cara Hyam, who worked for Virgin Blue at the time of her fall, was staying overnight with her crew in the ACT when her skirt became caught on a protruding seat.

Ms Hyam then tumbled onto a cement footpath, leaving her with lower back pain and an injury to her knee.

She returned to work for 15 months, before doctors discovered a bulging disc in her back.

Soon after the diagnosis Ms Hyam began working smaller duties for the airline because she was unable to fly as a result of her injuries.

In 2007, Ms Hyam launched legal action against CBD Chauffeured Transport for negligence and lack of duty of care.

The company said it had not designated anyone to inspect vehicles for safety hazards, relying on individual drivers, but the court dismissed the claim and awarded Ms Hyam $242,250.