Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority v. Briggs

In this appeal, we consider whether the limitation of liability in the Virginia Tort Claims Act, Code §§ 8.01-195.1, et seq., applies to a judgment entered against the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The relevant facts are not in dispute. Michael R. Briggs filed a motion for judgment against the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) alleging that he was injured when a bus, operated by WMATA’s employee, collided with Briggs’ motorcycle. The case was tried before a jury which rendered a verdict in favor of Briggs in the amount of $90,000.

WMATA filed a post-trial…