A WOMAN'S two-year battle for compensation after she was thrown from her seat on a bus and knocked out has come to the end of the road after insurers said the driver was not at fault.

Jean Hammerton from Christchurch was catapulted from the front seat of a Yellow Bus when the driver braked sharply to avoid a pedestrian.

Mrs Hammerton ended up unconscious on the floor of the bus and was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where she was treated for injuries to her face, head, neck and shoulder.

But two years later Mrs Hammerton, 46, is still in pain, suffers swollen limbs and has difficulty moving.

"It is pitiful to see her, she just shuffles along like an old woman," said husband Peter.

Insurers for Yellow Buses have now told the Hammertons that because the driver was not to blame for the accident and her resulting injuries, the company is not liable.

Mr Hammerton has been forced to abandon a claim for compensation after personal injury solicitors demanded thousands of pounds to take up the case, with no guarantee it would be successful.

He said: "It came as a shock to realise that when you are a passenger on a bus your are not necessarily covered by their insurance."

"We are not so much worried about getting compensation for Jean, but for other people to be aware that they may not be covered by insurance."

Mrs Hammerton is still undergoing treatment for her injuries and relies on her daughters Caroline, 17, and Becky, 12, for help.