CASE SUMMARY
Jason Claridge (Director and Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Specialist at Ward & Rider Solicitors) advises that he recently acted for Mrs W in respect of an accident at work. Mrs W worked at a local golf club. She was injured at work when coming down a set of unfamiliar stairs that were being utilised following a lockdown as a result of COVID.
She was carrying a card machine to take payments for drinks and as she came out of the building she was dazzled by the lights and as she attempted to negotiate her way down the steps she lost her footing and fell. The steps breached British Regulations. They did not have a handrail which would have prevented her from falling. Liability was disputed although the video evidence clearly showed that she had instinctively reached out for a handrail when falling.
Proceedings were issued. Liability was still being denied.
As a consequence, the Claimant, Mrs W, suffered a very serious shoulder injury. She was advised that she would have permanent problems as a result of the shoulder injury and although she could have a prosthetic shoulder joint to replace her damaged shoulder joint she was told by the Orthopaedic Surgeon that it was unlikely that this would resolve her problems and could make things worse. In addition, she suffered psychological issues as a consequence of the injuries suffered.
Mrs W being a stoic individual did the best she could. She was a lady in her 70’s at the time of the accident but was still working. She relied on family and friends to help her with heavier domestic activities. We obtained evidence from an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Psychologist, both of whom were supportive of the injuries that she suffered.
Mrs W felt that this was an appropriate figure to accept in light of the fact that it allowed her to live comfortably for years to come.
We acted on a No Win No Fee basis. This is a true case albeit that Mrs W’s details have been changed. We are prepared to assist on any personal injury claim involving road traffic accidents, tripping and slipping claims, accidents at work as well medical and dental negligence claims.
