Case study: £75,000 for nerve damage after slip on road

Our personal injury solicitors helped a young man to claim compensation after he slipped and suffered significant injury.

Nerve damage and scarring after slip

Our client, Mr S, was returning to his hotel after an all-night gaming festival at a city centre venue. As he crossed the road, he slipped on a plastic advertising poster which was lying on the road having become detached from its holder. He fell to the ground.

Liability

Our personal injury solicitors submitted a claim to the Defendant (the venue) on our client’s behalf, and it was initially denied, putting blame on their cleaning contractors. However, an enquiry in to the contract revealed that the cleaning company were only contracted for daytime cleaning, and so they were not to blame.

Our team identified this to the venue’s insurers who subsequently admitted liability. However, due to the substantial value of the claim, the court later permitted a withdrawal of the admission of liability and contributory negligence was alleged. A costs penalty was imposed against the Defendant for the late withdrawal.

Injuries from the fall

As a result of the fall, Mr S suffered a lateral tibial fracture of his right knee (requiring surgery), nerve damage and scarring. During his time in hospital, Mr S contracted sepsis which required further surgery. He required significant care and assistance from his wife for many weeks, and his ability to carry out DIY and gardening was impaired. Fortunately, he sustained no loss of earnings.

A final report was obtained which indicated the likelihood of future surgery and knee replacement in 20 years when he would require further time off work. Our solicitors instructed a Plastic Surgeon who confirmed that future surgery would need to be planned by a specialist in view of previous scars.

Attempts were made to engage the Defendant in negotiations. Immediately before the settlement meeting, the venue maintained their denial of liability and indicated they would make no more than a minimal offer.  However, at the settlement meeting, parts of the CCTV footage which were damning to the Defendant’s case were pointed out.

A settlement of £75,000 was agreed which took into account a reduction for contributory negligence.

Had a slip, trip or fall? Get in touch with our personal injury solicitors

If you have been injured in a fall and you believe someone else is to blame, you could be eligible to claim compensation.

For a no obligation ‘no win, no fee’ consultation with a member of our specialist personal injury team, call us on 0117 325 2929 or fill out our online enquiry form.