£11,897 for trip injury victim due to unmarked step

Ms J suffered a foot and ankle injury as a result of falling down an unmarked step at a public house restaurant.  The exterior pub garden area featured a raised seating area level but there were no clear markings to warn patrons of the single step tripping hazard.

Aston Knight Solicitors quickly secured an admission of liability followed by specialist medical expert evidence from a Foot and Ankle Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who advised that, thankfully, Ms J had made a very good recovery and had only been left with minor symptoms.

Settlement negotiations then took place and whilst the defendant insurers initially made lower offers, ultimately a strong settlement of £11,897 was secured.

James Winterbottom, Solicitor, who dealt with the case commented:

“This was an interesting case in that it is surprisingly unknown that the use of a single step contravenes Building Regulations from 1998 onwards. Whilst breach of Building Regulations in isolation does not necessarily equate to negligence, it remains a relevant factor. On this occasion there were also no warning markings despite the fact the step was difficult to see and it is foreseeable that people passing through that area will have consumed alcohol.” 

Aston Knight Solicitors are a specialist personal injury and clinical negligence firm and are happy to discuss all types of personal injury and clinical negligence enquiries on a no win no fee, confidential and no obligation basis.