A man who tripped over a pothole and injured his ankle has won £8,500 in damages from Brighton and Hove City Council, which was responsible for the site where the accident occurred.

The accident happened in April 2010. The man, who is a street cleaning operative, was pushing his barrow towards the entrance barrier of the yard where he worked when the pothole caused him to stumble. A medical investigation showed that he had sustained an inversion injury to his ankle, as well as ligament damage. He was forced to take time off work as a result of his injuries.

It later emerged that this was not the first time that someone had suffered an injury as a result of an uneven surface at the premises. Another Council employee had also tripped over a pothole three years before the man’s accident.

A claim was brought against the Council for failing in its duty to maintain the safety of the site and to ensure that it is suitable for purpose. Although the Council admitted liability, it initially claimed that the street cleaner’s negligence had contributed to the accident. After proceedings were issued, however, the Council accepted full responsibility and a compensation payment of £8,500 was agreed.