A civil servant who was left with permanent injuries after she fell down a flight of stairs at her place of work has received a substantial sum in compensation.

The woman, 43, worked for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Balham, London. The area at the top of the stairs had just been washed, but no sign warning that the floor was wet was on display. She slipped and fell, suffering injuries to her ankle.

She required three operations on her ankle and was unable to return to work for a year, during which time she was in frequent pain. She has been left with permanent swelling and impaired mobility. Although she has returned to work, she now has to use a special desk and chair. Before the accident, she had enjoyed exercising and going to the gym. Now she can no longer run, and is unable to stand or walk for long periods.

She contacted her trade union, whose lawyers pursued a claim for compensation. The DWP admitted liability for her accident and the claim was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.