Woman Receives Damages for Fall on Uneven Footpath

A recent case, in which a woman tripped on an uneven footpath, illustrates that a slip or trip can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Three years after the accident, the woman is still reliant on others for help with day-to-day tasks.

The woman was walking towards the hotel where her daughter worked when she tripped over a pothole in the path. Instinctively, she put her arms out to protect herself and fell onto her right arm and shoulder.

Staff at the hotel, who were aware of the damaged path, administered first aid and the early indications were that the woman’s injuries were not too serious. However, when she woke up the next morning, she was unable to move her injured arm.

Over the next five months she struggled on at work but eventually had to leave as the pain in her shoulder was intense and constant. She underwent cortisone injections and physiotherapy, but neither treatment measurably improved her symptoms.

It was then suggested that she undergo surgery in order to relieve the pressure around the joint. This did result in six pain-free weeks, but she then developed ‘frozen shoulder’, an extremely painful condition in which the shoulder is partially or completely immovable. It is caused when the flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened and may follow an injury to the shoulder or surgery. After two further operations, she still has restricted movement in her shoulder as well as other symptoms which are unlikely to improve.

The woman’s ordeal has also had a psychological impact as she now suffers from depression, is fearful of leaving the house and experiences panic attacks.

The hotel admitted liability for the accident and the woman’s personal injury claim was settled out of court for £140,000.

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