Wet hospital floor causes slip and fractured elbow

Our client, Mrs A, suffered a fractured elbow when she slipped on a puddle of water whilst at work at the Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital.  A warning cone had been erected, but apparently placed at the side of the corridor where it could not be seen.

The accident occurred whilst Mrs A was at work at the Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital.  As she walked along the corridor, she suddenly slipped and fell.  On inspection there was water on the floor of the corridor.  It was noted that a warning sign had been placed or moved to the side of the corridor where it could not be seen.

We were instructed to represent Mrs A and wrote a letter of claim alleging that the hospital was negligent for failing to take reasonable care to ensure that the claimant was reasonably safe when using the premises.  In addition, as her employer, they failed to keep the premises free from obstacles and slipping hazards contrary to workplace regulations.

Liability was admitted and we obtained a report from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who confirmed that, as a result of the accident, the claimant had suffered an undisplaced fracture of the radial head with a small avulsion fracture to the radial collateral ligament.  The claimant was in a sling for several weeks and unable to work.  She suffered a loss of earnings in respect of lost overtime.  Fortunately, Mrs A experienced an excellent recovery.

Oliver Chapman, specialist personal injury lawyer acting for Mrs A, successfully negotiated a settlement of £7,000 which included compensation for the injury together with reimbursement of lost earnings, care and assistance provided by Mrs A’s husband and travel expenses.

Oliver Chapman specialises in slipping cases.  If you would like to ask Oliver a question about a potential case, or if you have a general query about any personal injury, contact Oliver at Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701234 in confidence.