Department Store compensation claim
Personal Injury case report: £16,000 paid in compensation
for an accident in a department store
Our client was an older lady who worked as a
care worker. She was shopping in a well known department store when
she was knocked to the ground by a large metal trolley being pushed
by two shop assistants. Whilst our client was attempting to get
back on her feet, heavy boxes fell off the trolley and landed on
her. Our client suffered significant soft tissue injuries to her
whole body. As a result of our representation she was awarded
£16,000 in damages.
Points of interest
Our client worked as a carer for the elderly
and obtained her work through an agency. Prior to the accident our
client had been successful in securing a permanent job which was
due to start the following day. Following the accident our client
was unable to work for 20 weeks and lost the permanent job she had
secured. When our client was able to return to work she was unable
to find another permanent job and had to continue working through
the agency. As a result our client experienced a continuing loss of
earnings which was likely to continue until she retired in
approximately 5 years.
The award of £16,000 included £7,500 for our
client's pain and suffering (general damages), £5,000 for loss of
earnings and £3,500 for travelling expenses, medication and the
cost of care provided to our client whilst she was unable to
work.
Simon O'Loughlin
Hodge Jones & Allen