Compensation has been obtained for a healthcare assistant who slipped on a path while visiting a patient at a care home.
She had to leave the building during her visit. The door was locked when she returned, so she walked along a path at the side of the building to try to attract the attention of a member of staff through the window. The path had become hazardous due to a build-up of moss and mould, and she slipped and fell, suffering a broken wrist, bruising and soft tissue injuries. She also experienced psychological symptoms. She had to take four months off work and required help from her son with domestic tasks.
She commenced a claim against the care home, which initially denied liability. After witness statements from her colleagues were obtained, however, liability was admitted. Medical evidence was obtained to establish the extent of her injuries and their likely ongoing impact.
An offer to settle her claim for £6,500 was rejected, and she was advised to wait until she had finished undergoing treatment before reaching a settlement. Her claim was later settled for £26,500.