A girl who was injured when she tripped outside her home has secured compensation from the local authority.
The girl tripped on uneven paving, fracturing her forearm. She was in a plaster cast for six weeks and experienced pain in her arm for more than a year. The accident affected her day-to-day life, including her ability to participate in PE and dance classes at school. She also experienced anxiety and loss of confidence, particularly in relation to outdoor activities.
A claim was commenced against the local authority, arguing that it had failed in its statutory duty to maintain the highway. Inadequate inspection and maintenance had led to the uneven paving not being remedied, which caused the girl's accident.
The local authority accepted liability and, following negotiations, damages of £7,000 were agreed. The damages were paid into court funds and will earn interest until she reaches the age of 18, when she can claim them in full.