Toddler Fractures Skull After Fall Through Railings

Child Fractures Skull After Fall

27/03/2008

A toddler has fallen eight foot through railings that were almost twice as wide as the maximum of 10cm laid out in national regulations.

Charlie Bellamy, aged two, was knocked unconscious and suffered a fractured skull after he fell through the railings of a staircase, landed on his head on concrete.

His mother, Ms McGonnell who also has a five year old son and a nine month old baby, now plans to take legal action against Islington Council following the incident that took place on the Elthorne Estate in Beachcroft Way, Archway.

David Urpeth, a Partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "This terrible case highlights the need for those responsible for council housing to comply with building regulations to ensure the safety of residents. Sadly, I deal with many claims against councils and those responsible for the safety of council housing for failing in their duties. Council tenants should be able to feel and be safe in their homes and not suffer injury."

A spokeswoman for Homes for Islington (HfI) who are responsible for running the council housing in the area said that they were committed to ensuring the estates are safe.

She also stated that improvements are going to be made.