Huddersfield Woman Receives Substantial Sum after Fall at Work

Fall at work case

25/10/2007

A 52 year old Huddersfield woman has received a substantial sum after she plunged 12 feet when the fire escape where she worked collapsed beneath her.

Barbara Eastwood from Kirkheaton sought legal advice from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors following the accident that took place whilst she was working as the steward at the Kirkheaton Liberal working men's club.

Previously condemned by a local fire officer as unsafe, workmen had been called to look at the buildings fire escape and were shown the way by Mrs Eastwood.

She said: “I had just stepped out on to the escape when it suddenly collapsed beneath me. I fell to the floor below and landed on my feet. I was in agony and it later became apparent that I had fractured my vertebra and smashed my right heel.

“I managed to return to work for a while after the fall but I needed further surgery to my heel and have not worked since.”

Claire Newstead from law firm Irwin Mitchell represented Mrs Eastwood. She said: “Following her fall at work, Mrs Eastwood, experiences constant pain in her heel, ankle, foot and back due to her extensive injuries.

“We are delighted that her employer admitted liability and that Mrs Eastwood has received a payment which will help her live as normal a life as possible from now on.

“This should be a warning to other employers going forward, the importance of maintaining areas where staff go is paramount and the fire escape should not have deteriorated to that extent.”

Claim compensation for a fall at work

Compensation claims may be made against employers or third parties and range from claims arising from lack of training to self or others, incorrect work equipment having been provided or used, work equipment not having been maintained correctly, and falls through fragile surfaces e.g. skylights.