Our expert personal injury solicitors have secured a five-figure settlement for a retired schoolteacher from Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, who fractured his hip after tripping on an uneven paving stone.
Geoffrey Hough, 76, walked across a pedestrian crossing and caught his toe on the raised edge of the paving stone when he reached the pavement on the other side of the road. He fractured his hip and needed a hip replacement.
The injury has had a serious impact on Geoffrey’s life. He is now dependent on his wife for help with everyday tasks such as showering and getting dressed. He is also unable to enjoy hobbies such as walking and gardening as much as he did before the accident – he usually went walking every day but couldn’t walk long distances at all for around three months after the fall.
Geoffrey got in touch with our serious injury lawyers and asked us to look into his accident. We were able to agree an out of court settlement with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, who is responsible for maintaining the pavement where Geoffrey had his fall. The payment will help Geoffrey access the rehabilitation he needs and get back to enjoying his retirement.
Richard Adams, a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell who worked on Geoffrey’s case, said, “We are happy to secure this settlement for Geoffrey following his fall which left him in need of surgery for a hip replacement and the subsequent painful recovery and rehabilitation.
“Importantly, these types of falls and cases do highlight how important it is for local councils and other relevant organisations to ensure the pavements and roads we all utilise are fit for purpose. It’s challenging with budget cuts and restrictions but a pedestrian falling into the road could have disastrous consequences.”
Geoffrey said: “My accident came as a great shock. I was just out for one of my walks in the morning and I was crossing the road when suddenly I am on the floor in considerable pain.
“The months after my injury were extremely frustrating as my lack of mobility prevented me from being independent and doing the things I enjoy.
“I am grateful to my legal team at Irwin Mitchell for securing me this settlement which we will allow me to move on from this incident.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in a public place, our Personal Injury lawyers may be able to help you make an Accidents In Public Places claim. Contact us online to find out more.
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