Citizens Advice Bureau Free Legal Advice

A part-time domestic assistant at the University of Sheffield has sought legal advice after floor panel gave way at work causing her to fall, breaking her foot in two places.

In July, Lynn Jepson, 54 from Frecheville, Sheffield arrived at work in the Information Commons Building next to the University roundabout which contains the campus library, study areas and computers for students.

The building contains floor ventilator and air conditioning panels in the floor and when Mrs Jepson walked across the middle of one of these panels, it gave way and her left foot and leg fell through the panel.

She said: “My foot was really sore after the fall but I managed to finish my shift. When I finished, I decided to go to Northern General Hospital where the doctors told me I had broken my foot in two places.”

Following the accident Mrs Jepsons foot was in plaster for four weeks and she was signed of work for six weeks during which time she attended the free legal advice service offered by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors at the South East Sheffield Citizens Advice Bureau.

Free Legal Advice Service

She continued: “I found the service provided at the CAB invaluable. It was so convenient, all I had to do was call up, book an appointment and turn up without having to make my way into town and they were able to offer me really useful legal advice. I would imagine there are a lot of people like me who just don’t know if they have a case or not.”

Sally Rissbrook Associate Solicitor from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors said: “We started the service in conjunction with the CAB in order to try and make legal advice more accessible and convenient. People might not know the best way to take something forward and so speaking with a professional can often make things a lot clearer.”

Linda Whiteley, the manager of the South East Sheffield CAB said “I am pleased that we are able to offer this service, meaning local people can obtain free legal advice on their doorsteps. People seem to feel comfortable coming here and we are pleased to be very busy helping the local community.”

“Anyone can use the free service, all they have to do is call Sarah Crowther on 0114 274 4286 to arrange an appointment which can take place either over the phone or face to face at South East Sheffield Citizens Advice Bureau situated at 77 Queen Street, Mosborough, Sheffield, S20 5BP.”