Woman Wins £11,500 for Restaurant Slip

A woman who slipped on some spilt food in a restaurant has won £11,500 in damages.

The unnamed woman was a spectator at a sporting event when the accident happened. She had bought some food in the restaurant area and was walking away from the counter when she suddenly slipped on the spillage, which had not been cleaned up. There was no sign to warn customers of the hazard.

She was diagnosed with a sprained ankle, which made it difficult for her to walk because of the pain. For a few months, she was unable to work as normal and so experienced a period of loss of earnings.

Over time, her symptoms improved but the injury is likely to cause long-term problems with her foot.

After the woman brought a claim for personal injury, the company responsible for the restaurant made an offer of compensation, but this was rejected since it was not commensurate with the losses she had suffered. Eventually, following further negotiations, an out-of-court settlement of £11,500 was reached.

Accidents involving trips and slips are all too common. Such accidents can be remarkably painful and can have considerable long-term consequences. Those responsible for places that are open to the public have a duty to ensure that tripping hazards are minimised.