Our client Jack* suffered a series of severe injuries following a fall at his hotel. He had stepped outside to make a phone call and decided to sit down on a low wall by the entrance. What he didn’t know was that the opposite side of the wall concealed a steep drop and a hidden staircase. As he leaned back, he lost his balance and fell, expecting a short drop to the ground. Instead, he plummeted down the concealed staircase, sustaining multiple injuries. The area where Jack fell lacked critical safety features: there were no warning signs to indicate the dangerous drop, no handrails to prevent falls, and no external lighting to illuminate the area.
Initially, Jack sought legal representation from another firm, which started a claim against the hotel. In response to the claim the hotel denied liability claiming that the reason Jack had his accident was because he was drunk.
However, CCTV footage of the incident was subsequently obtained, revealing that the fall could not be attributed to Jack being drunk. After reviewing the footage, the hotel’s insurer accepted liability. Jack’s injuries included a fractured clavicle, soft tissue injuries to his right knee and right shoulder, a head injury, lacerations to his scalp and forehead, as well as a black eye. Jack went on to develop a neurocognitive disorder connected to his head injury, and PTSD. His previous solicitors obtained various medical reports documenting the extent of these injuries.
Around three years later Jack’s claim was transferred to Enable Law. At the point of transfer the previous firm had just issued court proceedings. Laura Williamson took over the case, finalised the court documents, and served the claim.
How we helped Jack in his multiple injuries claim
Even though three years have passed Jack’s shoulder injury was still causing him significant pain. Even though private treatment had been recommended and a specialist had been found, the needed arrangements had not been made so Jack had not had treatment. When Laura took over the case she arranged an appointment with a specialist for him who recommended steroid injections to help improve his pain and mobility and claimed their cost from the defendant.
By this point Jack was very keen for his claim to be resolved, however he also wanted a fair settlement to reflect what he had been through. We were able to assess his financial losses as well as review and finalise all of the medical evidence in order to value his claim. Jack worked as a self-employed warehouse operative, and we were able to calculate and claim his lost earnings.
At this stage and before going to court we received a settlement offer from the hotel’s insurers that we advised Jack not to take. Even though he wanted to put litigation behind him it was important that the settlement he received would cover the needs his accident created. After negotiating with the insurer further we secured a higher offer that Jack was happy to accept.
Upon the case’s conclusion, Jack expressed his satisfaction, stating “After a personal injury to myself Enable Law and more importantly Laura Williamson took on my case and were really professional and diligent towards my case and more importantly myself , everything Laura did for me was brilliant and showed that she was understanding and caring towards myself and my case couldn’t of asked for a better representative. Thanks again Laura”.
How we can help you
At Enable Law we have helped hundreds of clients who suffered personal injuries because of the negligence or actions of others. We have extensive experience in representing people who have been injured in hotels in the UK or abroad, and other places that have a duty to keep them safe.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from something that wasn’t your fault we may be able to help you. To speak to a Laura Williamson or a member of our experienced personal injury team call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time convenient for you.
*Client’s name changed to protect his confidentiality
