Thompsons secured £6,100 in compensation for a Unite member who was injured after tripping on a raised and broken paving stone outside a Domino’s Pizza on Anniesland Road in Glasgow. Thompsons pursued the claim after investigating who was responsible for maintaining the area where the accident occurred.

What happened

The claimant was walking alone along Anniesland Road in Glasgow when she tripped over a broken paving stone that was raised approximately two inches above the surrounding surface.

As a result of the uneven surface, she fell forward onto the ground.

The incident was reported by her husband to Domino’s Pizza, as it was initially believed that the company was responsible for maintaining the area where the accident occurred.

Domino’s indicated that the issue with the paving had been reported around a year earlier, although responsibility for the area was not immediately clear.

Injuries and Impact

The fall caused grazing and lacerations to the claimant’s nose, cheek and knee. She also suffered cuts and bruising to her hands.

Medical evidence later confirmed these injuries and noted that while the stiffness and tenderness from the incident resolved within around three months, the claimant was left with facial scarring.

Legal Approach

Thompsons Solicitors Scotland pursued the claim on behalf of the claimant in partnership with Unite Legal Services.

Initially, the claim was directed to Domino’s Pizza. However, they denied responsibility for the area where the accident had occurred.

Thompsons then investigated whether Glasgow City Council or the shopping centre where the premises were located were responsible for maintaining the paving. Both also denied liability.

Further investigation suggested that responsibility for maintaining the area rested with Domino’s Pizza. Thompsons continued to pursue the claim against them and liability was eventually admitted.

Outcome

Medical evidence confirmed the claimant’s injuries, including the facial scarring that remained following the incident.

An offer of £6,100 was made in settlement of the claim for solatium and services.

After discussing the offer with Thompsons, the claimant confirmed that she was happy to accept the settlement.

Thompsons secured £6,100 in compensation for the claimant.

What this case shows

This case highlights the importance of properly maintaining public access areas and ensuring that hazards such as broken paving stones are addressed promptly.

People injured due to unsafe surfaces may be entitled to pursue compensation through accident lawyers. Thompsons can often support clients through the claims process under a No Win No Fee agreement.

Anyone seeking advice after a similar accident can contact Thompsons to discuss their situation.