This week we have settled a long running case for a gentleman injured whilst working for a large supermarket chain. The defendants insurers looked to deny liability.
The Case.
Our client was at work before the supermarket opened, re-stocking shelves. Another colleague was using an automated floor cleaning machine, designed to clean and dry the floor as it goes. Unfortunately for our client, the machine’s drying function had broken and it left a layer of water in its wake.
Our client was walking along the aisle where the machine had been and slipped over on the wet floor. He suffered a nasty injury to his right hand and wrist and had to take time off work for which he was not paid. Understandably aggrieved, he instructed John Green of our personal injury department (pictured).
What did we do?
We obtained the CCTV footage of the incident. Our client’s colleague was clearly seen pushing the automated floor cleaning machine along the aisle. Not long afterwards, there was a clear view of our client slipping over.
Surprisingly, liability was denied by the Defendant’s insurers and we advised the client to start Court proceedings. Within weeks of those proceedings being started, the insurers instructed Solicitors who took a different view and began making settlement offers straight away. Shortly after that, the claim settled.
What made the case stand out.
What stood out about this case was that the client initially didn’t intend to instruct solicitors. He only did so because he was not paid for the time he had to take off due to his injuries. More upsetting for our client was that after the claim was started, the Defendant’s insurers continued to deny liability and even blamed him for the accident!
We often find that once proceedings are issued, Defendants take a more sensible view of a case. We will always advise clients to start Court proceedings if it is in their interests. Even though for many it fills them with trepidation.
If you would like to discuss a personal injury claim, please call us on 0114 218 4000 or email us at info@tayloremmet.co.uk
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