The accident

Our client, who worked as a sales office supervisor, was attending her workplace when a fire alarm sounded. Staff attempted to follow the building's emergency evacuation procedures, but their normal exit routes were unavailable, forcing them to leave through an alternative route. As she made her way towards the designated assembly point, she tripped over a pipe that had been left in a workplace car park by contractors carrying out maintenance works. She fell heavily, striking the left side of her head and face on the ground.

She was taken to hospital suffering facial injuries, bruising, dizziness, nausea and a suspected eye injury. While scans fortunately showed no bleeding on the brain, her symptoms did not resolve as expected.

The impact of a preventable injury

In the months and years that followed, our client developed persistent post-traumatic headaches, dizziness and symptoms consistent with post-concussion syndrome. Independent neurological evidence confirmed that she had sustained a concussion and that her ongoing symptoms were attributable to the workplace accident. Experts concluded that many of her symptoms were likely to be long-lasting and potentially permanent.

The impact extended far beyond the physical injuries. Once an independent and confident woman, she became fearful of falling again, avoided driving where possible and found everyday activities, such as walking downstairs or travelling alone, increasingly difficult. As a busy grandmother, this became especially challenging. Reading, also one of her favourite pastimes, became more difficult due to concentration problems and visual disturbances.

The claim

Our serious injury team was instructed to pursue a claim on behalf of the claimant.

Chartered legal executive, Janet Lee, worked closely with medical experts to obtain detailed evidence about the nature of the head injury and its long-term consequences. Liability was admitted by the contractor responsible for the hazard, allowing the case to focus on securing appropriate compensation for the client's pain, suffering and ongoing symptoms.

This case highlights how a seemingly straightforward trip accident can have life-changing consequences. A fall lasting only seconds resulted in years of ongoing symptoms and a significant loss of confidence for someone who had previously lived a full and active life.

At Switalskis, we understand that serious injury claims are about much more than compensation. They are about recognising the lasting effect an injury can have on a person's independence, wellbeing and quality of life, and ensuring clients receive the support they need to move forward.