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Nurse Injured at Work by Heavily Soiled Pathway

Injured in Fall

Personal injury compensation was recently awarded to a staff nurse, for an accident he suffered at work caused by a thick covering of duck excrement on a pathway in the hospital grounds.

The block paved pathway leading up to the entrance of one of the wards had been scattered with patches of droppings for several years, since a large number of ducks had colonised the site. They were reluctant to leave as they were often fed by patients and visitors, so it was an ongoing problem, however no system of clearing the path to make it safer had been put into place.

As the claimant was approaching the entrance to attend a disturbance, he slipped and fell on the slimy surface, of which he estimates around 25% was covered with the droppings.

Denial of Liability

Despite the fact that the defendants had known about the problems caused by the ducks since 1996, they attempted to deny liability. The judge found in favour of the injured nurse however, stating that the defendants should have taken measures to deal with the mess on the path.

It was held that they could have foreseen that the droppings were a slipping hazard and an award of damages was made to the claimant.

If you or a member of your family have been affected by an accident at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Contact The Legal Line on 0800 032 8511, or complete a claim enquiry form, for cost free advice and assistance from our specialist lawyers.

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