Claims Ireland

Play centre worker awarded €32k for injuries suffered in slip and fall

07-Mar-2017

A FORMER part time worker in a children's play centre has been awarded €32,000 for injuries she sustained after she slipped and fell on a wet floor while at work.

The award was made to 26-year-old Stacy Lennon against "Fun Fitness Ltd", Total Fitness Complex, Sandyford, Co Dublin, on October 29, 2011. 

The company has since gone into liquidation.  

The company's defence was struck out in May of last year and Ms Lennon had already secured a judgment in default of an appearance by the defendant. 

The case was before the court for an assessment of damages only.

The accident occurred after she was told by her manager to go to a disabled toilet and turn off a power switch for a hand drier. 

When walking across the floor of the toilet, Ms Lennon, of St Fintan's Park, Deansgrange, Co Dublin, slipped on liquid on the floor and landed heavily on her left hand. 

She sued for damages claiming her employer had been negligent and in breach of its duty by allowing the floor in the toilet to be wet. 

There was also an alleged failure to provide her with a safe and proper system of work.

In dealing with an assessment of damages, Mr Justice Anthony Barr was satisfied the liquidator and the company's insurers had been given adequate notice of the hearing date and had clearly indicated their intention not to contest the proceedings.

The judge was satisfied she developed a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in her left wrist as a result of the accident. 

CTS is where the nerve in the wrist is damaged and the main symptoms are pain numbness and tingling which may extend up the arm.  It can also result in the weakening of the grip and muscle damage. 

Ms Lennon, who was a student at the time of the accident, was let go shortly after the accident because she was unable to work. 

The injury, the judge said, was relatively severe in that she had to change college courses. 

The injury had also limited her employment options after she qualified, he said. She currently works in marketing.

She was entitled to €32,000 damages plus her costs.