Weddings are often occasions of joy and celebration, where friends and family gather to create cherished memories. For Mrs M, a retired lady with an active lifestyle, attending a family wedding promised to be just that—a day of happiness and togetherness. Unfortunately, a tragic accident transformed this joyous event into a painful ordeal.

The incident

Dodmoor House in Northampton, a picturesque venue with historic charm dating back to the 16th century, was the setting for the celebration. During the festivities, Mrs M was making her way along a covered walkway leading from the courtyard BBQ area to the function room. She didn’t notice that there was a significant drop between the walkway and the function room.

The lack of clear visibility and awareness led Mrs M to lose her balance. She fell heavily onto her left side, hitting her head in the process. Her glasses were pushed against her eye causing an injury to her eye. She was taken by ambulance to Northampton General Hospital, where she was diagnosed her with multiple fractures in her shoulder, a cut to her cheek and a black eye.

The venue’s defence

The insurers of Dodmoor House (defendants) denied liability for the incident, providing a multi-faceted defence. They argued:

1. Historic restrictions: As a 16th-century listed building, they claimed they were unable to make structural modifications to the step that caused the accident.
2. Incident-free record: The venue had hosted hundreds of events without any prior incidents of this nature.
3. Safety measures: Staff reportedly took reasonable measures to ensure guest safety.
4. Age and vision: They suggested Mrs. M’s age and possible sight problems were contributing factors to the accident.

Pursuit of justice

Despite the defendants’ denial of responsibility, our legal team was determined to hold them accountable. We argued that the venue, as a business hosting public events, has a duty of care to ensure the safety of all visitors, regardless of the building’s historical status. Mrs M’s injuries were significant, causing her immense physical pain, emotional distress, and had a substantial impact on her quality of life.

A hard-fought victory

After thorough negotiations and the compelling arguments, we secured a £40,000 compensation settlement. This amount reflected the severity of her injuries and the impact on her life, providing her with the means to address medical expenses and seek recovery.

Lessons learned

Diane Parker commented: “This case underscores the importance of safety in public spaces, even those with historical constraints. While preserving heritage is vital, ensuring the safety of guests and visitors should never be compromised.

“Her journey to justice also demonstrates the resilience and determination required to hold businesses accountable for their duty of care. Mrs M’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out and seeking rightful compensation when negligence causes harm.”

Though the wedding day was marred by this unfortunate incident, Mrs M’s courage in pursuing her claim ensures that future guests at similar venues may benefit from improved safety awareness and precautions.

If you’ve been injured at an event or special occasion, contact us for expert advice. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com