Fell though open, unguarded trapdoor in public house: can I claim compensation?
I was in the pub on Friday night, went to the toilet and on returning unbeknownst to me the pub workers had opened a trap-door in the middle of the pub which had no one watching it or signs around it. I fell through the trapdoor 12 foot and was knocked unconscious. An ambulance was called and I was taken to hospital and kept in over night. Nothing was broken however I was badly bruised and knocked up. I was given crutches as I had difficulty walking. I'm expected to make a full recovery within the week. My question is that I broke my watch in the fall, had my clothes cut off me at the hospital, could not go to an event I paid for over the weekend and my partner who was away for the weekend had to get back to London at expense to look after me. Whilst I would feel guilty if any one lost their job over it (though I was told I was extremely lucky as I could have broke my neck), the pub was negligent and as well as physical injury it cost me money. I would therefore at the least like to recover the money I lost as a result of the accident. Any advice would be appreciated.
You are right that the pub was negligent.
They will be insured for any claim you bring. You are entitled to recover all of your financial losses (and losses incurred by others) for this incident. In addition we would expect your to recover damages for your injuries.
We would anticipate a settlement of around £1500 plus losses assuming your recovery is as swift as you expect.
A colleague will call you with more information.
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