A Unite the union member from Leeds turned to Thompsons for legal support after a defective manhole cover caused her to trip while jogging – leaving her with painful injuries.
She suffered the injuries as she was running with a group of friends. One of the group stepped on an unstable manhole cover that lifted at one side, causing our client to trip and injure her ankle.
The 68-year-old was left in pain for months, and also suffered scarring to her elbow as a result of the fall. She was unable to drive for six weeks and couldn’t enjoy her exercise routine that usually includes running, walking and cycling for almost eight months.
As a branch secretary for retired Unite the union members, our client knew she could access free legal support through her union legal service and Thompsons Solicitors. The specialists argued that BT PLC – who were responsible for the manholes in the area – had failed to maintain them adequately and, as a result, had put pedestrians at risk of injury.
She said: “Unite and Thompsons were both very helpful. I just rang them up and they took my case on and Gavin, my solicitor, kept me informed throughout the process.
“As branch secretary, I often tell others about the importance of union membership, helping you if you have been injured at work or elsewhere. My injury and the subsequent legal support I received is a case in point of why such membership remains so vital.”
Unite the union and Thompsons Solicitors secured £5,500 in compensation for the client.
Karen Reay, from Unite the union, said: "Our member suffered an avoidable injury that prevented her from going about her daily life. Fortunately, as a Unite member, she was able to not only receive free legal advice but also keep 100 per cent of her compensation.”
Gavin Taft, of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “For 100 years, we have been proudly standing with unions, ensuring that members are protected when they suffer injuries that aren’t their fault.
“I’m glad we were able to come to a quick resolution in this case, so that our client is able to move on with her life.”