With the assistance of UNISON and Thompsons Solicitors, a Birmingham woman who injured her back and knee after slipping on vomit on the floor of a college nursery has received damages of £8,500. At the time of the accident, 4 November 2004, the woman was carrying her nine month old baby boy whilst visiting her employer.

The woman was on maternity leave from City College in Garretts Green Lane visiting her manager to finalise her return to work. As she was walking through the corridor, she slipped in the vomit which had not been cleared. As she fell, she instinctively held the baby tighter and smashed to the floor on one knee.

Representing the woman, Tony Mikhael of Thompsons Solicitors said: “This was a nasty accident which could have been worse. The area should have been cleaned or cordoned off, but neither of these actions was undertaken. Thankfully the baby came out unscathed, but his mother didn’t.

Union representative, Tracey Hancock, said: “UNISON are pleased that our member has received the compensation she so justly deserves. It’s essential that individuals realise that the success of this case is partly due to the fact that the individual concerned is a member of one of the UK’s biggest and most influential unions - UNISON.”

With the assistance of Thompsons Solicitors, the woman successfully claimed against the college’s insurer who eventually admitted liability.