Slip at Train Station resulted in broken leg
A GMB member who was forced to cancel Christmas when she broke her leg on a slippery train station platform has received compensation after help from Thompsons Solicitors.
Margot Keats, 61, from Allestree in Derbyshire broke her leg when she slipped on a wet platform at Nottingham Train Station on November 2006.
She had planned on spending the day Christmas shopping in the city but instead was rushed to Accident and Emergency.
At the hospital she underwent an operation to insert a metal plate in her leg meaning she spent Christmas on crutches. As a result she was forced to delay giving Christmas presents until the spring.
Thompsons Solicitors pursued claim for compensation
Margot contacted her union, the GMB which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Margot said she wanted the train station’s operators Central Trains to accept responsibility for the accident. She also wanted them to address the state of the station’s platforms to make them less slippery in wet weather.
Central Trains admitted liability and settled the claim for an undisclosed sum.
Margot said: “I decided to contact the GMB after I wrote to the company to complain about the accident. The reply I received was in my view totally unreasonable and I felt that something needed to be done to make the station’s platforms safer.
“I had heard about the GMB’s legal services during a presentation at a branch meeting from a Thompsons representative and I hoped that they would be able to resolve this for me.
“I have been delighted with the service I have received.”
She added: “The accident has really affected my confidence in wet and cold conditions and I am now much more wary of where I walk.
“The accident meant I had to cancel Christmas because I couldn’t get out to do any shopping. This year however I have been able to get my Christmas shopping completed and everyone should receive their gifts on time.”
Platform was not safe
Andy Worth from the GMB said: “We are pleased we have been able to support our member in this claim. Union legal services are available to all our members free for accidents at or away from work.
Phillip McGough from Thompsons Solicitors Nottingham office added: “Mrs Keats’ Christmas was ruined by her accident, caused by Central Trains failing to ensure its platforms were safe.
“What was supposed to be an enjoyable day spent Christmas shopping ended up in Accident and Emergency. It is only right that Mrs Keats is compensated for Central Trains’ negligence.”
This news story was also published by thisisderbyshire.co.uk.
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