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News Desk | News Story
16th April 2009
College lecturer receives damages for fall
Slipped on a ramp
A college lecturer who damaged his shoulder after slipping on a wheelchair ramp has received a substantial sum in compensation.Warren Spour, 36, from South Shields suffered from injuries to his wrist and shoulder when he fell on the ramp while entering a temporary classroom at South Tyneside College’s Hebburn campus.
Mr Spour taught motor vehicle body repair at the college and was on his way to see a colleague in the woodwork department when he fell in October 2006.
Wooden ramp which was wet following rain
The temporary classroom was fitted with a wooden access ramp, which was wet following rain.
Mr Spour’s wrist made a full recovery from the accident but he has received intensive physiotherapy on his shoulder for the past three years and still suffers from pain.
He contacted the University and College Union (UCU) following his accident which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation.
The college admitted liability and settled out of court.
Shoulder still hurts during the cold weather
Mr Spour said: “My shoulder still hurts during the cold weather and it is arthritic. I am concerned that when I’m older it will only get worse.
“I decided to get in touch with the UCU as I was worried about the health and safety risks the ramp obviously caused. I wanted to make sure no-one else suffered an accident like mine.”
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, added: “This accident brings home the need for decent buildings in our colleges and adds a sense of urgency to the need for the government to sort out the current mess regarding delayed funding for college building projects. In the meantime, employers must do all they can to make sure the current buildings are made safe.”
Jill Moore from Thompsons Solicitors' South Shields office added: “This accident highlighted a dangerous health and safety issue for those visiting the college. It could have been avoided if the ramp had been covered in an anti-slip material. The college has a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone using its facilities.”
This news story was also published by the Sheilds Gazette.
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury at work after slipping or tripping, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
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