£3,000 compensation for finger injured in a pub

In 2014 an occupiers liability claim led to £3,0000 compensation being awarded to a 63 year-old man who sustained a fractured little finger as a result of an accident in a pub the previous year.

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Case details

Injury details

The claimant was drinking coffee at a pub operated by the defendant. As he pulled his chair closer to the table his little finger was caught between the seat and the chair frame.

He attended hospital for treatment. X-rays confirmed a fracture to the distal phalanx of his right little finger.

The man was off work for one week. Treatment included four sessions of physiotherapy and regular attendance at the hand unit for dressings to be changed.

His fingernail and nail bed were damaged. A surgical procedure was required to treat his nail bed.

The majority of symptoms resolved within seven weeks. The claimant was left with tingling and stiffness at his fingertip.

All symptoms were expected to recover completely by 15 months after the accident.

Allegation

It was maintained that the owners of the pub were negligent insofar as they failed to keep the claimant safe while on the premises.

The design and maintenance of the chair was such that it presented a hazard to health. This breached the statutory duty under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 of the pub owners.

The fractured finger was caused by the breach of duty.

The pain and suffering lasted an initial period of seven weeks of significant discomfort. Residual tingling and stiffness would recover in 15 months.

The claimant was unable to work for a period of one week.

Conclusion and settlement

Liability was admitted and the matter did not proceed to Court.

Compensation of £3,000 was accepted by way of an out of Court settlement.

£2,500 of the damages was attributed to "pain, suffering and loss of amenity."

A further £500 was awarded for other expenses, losses and interest.

How Quittance can help

If you have suffered an injury in a public place then it may be possible to make an occupiers liability compensation claim. For more information or to find out if you have a claim call Quittance on 0800 612 7456 or complete an online form and we will call you back.

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Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.