'Substantial sum' for pensioner tripped by raised slab
A PENSIONER has received a "substantial sum" in compensation from the council after she tripped on a faulty pavement in Sheffield, smashing her jaw and teeth.
Almost two years after the accident Joan Heppenstall, aged 75, is still receiving treatment.
She was returning to her car after visiting a friend when she tripped on a raised paving slab in Greseley Road, Low Edges.
Her jaw hit the ground, smashing her dental bridge, knocking out a tooth and chipping the others. She needed stitches to her chin and still suffers from problems with her teeth.
The accident happened at a time when Mrs Heppenstall was caring for her terminally ill husband John, who died from cancer in 2008.
She said: "I was returning to my car after visiting a friend when I tripped and fell on my chin. The pavement was raised and it was dark so I was unable to avoid it. It couldn't have happened at a worse time. I wanted to get home to my husband but instead I ended up in hospital.
"It has been almost two years and I am still receiving treatment from the dentist. He couldn't believe the state of my dental bridge and suggested I claim compensation to cover the cost of the dental work I needed."
Mrs Heppenstall, who lives in Worksop, contacted Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation. After seeing photographs of the pavement the council admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.
Mrs Heppenstall said: "I'm relieved my case has been settled. The money will help to pay for my new bridge and the other dental treatment I have received. I just wish the accident hadn't happened in the first place."
Jennifer Clarke, of Thompsons Solicitors, said the council has a responsibility to ensure its pavements and highways are in good repair. The fall had had "a huge impact" on Mrs Heppenstall's life.
"We were immensely helped in this case by photographs of the defect, something we always urge anyone involved in a similar type of accident to do before the council rush to put things right so there is visual evidence."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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