20.10.2008

Damages Claim for Airport Slip Which Left Woman Unable to Wear High Heels

Tina Knight, 66, is claiming damages after a fall at Stansted Airport in July 2005 left her with injuries to her knee, hip and thumb along with a fractured right little toe, forcing her to give up wearing high heels in favor of flat shoes.

It was found that that firm hired to clean the airport, Rentokil Initial Facilities Services Ltd, was "primarily liable" for the accident, paving the way for a damages claim.

Rentokil's cleaning system was deemed as "inadequate" by the Judge because it lacked "additional inspection" of the baggage reclaim area.

Rentokil sought leave to appeal the ruling, with the argument that the judge's decision was wrong, having imposed "too high a standard of care" on them.

A representative for Rentokil, told the Court of Appeal:-

"The judge failed to take account of the unchallenged evidence that the cleaners carried mobile phones and could be contacted to deal with a spillage at any time. Further, once contacted, they would arrive at the spillage in no more than two minutes."

Rentokil also stated that there had been only five accidents including the one suffered by Miss Knight in that entire year, and the judge should have inferred from that statistic that the cleaning system was "reasonable".

The appeal was refused and said to have "no prospect of success" by the judge, leaving the company with the option to either settle out of court of face additional court hearing for damages assessment.

Speaking after the hearing, Ms Knight said:-

"For all I know, I may only get a penny. This is a case of principle. Whilst I'm delighted I have been vindicated, the damages have not been awarded - that case is still to be heard."