08.12.2008

Pensioner to Sue After Walking Frame Snaps

Pensioner Max Pouralli-Pearce is suing Cornwall County Council for up to £50,000 after he was injured when an allegedly "inadequate" walking frame they supplied him with snapped causing him to fall and injure himself.

He clams that a seven-inch bar on the frame snapped as he walked to his car outside his home causing him to collapse. As a result of the fall he suffered a bruised right shoulder and swollen legs, ankles and knees.

The four-legged frame was issued by the local authority because he had trouble moving around.

It is claimed that the council "supplied a defective product" and "failed to have adequate regard for the claimant's safety".

It is also alleged that officials "allowed the walking frame to remain dangerous" and "failed to properly check the walking frame".

The writ says Mr Pouralli-Pearce, of Camborne, Cornwall, had to move to a ground-floor flat because was unable to use stairs, and he has to use a reclining arm chair because normal chairs are too uncomfortable for his injuries.

The county council has submitted eight defence claims, denying it was at fault.

The writ states: "It is denied the accident was caused by the negligence and breach of statutory duty by the defendant."

Cornwall County Council said it could not comment on the case. No-one was available for comment at Mr Pouralli-Pearce's London based solicitors Wixted & Co.