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Woman awarded £50,000 following a fall while on holiday

A woman has been awarded £50,000 compensation after being injured when she fell while on holiday.

The 81-year-old was walking across a bridge over a small brook in the grounds of a hotel in South Africa where she was staying on a trip booked with Saga Holidays.

The bridge was made of four wooden slats about two inches above the ground. There was no handrail. The woman tripped on the bridge and fell over the side into the brook below.

She fractured her right shoulder. She underwent surgery, but complications set in, which led to several more operations over the next 18 months. Following the completion of her treatment, she was left with continuing aching around the shoulder and restricted movement.

It was difficult for her to reach high shelves or maintain her garden. She could not complete heavier household chores such as vacuuming, window cleaning and carrying heavy shopping bags.

She took legal action against Saga, alleging that it was negligent in permitting the wooden slats to remain raised above the level of the path and failing to fit a safety rail.

Saga disputed liability but agreed to an out-of-court settlement of £50,000. The money was to compensate her for the loss of enjoyment of the holiday, her pain and suffering, plus care and assistance costs including gardening and window cleaning.

Please contact us if you would like advice about making a personal injury claim.