Compensation claim could have widespread implications
A claim launched by a teacher from East Sussex could have widespread implications for people injured on publicly-owned land. Doreen Prior was injured by a falling tree branch whilst on a country walk. She has launched a £300,000 claim for compensation against the Environment Agency, accusing the agency of breaching its duty to ensure the public can safely use its land.
Mrs Prior had been out for a walk at a nature reserve near her home in East Sussex back in 2007 when a tree branch from an ash tree fell on her head, causing her serious head injuries. After the accident Mrs Prior was unable to return to her post as a geography teacher at a local secondary school. According to the claim she has submitted to the high court, she is facing the loss of her home as the after-effects of the accident, including exhaustion, memory problems and impaired concentration left her unable to work.
The solicitors in the case said their client’s injuries “have had a huge impact on her day to day life leaving her heavily reliant on family and friends for financial and emotional support. Suffering from extreme tiredness, she is still unable to return to teaching and is under great financial strain as a result.” As part of her claim Mrs Prior’s solicitors are arguing that the accident could have been prevented if the trees in the nature reserve, some of which were very old, had received annual safety checks as recommended by the Forestry Commission.
Personal injuries sustained from falling trees
Health and Safety Executive figures reveal that around 5 people are killed by falling trees or branches each year in the UK. Many more are injured, although the overall risk of suffering an injury in this way is still far less than the risk of being involved in a road traffic accident or slipping or tripping in a public place. However, being hit by any falling object can lead to serious injuries or permanent disabilities that may have consequences for their employment.
With the outcome of this case potentially having an impact on the hundreds of people injured each year by falling tree branches, Camps Solicitors will be closely following the developments in this case. Our solicitors and litigation executives help hundreds of people injured in accidents that were not their fault to claim the compensation that they deserve.
Call 0800 092 8586
Speak to one of our claims advisors about your claim.
