21 October 2004

The Personal Injury team from Colchester Solicitors Thompson Smith & Puxon has helped a shopper who slipped on a grape and injured her back to win a claim for damages. Linda Haynes, 49, slipped on the grape in Marks & Spencer and in a case settled this week, has been awarded an undisclosed sum. Thompson Smith & Puxon arranged an amicable out of court settlement with the store and its insurers Royal & Sun Alliance.

The accident, in March last year, changed Linda’s life. She can’t pick up her three year-old grandson or enjoy gardening or decorating at her home in Colchester.  A former special police constable, Linda’s back injury from the slip has restricted her movement and requires ongoing treatment.  She has however managed to return to work and has a temporary marketing job.

“I am delighted with the settlement because the whole episode has been so embarrassing, as well as painful. I wasn’t even in the food store – the grape was in the clothing area and I skidded on it, landing flat on my back”, said Linda.

Linda reported the incident immediately to M & S and a friend recommended Thompson Smith & Puxon, whose Personal Injury team arranged the settlement.