Article: Council Admitted Liability for Injuries from a Faulty Bollard

A bollard, which had been laid to the ground and appeared flat, led to Lawson-West fighting to get a client personal injury compensation.

Our client stood on a parking bollard, which is raised to prevent vehicle access or laid to the ground to allow access, which appeared to be flat in the ground. However, when our client stood on it sunk into the road, causing her to fall and sustain injuries.

Vickki Ridgway, personal injury lawyer commented, “Initially the council denied liability and relied on their regular system of visual inspection, stating that it was unrealistic for their inspectors to rock every bollard individually. However, in the case of Atkins –v– Ealing London Borough Council (2006), it was ruled that a purely visual inspection was not reasonable for manhole covers in a shopping street. After quoting this case, the council admitted liability and our client received compensation for her injuries.

“If you have been injured in a fall in the street caused by faulty bollards or manhole covers, don’t just accept it, get advice from solicitors as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. As a guide to choosing a personal injury specialist, ask if they have been accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). This means they will have at least five years’ experience of personal injury claims and will be committed to the APIL consumer charter, which offers further protection and minimum standards of service. We offer further advice on our website.”