Landlord was liable under Occupiers Liability Act

Landlords must make sure properties are well maintained to avoid claims under the Occupiers Liability Act

Making a cup of coffee led to an injury and £7,000 personal injury compensation for one of our clients recently.

We acted for our client under the Occupiers Liability Act in respect of an injury she sustained.  The client was a visitor to the house and this case highlights the responsibility of a landlord not only to their tenants, but also to anyone visiting to the property.

The circumstances were that whilst she was making a drink a decorative wooden plinth on the ceiling of the kitchen fell down and struck the client’s hand.  The plinth was about 6ft long, with a right angle measuring 2ft.

As a result of the injury the client was away from work for quite some time, had to have physiotherapy treatment but failed to make a full recovery.

Ian Wolstenhulme, Personal Injury Solicitor, acted for the client:  “This case was made doubly difficult because the landlord had gone into administration and we were unable to recover monies from him, however we successfully sued the Administrator.

“What it highlights is just how important it is for landlords to make sure their properties are in good repair and not to rely on managing agents to do everything for them, essentially the responsibility begins and ends with the property owner.”

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