£9,500 for slip in Hotel Shower

Our lawyers recently acted for a client who sustained injury when slipping in a hotel shower. We acted for the client on a no win no fee basis.

Circumstances

The shower was situated over the bath and no bath mat was provided in the room. The client arrived at the hotel late at night and signed in in the normal way. The particular hotel chain did not provide bath mats except at their reception. This was not made clear to the client when checking into the hotel.

Liability

A claim for damages was made by us against the Hotel chain and following their insurers investigating the matter liability was denied. The main two reasons for denying liability were that the information in writing provided when checking in, explained that bath mats were available upon request from Reception. The second reason was that there was a small sign on the bottom of the vanity mirror in the bathroom by the sink,  explaining the availability of bath mats from Reception.

The Claimant did not see the sign believing it was obscured by toiletries placed next to the sink.

Injuries

The client sustained a back injury which made worse a pre-existing condition.

Counsel

Counsel’s opinion was taken in view of the denial of liability and the Barrister indicated that it was a borderline case, but on balance agreed with the issuing of county court proceedings.

Court Proceedings

County Court proceedings were duly commenced against the Hotel chain concerned and a Defence was filed maintaining their denial of liability for the reasons set out above. The matter was proceeding towards Trial when the Defendants suddenly made an offer to settle in the sum of £9,500.00 which the client accepted rather than risking going to Trial. Another successful case run by our lawyers.