18 May 2007

Injured After Climbing Over Locked Gates

The client was a ten year old child and was walking with a group of friends to the local swimming pool. When he arrived at the school gates which are part of the access route to the swimming pool they were closed.

The gates were approximately six feet tall and had metal spikes at the top. The gates were also covered in anti climb paint. It was normal practice for the gates to be unlocked. The client and his friends tried to get some assistance from the caretaker's office but go no answer.

The nearest access route aside from the school gates was seven hundred and fifty meters away and was next to a busy main road however the children were not allowed by their parents to use this entrance.

Public Access Route

The client decided to climb the gate, as he attempted this, his finger became caught on one of the spikes at the top of the gate causing the client to lose the tip of his little finger.

It was accepted by the judge that the gate was regarded as a public access route. If the gates were to be locked then a sign should have been put in place advising people of another suitable route that could be taken.

The judge ruled that it was foreseeable that a child of ten would attempt to climb over the gates therefore ruled in favour of the claimant.

Compensation Claim

If you or anyone you know has suffered injury or illness through no fault of their own telephone us now for compensation claim advice.

Clear Answers' solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

If you have a personal injury claim and instruct Clear Answers to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.

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