Hannah was taking part in an exercise class carrying out circuit training at PureGym. One of the stations involved a step-up routine. Hannah had gone through 2-3 cycles of stepping up and stepping down when she caught her left shin on the edge of the plate. As a result of this accident, Hannah suffered a cut to her shin which required hospital treatment and stitches.
Personal Injury Claim Belfast
Hannah contacted Paschal O’Hare Solicitors to investigate the possibility of pursuing a claim for compensation against PureGym. It transpired that the step which was being used as part of this exercise was not a step at all. It was actually a body core plate which is intended to be stood on and which then moves up and down rapidly whilst holding on to straps. It was Hannah’s view that the surface and edge of the step itself was too sharp for the exercise which she was performing.
PureGym deny liability
A letter of claim was sent to PureGym. After investigations, its insurers robustly denied liability and indicated their intention to fully defend any claim for compensation. We obtained legal expense insurance to protect Hannah in relation to the costs of the case.
Engineer’s report indicates equipment insufficient
A medical report was obtained from a consultant plastic surgeon to deal with Hannah’s injuries. Legal proceedings were issued and, in the course of those proceedings, a report was obtained from a consulting engineer. His report indicated that the plate in question was deficient in a number of respects. Firstly, it was too high for the exercise which was being performed and, secondly, the surface and edge of the plate was too rough and was likely to cause injury.
Compensation claim settled out of court
The matter was listed for hearing. Shortly before the hearing the Defendant contacted Paschal O’Hare Solicitors to indicate a U-turn regarding willingness to settle the claim. Negotiations were duly undertaken in the claim settlement sum of £5,000.
