Pothole damage includes six-figure back injury claim

Posted: October 28, 2015

Posted in: Head and Brain Injuries Pedestrian Injuries Pothole Injuries Public Place Accidents Road Traffic Accidents Spine & Back Injuries 

A recent Freedom of Information request has revealed that a total of £610,000 in compensation claims was filed against the Highland Council in the last six years because of potholes and poorly maintained pavements. One of the claims saw a member of the public awarded a six-figure payout after falling in February 2012 and suffering a severe back injury.

Inverness Central councillor Richard Laird said that the council was “reaping what it sowed” after years of failing to adequately maintain the roads and pavements. It was found that of the £610,000 filed against the council, only £106,000 has actually been paid out to claimants, with a further £504,000 still to be settled.

‘Third-worst of 32 Scottish local authorities’

The largest payout went to a member of the public after tripping on a pothole in Baron Taylor Street. The claimant was awarded £147,591 for the fall after it caused serious back injury. A further payout was made to an individual after they suffered a severe facial injury as a result of a pothole fall in July 2014 — they were awarded £15,387.

The Highland Council was ranked as the third-worst of the 32 Scottish local authorities for road deprecation by the Scottish Maintenance Road Condition survey in 2014-15. Around 6,000 road and pavement maintenance faults are reported to the council every year.

If you have suffered an injury on the road or in a public place, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.

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