Elaine Hill, 71, is upset after Suffolk County Council denied her compensation claim for a serious fall in Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds: A 71-year-old woman had a serious fall on uneven pavement. Elaine Hill fell on a raised slab on September 10 last year. She fractured her hip and needed surgery. Since then, she has only returned to the town once.
Elaine submitted a compensation claim to Suffolk County Council. Recently, she learned that her claim was denied. The council inspected the pavement before her fall but deemed it safe. However, they later found it needed repairs.
Before Elaine’s fall, there were reports about the uneven pavement. After her fall, the council inspected it again and found it was borderline unsafe. They measured the defect at 19-20mm, just under the 20mm intervention level.
Cllr Diane Hind visited the site and confirmed the defect met the criteria. She measured it herself and took photos. Elaine expressed her disappointment, feeling the council ignored her evidence.
A council spokesperson explained that they have a legal defense against claims. They are only liable if they are negligent in their maintenance. They have paid out over £276,000 for pavement trip claims in the last five years.
On the day of her fall, Elaine was with her husband, Robert. The loose slab caused her to lose her balance, and she fell outside a bakery. Many people helped her while waiting for an ambulance.
The fall has changed Elaine’s life. She is now cautious about where she walks and uses a cane outside. She struggles with daily tasks and has had to modify her home for safety.
Elaine is determined to stay active despite her challenges. She is considering her next steps after the council’s response. Cllr Hind is also frustrated with the council’s decision and believes the pavement should have been fixed sooner.
Reports of trip hazards continue in Bury town center. Local residents are concerned about the state of the pavements, especially for the elderly and disabled. The council claims they are committed to maintaining safe footpaths across Suffolk.
