Santa's negligence results in compensation claim

A seventy-three year old women who tripped and fell at a Santa's grotto is to receive compensation after she required major surgery to insert a plate and screws to repair her fractured thigh.

Joan Dufosse had taken her two granddaughters to a grotto in the Southampton Selfridges store, and when getting ready to have their photo taken she tripped over a Christmas bauble which had fallen on the floor. She was rushed to hospital were she underwent the surgery on her damaged leg.

The Southampton County Court heard evidence from Santa and his elf, and ruled against Ms Dufosse, saying the bauble was clearly visible and so the grotto staff were not expected to remove it. However, the Civil Appeal Court overturned that decision saying the fall was a result of the negligence of the grotto staff, namely Santa Claus and his elf. The compensation amount has not yet been confirmed but is expected to be around £30,000.

If you live in Northern Ireland and have suffered injuries in an accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Contact one of the claims solicitors at Wilson Nesbitt in Belfast for information and advice by email at claims@wilson-nesbitt.com.

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