Heather was dancing with friends in a Belfast nightclub when she slipped on spilled liquid on the dancefloor causing her to lose her balance and fall. She suffered a fractured ankle. Heather reported the accident to the floor staff before she was brought to the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast. In the months following this Heather suffered great pain and distress despite receiving physiotherapy treatment. Heather was recommended to use the firm of Emmet J Kelly & Company solicitors (specialists in Slipping and Tripping Claims Banbridge) by a family member.
Emmet J Kelly & Company Solicitors are specialists in Slipping and Tripping Claims Banbridge issued a claim against the owners of the night club but they denied liability on the basis that they had taken all reasonable precautions to keep the dance floor safe. The nightclub owners alleged that they did not allow drinks to be taken onto the dancefloor. Extensive evidence was gathered on behalf of Heather including obtaining witness statements as to condition of the dancefloor and also evidence from social media showing nightclub patrons drinking on the dancefloor. Legal aid was obtained on behalf of Heather and High Court proceedings was subsequently issued.
The case was listed for hearing in the High Court and shortly before the date for hearing the case settled in the sum of £400,000.