by Richard Craig
26 July 2011
A holidaymaker injured in a fall is claiming up to £300,000 for her injuries.
Margaret Manners is suing Ilfracombe-based John Fowler Holidays after suffering her accident whilst staying at a caravan park in Polperro, Cornwall. She had initially asked, whilst the holiday was being booked, for one of the four chalets being reserved to be suitable for wheelchair access; something of which she was assured.
Upon arrival, however, Mrs Manners and her family discovered that this had been misleading. The caravan in question featured five high steps rather than a ramp, the only concession towards the visitors’ needs being an extra breeze block to aid access to the first step. This necessitated Mrs Manners using a crutch as opposed to her wheelchair.
Upon returning from a day out, Mrs Manners was attempting to access the chalet when her crutch slipped on the wet concrete and she fell, leaving her with spinal injuries that mean she is now permanently confined to her wheelchair and cannot undertake many of the tasks that she previously could.
The holiday company have admitted liability for the accident but are understood, according to the Basingstoke News, to be unable to agree on the final settlement amount.