Last updated on November 30th, 2021 at 12:07 pm

On 24 April 2009, Ian Barnes, who lives in Peterborough and runs his own business E & C Barnes Courier Services made a morning delivery to the Albannach Whisky Bar/Restaurant near Trafalgar Square in London; quite a routine thing for him in his job as a courier.  However, today was different and what should have been a quick in and out visit, landed  Ian in hospital with serious injuries.

Ian didn’t expect a visit to the bar cellar on this particular day – but that is where he ended up!.  Unaware that a trap door leading to the lift shaft had been left open, Ian approached the bar area to obtain a signature for the packages, but of course he didn’t make it and fell right through the open door.  Not only did Ian suffer serious cruciate ligament damage to his knee, which required surgery – he also broke his back!

As a consequence Ian was unable to work for seven weeks, pretty devastating when you run and work in your own business.  Of course he had to try to gain some recompense for the injury and loss of work and initially instructed national firm, Shoosmiths Solicitors to take action against the bar/restaurant.  However, after nine months he felt he was getting nowhere with Shoosmiths and transferred the case to Graysons, where our personal injury specialists took up the helm.  The case was successful and we have secured £20,000 in compensation for Ian.

Ian is delighted with the outcome of the case since it was transferred to Graysons.

Fortunately, Ian has now recovered in the main, albeit with some scarring, and is now back to work, but of course the incident will never be that far from his mind.

If you need help and advice regarding an accident or injury that you have suffered – no matter where it was in the country, contact our specialist personal injury department for a confidential discussion on 0114 241 9066