A falling objecting in a shop has resulted in a €25,000 compensation award in the Circuit Civil Court.
Breeda Redican of Donabate, County Dublin, was injured in July 2009 when a tin of paint fell on her foot from a shelf at the Homebase store in Santry, County Dublin. The accident happened when Redican requested help finding a specific type of paint from a sales assistant. The assistant pointed out the location of the paint on a shelf at face level height but simply stood beside Redican while she attempted to left the can of paint. The can of paint was 2.5 litters and handle on the tin was not visible because the tins were closed packed together. Redican was unable to heavy paint tin and it slipped and fell on her right foot. Redican was earring flip-flops and required stitching on her toes. Redican has suffered ongoing reduced mobility in her foot with some pain.
Homebase denied any negligence but Judge Jacquline Linnane awarded €25,000 compensation.