Jean Murphy, 75, injured in a fall caused by a raised paving stone, was denied compensation due to a minor height difference.
The paving stone stuck up three-quarters of an inch. The council only pays if it’s one inch or more. This difference is about 6.3 millimeters and Jean felt the council was being too picky.
Jean said officials warned her about seeking money. They said it would use taxpayer funds. She thinks the whole street needs repaving and is upset about her injury and safety. Jean wants to prevent similar accidents.
Nearby areas have better roads, she says. She wants Sandwell to resurface her street too. The council knows tree roots also lifted her neighbor’s drive and they may remove the neighbor’s drive. Jean describes the last ten months as tough.
Her wrist broke in two places and doctors put in a plate. Her wound got infected, which slowed her recovery. Jean had a brain scan and couldn’t take morphine for pain. She still hurts, sleeps badly, and can’t drive. Her cruise insurance cost more.
The council said the stone wasn’t dangerous. It met government rules and paying all claims would raise council tax. This could impact essential services, they explained. They must protect public funds.
The council said they were sorry about Jean’s fall. They follow government guidelines for claims and cannot approve her claim due to evidence. They never implied she couldn’t request compensation and explained the denial reasons. Jean can challenge their decision if she wants.