A former artist who broke her arm when she slipped on a pavement covered with pigeon droppings has won £20,000 in compensation for her injury.
Lois Matcham, 64, was walking on the pavement under a railway bridge at Clapham Junction station in London when the accident occurred. It had been raining and the area was wet as well as covered in bird droppings from pigeons roosting under the bridge. When Ms Matcham slipped, she fractured her arm close to the shoulder.
Even though she spent 12 weeks in plaster, doctors say that Ms Matcham’s fracture will never completely heal because of its position. This was a double blow for her as she was unable to return to work and could not enjoy sculpting in her retirement.
Ms Matcham brought an action against both Network Rail and Wandsworth Council. The Council have a duty to clean the streets to keep them safe and Network Rail is responsible for the maintenance of the bridge.
After fighting the case for four years Ms Matcham has finally secured compensation for the accident – £10,000 from each party. Also, as a result of her action, the bridge and others in the area were made pigeon-proof in 2004.
