£27,000 for Supermarket Slip

A supermarket worker who slipped on a broken egg has won £27,000 in compensation for the injury she sustained.

Irene Heslop had worked as a bakery assistant for ASDA for seven years. She was walking through the warehouse when she slipped on the broken egg and fell onto the concrete floor, suffering a suspected spinal fracture.

The injury left Mrs Heslop unable to walk long distances or to use heavy machinery. She requested a return to work to less strenuous duties but was told that no such work was available. Eventually, she retired from her job.

Mrs Heslop brought a personal injury claim against her former employer. When the case came to court, it emerged that ASDA had twice sent someone to film her as she went about her day-to-day activities as the company contended that her injury was not as serious as she claimed.

The severity of Mrs Heslop’s injuries was confirmed by doctors, however, who provided medical evidence that her everyday life had been seriously affected. She was awarded £27,000 for her injuries and for loss of earnings.

A spokeswoman for ASDA apologised for any upset caused to Mrs Heslop as a result of the case but said, “We always investigate claims thoroughly to make sure we fully understand the facts and can reach the right conclusion for everyone involved.”