NEW YORK WHOLESALE

A Leicestershire woman has received £3,700 compensation after falling and breaking her ankle at the Highcross shopping centre.

The woman, who did not want to be identified, received the pay-out after slipping on the bridge between the car park and the John Lewis store.

A further three women, represented by Leicester solicitors Lawson-West, are seeking compensation following accidents in the Highcross car park in 2011.

Lawson-West spokesman Vickki Ridgeway said the woman who has received the compensation slipped twice. She said: "The circumstances of the accident are that she slipped on the car park surface while walking to the bridge that leads into John Lewis.

"She managed to save herself that time but then slipped once she was on the bridge. She fell to the floor and suffered a broken ankle and torn ligaments."

The other three women have all alleged they fell in the car park.

"We say that, in each incident, the client slipped and fell on the car park surface, in some cases when it had been raining," Ms Ridgeway said.

The three women are now looking into whether they might be entitled to compensation.

One, who only wanted to be known as Mrs Ravat, claimed she had an accident on December 21 when she returned to her car following a shopping trip with her daughter.

Mrs Ravat, who is in her early 40s, said she slipped as she approached her car, falling backwards and hitting her head on the bumper of the car next to her own.

She sustained a fracture to her right femur, which required emergency surgery.

A Highcross spokesman said: "We are aware of the incidents at the centre. However, it is inappropriate for us to comment on individual cases.

"We have conducted a review and are investigating a number of ways to resolve the situation."

Lawson-West also represented Gweneth Bowler, of Quorn, who received "significant" compensation in December after slipping and fracturing her right shoulder and hip 11 months earlier.

Highcross owner Hammerson Plc admitted liability and reached an agreement with Mrs Bowler.

A Leicester City Council health and safety executive expert said the bridge's surface had posed a high risk of slipping when it was wet, and also said there was evidence of inadequate cleaning.

Recommendations, including mats at all entrance mats, reviewing cleaning procedures, improving water drainage in the car park and modifying floor surfaces to improve traction, have been implemented and no further accidents have been reported.