Spoke to the lawyer this morning - he needs more information before he is prepared to take on a case
Basically even though the steps are in clear breach of todays building regulations they may not have been at the time of construction so I need to find out when they were built and when the parking area was resurfaced as the breach would have to have been made under the prevailing regulations at that time
I also need to get hold of a copy of the risk assessment carried out under the Disability Discrimination Act to see if anyone mentioned the uneven risers at that time.
Finally, I need to see if any complaints or accident reports have been filed with regard to the steps since they were constructed. It may help our case if we can show that the Council were aware of the problem previously.The fact that people use the building on a regular basis but have never fallen makes a sucessful claim more difficult
The lawyer also says that it may be difficult to prove RSD is as a direct consequence of the ankle injury but I have hospital records stating that is was in Alisons case - the basic problem in our case is could anyone have envisaged a sprain would lead to RSD, but as we had no idea the illness existed until this happened I have no idea how we can either prove or disprove this
I have told the lawyer this is not about money - Alison's medical bills are covered and hopefully she will improve in time - No amount of money could change the situation anyway !!!
This is more about prevention and awareness and making my employers rectify the problem in order that no-one else has to go through the same problems as us
I am going to chase up the dates of the work and look in our accident book on Monday morning and pass the information on to the lawyer to see what he thinks, though he feels that the case would tend to fall under the Occupiers Liability Act as they may have breached their "duty of care"
By the way - the steps were all 150mm high except for the bottom which was 80mm - so quite a difference !!!
Andrea

Bless you heart, seems as though you are having to do more of the work for the lawyer instead of his legal assistant doing it for you both. I'm not sure you have those in the UK, but it sure would take the stress level off of you as well as some sleepless nights.
That is quite a big difference in the steps....I would say their "duty of care" was faulty there because it had to have been noticed by people prior to Ali's accident just by walking up and down them. Or one would think.
I wish you the best of luck with finding all the paperwork you need in order to get the case filed and prove the case without a shadow of doubt. Please keep us updated on how things go for you.

All my Prayers for you!!

Love, Peace & Blessings,
Marla

Hi,

You should definetly pursue it legally. Whom ever is responsible for the step being shorter than the others is liable. They might think it's stupid or impossible but they don't know what it's like to have RSD. I would definetly speak to a lawyer to about. They can tell you right away if there's a case or not. Get her medical records togethor before you see someone.

I had a strange accident like your daughter. I had a machine roll over the back of my heels and up my achilles tendons. It was during an MRI and the technician wasnt paying attention and they are liable just like the people that made the step. RSD is a horrible horrible condition and you should make them pay.

I think the bottom step is probably shorter now but wasn't when it was built because the pavement has been built up over the years thus shortening the rise.
Perhaps it is not the Buildings owners fault but that of the council.
Just a thought
Tayla

Hi Andrea,
As someone who has been dragged through the legal system for a decade and winning eventually I just want to warn you that the journey is a very difficult and lengthy one.
Whether it be for financial reimbursement or to protect others from harm, Ali will be more than likely required to face endless medical and psychological examinations.
She will probably be subjected to intense scrutiny, surveillance, medical panels and legal hearings. It is very tough going for an adult, I worry about it affecting a child as young as Ali.
I certainly do NOT disagree with your need to make things right but the experience broke my family and I with Legal Bills eating into a very large proportion of my compensation.
I know they say "no win-no pay" BUT they will only take on a case that they will feel is going to be financially beneficial to them. Unfortunately despite their eagerness to help it is usually all about what they can gain from it.
I was shocked for sure
If there was anyway of going through this process without using Ali being needed to fulfill the legal requirements I would definitely recommend it.
Cheers and luck
Tayla