Public liability nightmare for takeaway after woman injured in floor collapse

A pizza takeaway in the Lancashire town of St Helens could potentially face a public liability lawsuit after a young woman fell through the floor of the building when it collapsed.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday 9th April, when revellers enjoying Bank Holiday celebrations were heading home. The woman, who has not been named, is believed to have fallen through the ground floor of the takeaway into the basement, injuring her arms and legs as a result of the incident.

Witnesses have claimed that the tiled floor “just fell through” and a hole measuring around 2ft by 2ft was left behind. The victim had to be rescued by fire crews and rushed to Whiston Hospital by paramedics, although her condition was not believed to be life threatening.

Health and safety inspectors, as well as building control inspectors, are currently conducting an investigation into what happened at the takeaway. However, if the restaurant’s owners are found to be liable for the incident and the victim decides to sue for compensation, they could be facing a hefty damages bill unless they have the proper professional insurance in place.

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