High Court rules that local man was only 50% accountable for accident
The High Court has ruled that a drunken man who fell in front of a train at Gunnersbury station has the right to sue the rail company.
The court deemed that Paul Collins-Williamson from Isleworth was only 50% responsible for falling into a gap between the stationary train and the platform even though he was heavily under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The 32 year old lost his left leg and several fingers after the guard failed to notice that he had fallen under the train and gave the signal to pull out of the station.
Presiding Judge John Reddihough QC criticised train operator Silver Link for failing to "measure up to the appropriate standard of care" holding them accountable for 50% of the incident because
The ruling, which could see Collins-Williamson receive a six figure sum in compensation, effectively means that all train companies need to implement safety procedures to protect people against “their own folly”.
TfL now operate the former Silver Link route from Gunnersbury. They have declined to comment as the line was not under their control when the accident occurred in June 2003.
November 19, 2008