A Cayman Islands Government employee is suing the attorney general for damages after falling down an unlit staircase at her workplace.
Hilary Christian, who worked as an accounts officer in the Customs and Border Control Department, filed a writ of summons in the Grand Court on 6 June alleging the government was negligent.
Christian was 64 when she fell down steps leading to a back exit door as she was leaving work on 9 June, 2022.
According to court documents, there were no lights at the location where the accident occurred.
Christian sustained multiple injuries including left knee abrasions, soft tissue damage to her left shoulder and wrist, and serious spinal problems.
Medical examinations revealed L4-L5 central disc herniation and bilateral facet hypertrophy, as well as L5-S1 bilateral facet hypertrophy, disc osteophyte complex and bilateral foraminal herniation.
She says the injuries have left her with chronic, severe shooting pain down her left buttock, accompanied by numbness and tingling in her lower left limb that is exacerbated by standing or walking.
In her statement of claim, Christian alleges the government was negligent by failing to provide a safe means of exit through the back door, not ensuring adequate lighting for safe passage down the staircase and landing area, and failing to provide sufficient handrails.
She also claims the government failed to provide a safe workplace, conduct proper risk assessments, provide adequate warnings of hazardous conditions, and implement proper health and safety measures at the location.
Christian is seeking damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, along with compensation for lost earnings, medical expenses, ongoing physiotherapy costs, travel expenses for medical appointments, and medication costs.
The case also includes claims for special damages and interest under the Judicature Act.
The attorney general has 14 days after service of the writ to either satisfy the claim or file an acknowledgment of service indicating whether the government intends to contest the proceedings.
Christian says she remains under medical treatment for her injuries and has indicated she will provide details of her condition, treatment and prognosis during proceedings.
The Cayman Independent has reached out to the attorney general for a comment and is awaiting a response.
