London Underground is to pay over £23,000 damages to a Brentford woman injured while visiting the office at Golders Green Underground Station. Susan Payne, whose husband is employed by London Underground and is a member of the train drivers’ union ASLEF, secured the compensation via ASLEF’s free family members legal help scheme with personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors.

In May 2004 Susan Payne was visiting the General Office at Golders Green Underground Station to discuss a job vacancy. Mrs Payne explains: “As I was leaving the office, the door was opened by an employee. Access was via a door which sat on top of a step. As a result I walked through the door and fell down the step, injuring my ankle and my face. The step was a hazard as there was no warning. This is not the first time someone has been injured in the same spot.”

Compensation for her injury

Representing Mrs Payne, Angela Smart, from Thompsons Solicitors in London, said: “Had it not been for the Family and Friends scheme which ASLEF offers its members, Susan Payne would not have secured the compensation she deserves for the injury caused by London Underground’s negligence.

“London Underground has a duty of care not only to its employees but also to lawful visitors to its premises. The Judge accepted that whilst many employees may have passed over the step without incident, they would be familiar with the layout of the office. Hopefully it will force London Underground to ensure that all premises are safe in future,” she concluded.