Croydon Council reveals accident compensation payouts

Personal injury compensation totalling £615,537 was paid out by Croydon Council last year, figures show.

According to the Croydon Advertiser, six out of the top ten payouts for accidents in public places were related to "ice, snow and frost".

The newspaper reports there were 134 successful claims before and during the period January 1st 2009 and December 31st 2009, with other types of accidents including those concerning manholes and potholes.

In total, 437 claims were made in total, although 62 were passed onto a third party.

Council highways chief Phil Thomas said: "We live in a society of litigation. What the council has to work out is what are legitimate claims and what are frivolous claims, people trying to make money from the council."

He added people should feel free to clear snow from the pavement outside their home and as long as they use sensible precautions it is extremely unlikely they will be sued.

Car accidents claims could also be on the up in the current weather conditions and the Highways Agency warned such a build up of snow on vehicles could fall onto the windscreen or obstruct the vision of those behind. 

Published by Tessa Jones