In December 2011, the case of Dufosse v Melbury Events [2011] was reported. It told the not so festive story of Mrs Dufosse who, whilst on a visit to Santa’s grotto at a well known department store in London, tripped and fell due to a Christmas bauble, a plastic icicle, on the floor of the dimly lit grotto.
There must have been times, during the hearing of the evidence of the case, that those involved must have had a wry smile or two, as much deliberation was heard about the inspection system in place for the identifying of hazards on the grotto floor as adopted by Santa and his Elf.
In the end, the Court held that Santa and his Elf had failed to see the Christmas bauble despite it being there to be seen and awarded compensation to Mrs Dufosse.
Mrs Dufosse, understandably, may not have seen the funny side of the circumstances of her accident and one has to presume that her enjoyment of Christmas was affected by the injuries that she sustained.
Accidents At Christmas
It would appear that even at Christmas people are not immune from accidents – apparently it is estimated that 1,000 people seek treatment at hospital for Christmas Tree related injuries and 350 people each year are hurt by Christmas lights.
Present opening injuries caused by using knives are common place and it’s not that unusual to find someone in A&E having burnt themselves lighting the brandy around the Christmas pudding. Amazingly, on average three people each festive season even break their arms pulling on a Christmas cracker.
Thankfully for most, Christmas is a time of fun and happiness, and Santa generally is a very safe and wonderfully generous man!
Have a very safe and happy Christmas!
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