21-Year-Old Brings Electrocution Claim Against St James’ Park In London

21-year-old Anastasija Grigorjeva was visiting his sister in London, when she was electrocuted after getting her foot stuck in an illuminated grate on the ground, in St James’ Park.

Facts

Anastasija was visiting her sister, Snezana in London where they decided after visiting Buckingham Palace, to go to St James’ Park and shelter from the rain. Snezana turned her head and saw her sister lying on the ground with her foot stuck in a grate on the ground. She initially thought her sister had broken her leg, but “she was too quiet. She wasn’t making any noises, she wasn’t crying – she didn’t even look scared.” Snezana went to lift Anastasija up but felt a ‘tingling’ feeling in her hands. Emergency services were called, and a defibrillator was used because Anastasija wasn’t breathing.

Anastasija was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital where she remained in intensive care for four days. When she woke up, Snezana described her as a ‘a different person’, experiencing anger outbursts, impulsivity, and memory problems. The electrocution prevented oxygen from reaching Anastasija’s brain, causing a brain injury.

This incident not only underscores the dangers of lurking in seemingly safe public spaces but also brings to light the importance of maintaining and securing public infrastructure. Royal Parks, which is responsible for St James’s Park states that the park is a “safe environment for all” and is not taking any further action.

Faulty or exposed electrical wiring in public areas can lead to catastrophic injuries, as seen in this case. It is crucial for authorities to ensure that such hazards are promptly addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

You can read more about Anastasija’s accident here.

At Nelsons, we understand the devastating impact that personal injuries can have on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury due to negligence or unsafe conditions in a public area, you may be entitled to compensation. Furthermore, if you notice behavioural changes, memory issues, or excess fatigue in someone you know after they’ve had an accident, it is recommended to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Public liability claims

Public liability claims arise when individuals suffer harm due to accidents that were not their fault, often occurring in public spaces. Public entities, such as local councils and organisations responsible for public spaces, are obligated to maintain these areas to ensure public safety. If they neglect this duty and it results in harm or damage, they may be held liable. However, they can avoid liability if they can demonstrate that they have a reasonable system in place for inspecting and maintaining these spaces.

In public liability cases, it is typically necessary to prove that the responsible entity should have been aware of the hazard before the accident occurred. This often involves gathering evidence, such as whether the hazard had been reported, or if it was noted during the last inspection.