Pothole Nightmare: Convenience Store Slip-Up Leads to $900,000 Windfall
Woman Awarded $900,000 in Damages After Falling into Pothole in 7-Eleven Parking Lot
A British Columbia court has ruled in favor of Crystal Tammy, a 37-year-old woman who suffered serious injuries after falling into a pothole in a 7-Eleven parking lot. The court has ordered 7-Eleven to pay $907,000 in damages.
The incident occurred on a spring morning in 2018 when Tammy was walking towards the 7-Eleven store in Smithers, north of Vancouver, to buy coffee. Unaware of the pothole in the parking lot, she fell and broke her ankle.
Tammy, who worked at a nursery, was treated at a hospital but was unable to work for several months due to difficulty moving her body. Her condition worsened when she slipped down the stairs outside her mother’s house on December 25 of the same year, injuring her lower back.
Tammy claimed that the injuries she sustained had a significant impact on her daily life, making it difficult for her to engage in normal social activities and causing her great mental distress. She retired in 2022 and filed a lawsuit against 7-Eleven, alleging that the company was responsible for her injuries.
7-Eleven argued that Tammy had failed to prove that her injuries were caused by the company’s negligence. However, the judge ruled in Tammy’s favor, stating that she had clearly proven that the pothole in the parking lot was the cause of her injuries.
The judge also pointed out that 7-Eleven’s explanation for employees who did not complete online safety training, including fall prevention training, was insufficient. The court ultimately ruled that 7-Eleven was negligent in preventing safety accidents for customers.
Woman who fell into pothole in 7-Eleven parking lot wins lawsuit, receives $900,000 in damages. CTV file photo
Tammy’s case highlights the importance of businesses taking responsibility for maintaining safe premises for their customers. The court’s ruling serves as a reminder that companies must take proactive measures to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of those who visit their establishments.