Public liability vs personal negligence: Judgment a warning against opportunistic litigation

Image source: Skitterphoto from Pexels

The Johannesburg High Court recently dismissed a personal injury case against an institution, having found no evidence of negligence or wrongdoing on its part.

This case serves as a timely reminder that prospective litigants and their legal representatives must approach court proceedings with care and realism. Not every injury occurring on someone’s premises will result in compensation.

Below is a synopsis of the case, the court’s ruling, and its reasoning.

Synopsis

The plaintiff tripped and fell over a piece of metal skirting, sustaining injuries while walking inside the defendant’s premises. As a result, the plaintiff instituted a delictual claim against the defendant, alleging that the defendant breached its duty of care towards herself and other customers.

Specifically, the plaintiff claimed that the defendant was negligent in failing to ensure the metal skirting was securely affixed to the wall, not maintaining safe walkways for customers, failing to place warning signs, and other related failures.

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The defendant denied any negligence and, in the alternative, argued that the plaintiff was contributorily negligent. The defendant maintained that the metal skirting was properly affixed to the wall, eliminating the need for warning signs, and that the walkways were safe for public use, at all times.

Furthermore, the defendant contended that its obligation was not to make the area absolutely safe, but to ensure it was reasonably safe for public use, and that customers, including the plaintiff, were expected to exercise reasonable care for their own safety.

Evidence

In addition to disputing negligence and denying liability in delict, the defendant relied on a disclaimer, video footage, and witness testimony, including that of the plaintiff and the site manager subcontracted by the defendant at the time.

Regarding negligence, the court held that there was no evidence to show the metal skirting had been loose prior to the incident. It stated that concluding the skirting was dislodged before the incident would amount to speculation without proof.

As for the disclaimer, the defendant argued that it was prominently displayed in visible locations, using suitable colours and font. Although the plaintiff testified that she did not see the disclaimers, she admitted to being aware of their existence and understanding their purpose and implications.

The court held that the plaintiff, by her own testimony, demonstrated that she had "actual" or "quasi-mutual" consent to the disclaimer, as she had adequate opportunity to read it.

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The site manager testified that immediately after the incident, he inspected the scene and found no loose metal skirting. He further stated that he was familiar with the area, conducted daily inspections of the premises before opening to the public, and had carried out an inspection on the day of the incident, finding nothing out of place.

While he conceded that he did not witness the incident firsthand and was informed of it via radio, he promptly attended the scene. The court found the site manager to be a credible witness, and his testimony regarding the inspection was not contradicted.

Regarding the video footage, it showed the plaintiff “cutting corner and moving closure (sic) to the edge of the skirting as if distracted.” The court was of the view that the plaintiff did not act reasonably in doing so.

Conclusion

The court dismissed the plaintiff’s case with costs. This judgment is an important reminder of the need to scrutinise the facts and evidence before proceeding with legal action. It should also deter opportunistic litigation.

Lastly, the judgment is also a victory for public liability insurers who constantly have to fight against legal claims that lack merits.