The incident happened at Edgware station when the claimant was attempting to board a Northern Line train with her husband. As she stepped up to enter the carriage, the train doors closed unexpectedly, causing her to lose her balance and fall backwards onto the platform.  

The accident left her with a serious spinal injury and a head injury. She was treated in hospital and required extensive rehabilitation, including six weeks in a spinal brace, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. The accident also had a significant psychological impact.  

The claim proceeded to trial, where the court considered CCTV footage and witness evidence about the circumstances leading up to the accident. The judge found that it should have been reasonably apparent that the claimant intended to board the train and that the doors should not have been closed when they were.  

Although the court found the claimant was partly responsible because warning chimes had sounded before the doors closed, it ruled that the primary cause of the accident was the driver's decision to close the doors. Damages were assessed at £102,620.14 and reduced by 20 per cent for contributory negligence, resulting in a net award of £82,096.11.  

Vincent Reynolds, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors, who represented the claimant, said: 

"This case underscores the critical importance of passenger safety on rail networks. While the duty of care on train operators must not be so high as to make it difficult to maintain an efficient service, the safety of passengers is paramount. 

"It is not enough to rely on door chimes or automated safety announcements. Train operating companies must ensure that judgment is applied and that reasonable care is taken to prevent accidents to passengers." 

The case also highlighted the importance of thorough investigation and preparation. As part of the claim, Thompsons carried out a site visit to understand the station layout and observe the train departure process, helping to build a detailed picture of how the accident occurred.