A Tipperary woman has been awarded €72,000 in damages after she slipped on a wet floor in Hotel Kilkenny during a wedding, suffering injuries that she described as excruciating. The High Court ruling came after detailed evidence was presented regarding the circumstances of the incident, which took place when the woman exited a lift and fell near the hotel’s ballroom area.

The woman, a qualified nurse, had been wearing stiletto shoes when she attended the wedding reception at the four-star hotel. As she stepped out of the lift, she slipped on what she described as a visibly wet floor. The fall resulted in a serious ankle injury, leaving her in such pain that, in her own words, she “thought she was going to die.”

She was immediately assisted by others in the hotel and was later treated for significant ligament damage. The injury had long-term repercussions, including chronic pain, restricted mobility, and the need for regular medical treatment.

During the court proceedings, it was established that the hotel had failed to adequately address the hazard. While warning signs were in place elsewhere, the exact area where the nurse fell did not have sufficient signage to indicate a potential slip risk. The court also heard that the flooring material, combined with the stiletto heels and moisture on the ground, created a highly dangerous situation.

Justice in the High Court ruled in favour of the plaintiff, citing the hotel’s duty of care to its guests. The judgment highlighted the importance of ensuring that all public areas are kept safe, especially during events where floors are more likely to become wet due to increased footfall and drinks being carried.

The €72,000 award covers general damages, including compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The judge acknowledged the long-term effects the fall had on the woman’s personal and professional life, noting that as a nurse, mobility is central to her career.

The case has sparked renewed discussion around hotel safety practices and responsibilities during large events. With many venues hosting weddings, conferences, and similar gatherings, the outcome serves as a reminder that failing to maintain safe conditions can carry significant legal and financial consequences.

The woman, who has since resumed part-time work, expressed relief that the matter had been resolved but noted that she still struggles with ongoing discomfort and limitations. “It was meant to be a joyful evening,” she said in court. “Instead, I ended up in agony and fearing the worst.”

Her legal team argued that the accident was preventable had the hotel taken reasonable precautions. The hotel’s defence centred on the presence of general warning signage and the inherent risk of high-heeled footwear, but the judge found these insufficient to absolve liability in the specific context of the incident.

This ruling could have implications for other personal injury claims involving hospitality venues. It underscores the legal obligation for event venues to assess and mitigate all potential safety hazards — especially in transitional areas like lift exits, stairwells, and dance floors.

As summer wedding season approaches, safety experts have urged hotels and function venues to review their hazard protocols and ensure staff are trained to manage and monitor high-risk areas in real time.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie