Gateshead, England – A rabbi is suing the trustees of the Community Council of a North Jewish community after he had an accident at their premises which he claims left him housebound.
Jacob Hanstater is claiming for at least £50,000 of compensation after he tripped while leaving a community hall, breaking his left leg. The accident happened when the rabbi was attending a friend’s wedding at Bewick Hall in Gateshead . . . the premises of the local Jewish Community Council.
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After the fall, the 58-year-old had surgery but went into acute kidney failure and suffered multiple post-operative complications. He developed a severe infection and peripheral vascular disease and had to have two toes amputated because they had turned gangrenous. Mr Hanstater can now no longer drive and is only able to walk with the aid of a frame.
Although Mr Hanstater has a history of renal failure – and had a kidney transplant in 1997 – his condition deteriorated sharply after the accident and he had to return to regular dialysis.
Before the fall, he could walk and drive but is now housebound and his mobility is very limited, and he needs a total hip replacement.
The trustees are being sued for negligence, but the parties have agreed a settlement of liability in which the trustees will pay 90 per cent of the damages awarded, and Mr Hanstater 10pc. [Sunday Sun]