Insurers pay compensation after drunken behaviour leads to injuries

A recent case shows how drunken horse-play can lead to injury – but also that compensation can successfully be claimed in these cases.

In the incident, a lady had returned home from a night out with her then boyfriend who was somewhat the worse for wear. For reasons best known to himself he decided to give her a fireman’s lift whilst they were in the kitchen. Whilst doing so he lost his footing, slipped and dropped her onto the hard concrete floor resulting in a significant shoulder injury.

Understandably, the lady was initially reluctant to claim compensation, despite the serious nature of her injuries, because the claim was being brought against her boyfriend.

Initial investigations showed he was insured, and so letters of claim could be sent to the insurer. Having investigated the accident circumstances, the insurer made a speedy admission of liability, and a compensation settlement was agreed.