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A Freedom of Information request by a local newspaper has established that Suffolk County Council has paid a total of £331,546 in compensation to people who had personal injury and other accidents for which it was liable in the last three years.
The East Anglian Daily Times found out that the highest payment had been made to the victim of a fall in Needham Market, who received more than £70,000.
Out of the 34 damages claims which were met, two others resulting from falls received £22,766 for an incident at Haverhill and £12,561 following an injury in Sudbury.
Another resident who suffered broken/chipped bones after a pavement trip in Trimley St Martin was awarded £195, while the lowest claim agreed was £50 to the victim of a fall in Elmswell.
The newspaper also sought figures for similar payments from Ipswich Borough Council over the same period, which revealed more than £28,000 had been paid in total to claimants.
A broken wrist and bruised shoulder which required hospital treatment after a fall in the Whitton area led to the injury victim receiving £9,534. Another victim of an accident, caused by an uneven road or pavement surface in the High Street, was awarded £475 for injuries to an arm and eye socket.
Spokesmen for both local authorities said the councils did their best to inspect and repair areas used by the public.
An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman said, "We try to keep pavements and open spaces as safe as possible but there are a few occasions, which we judge strictly on their merits, when it is decided compensation should be given."
It is not known if the victims used the services of no win no fee solicitors to pursue their claims.
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