Paralysed stage manager wins £3.7 million in compensation

Posted: December 19, 2014

Posted in: Employer Negligence Spine & Back Injuries Workplace Injuries 

A former stage manager has been awarded £3.7 million in compensation after she was left paralysed following an accident at the Soho Theatre. Rachael Presdee was the stage manager on Headlong Theatre Company’s production of Boys in 2012 when the accident happened. It was heard that she fell through an unguarded backstage door and dropped three metres to the open stage below.

The fall left her with a very severe and permanent injury to her spine, and she is now paralysed and in a wheelchair.  The compensation was granted earlier this month (December) in an out of court settlement. Soho Theatre was separately prosecuted by Westminster City Council for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

“Deeply regret the accident”

Ms Presdee has been awarded with one of the largest settlements in the UK’s entertainment sector. Following the settlement, Soho Theatre said that the “board, directors and staff of Soho Theatre deeply regret the accident involving Rachael Presdee in June 2012”.

The compensation awarded is a combination of money from the insurance companies of Soho Theatre and Headlong. A spokesperson from Headlong said that she was very pleased to hear that Ms Presdee was due to receive such a good compensation package and described the accident as an “enormous regret” for the company.

If you have suffered an injury at work, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.  

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