Glasgow City Council Ordered to Pay £80,000 After Man Seriously Injured by Falling Lamppost

Glasgow City Council has been ordered to pay £80,000 in compensation after a man was left with life changing injuries when a lamppost collapsed and struck him in the city.

The court heard that Colin Shaw was walking in Glasgow in June 2023 when the lamppost suddenly fell, hitting him without warning. The impact caused severe injuries that have permanently altered his quality of life, leaving him with ongoing physical and emotional challenges.

During proceedings, it emerged that the lamppost had been in a poor state of repair prior to the incident. Lawyers representing Shaw argued that the council had failed in its duty to properly inspect, maintain and secure street infrastructure, despite being responsible for public safety on pavements and roadways.

The court accepted that the collapse was preventable and that the local authority bore responsibility for the condition of the lamppost. It was told that regular inspections should have identified structural weaknesses before the incident occurred. The failure to act, the judge said, directly contributed to the serious harm suffered.

Shaw’s injuries were described as life changing rather than temporary. Medical assessments presented to the court detailed long term mobility issues and the need for ongoing treatment and support. The compensation award reflects not only the physical harm but also the lasting impact on his ability to work and live independently.

In its ruling, the court stressed that members of the public are entitled to expect that street furniture such as lampposts, signs and barriers are safe and properly maintained. A sudden structural failure in a busy urban area, it said, represents a significant breach of public duty.

Glasgow City Council acknowledged the court’s decision and said it would comply with the order. A spokesperson said the authority takes public safety seriously and expressed regret over the incident. The council added that it continually reviews inspection and maintenance procedures for street infrastructure across the city.

The case has renewed attention on the condition of ageing street furniture in urban areas, particularly in cities where infrastructure has been exposed to decades of weathering. Safety campaigners have warned that councils across the UK face increasing pressure to maintain assets amid tight budgets, raising the risk of similar incidents if inspections are delayed or reduced.

Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the principle that local authorities can be held accountable when failures in routine maintenance lead to serious injury. The compensation award, while significant, reflects the court’s assessment of responsibility rather than serving as a punitive measure.

For Shaw, the decision brings a measure of closure after a traumatic event that occurred during an ordinary walk through the city. However, his representatives said no financial award can fully compensate for the long term consequences of the injuries he sustained.

The case stands as a reminder of the importance of preventative maintenance and the serious consequences that can arise when public infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate unnoticed.