Court Orders 800,000 Shekel Payout for College Slip and Fall Injury
A Ramla court has awarded roughly 800,000 shekels in compensation to a student who suffered severe ankle injuries after tripping over an uneven floor tile at an Or Yehuda academic center.
The Magistrate's Court in Ramla has ordered a substantial compensation package of approximately 800,000 shekels to a former student who sustained severe ankle injuries in a campus slip-and-fall accident. The ruling holds the Center for Academic Studies in Or Yehuda—currently undergoing liquidation—liable for failing to maintain safe premises.
The incident occurred in June 2014 when the plaintiff, then 50 years old and in her second week of classes, walked toward the campus cafeteria during a break. On her return, she tripped over a 2.2-centimeter height differential between a floor tile and a communication box cover, losing her balance and falling heavily.
Medical Complications and Career Impact
The fall caused a severe ligament tear and an avulsion fracture in her right ankle, requiring corrective surgery in January 2016. Post-surgical complications involving a severe infection led to prolonged hospitalizations and a secondary operation. Prior to the accident, the plaintiff managed early childhood education systems across two kibbutzim, a demanding role requiring extensive walking. Due to lasting mobility impairments, she was forced to reduce her work hours and transition to lower-paying administrative positions.
Presiding Judge Michal Mualem Shiferman rejected the arguments of the college's insurer, Clal, which claimed the accident was not proven to stem from a hazard and argued that the lawsuit was filed with excessive delay nearly seven years later. Relying on expert testimony, the court confirmed that the height gap violated safety regulations. However, the judge assigned 15% contributory negligence to the plaintiff, noting that the cover was clearly visible with an unobstructed field of vision.
The court ultimately assessed the plaintiff's medical disability at 12.7%, while her functional disability was set at 17% due to the severe impact on her career and earning capacity. After deductions for contributory negligence and social security benefits, the net award totaled roughly 636,000 shekels, alongside legal fees amounting to 23.6% of the compensation and expert expenses.
