Heirs to 17-year-old victim win €120,000 compensation

The heirs of a 17-year-old boy who fell to his death from a balcony in 2004, were awarded €120,000 in compensation from two companies who were constructing the building.

25 September 2012, 12:00am
by Karl Stagno-Navarra

1 min read

The Law Courts, Valletta

Companies Jacksons Limited and Tignè Estates were ordered by Judge Anthony Ellul to pay a total of €120,000 the family of 17 year-old Frank Fenech, who died in 2004 when falling from a height of six storeys while on an electrical course.

While ruling that Fenech was to assume 40% of the responsibility for the accident, having known that he was working on an open balcony, which in itself was a dangerous task, the Court condemned Jacksons Limited and Tignè Estates to assume the remaining 60% of responsibility.

Judge Anthony Ellul said that the two companies had been previously given advice by Health and Safety inspectors' to reduce the risks by put up a railing around the balcony. This advice had not been heeded.

Jacksons Ltd were previously acquitted of any responsibility in another case which was heard by the Criminal court.