A UK woman was left four inches shorter after smashing her spine on a water slide at a holiday resort in Majorca.
Jennifer Proctor is now seeking £500,000 in compensation for the accident, which happened in 2019 when she visited Aqualand water park while on vacation.
The 27-year-old decided to brave the 40-foot high ‘Banzai’ slide, only to then suffer significant injuries during her descent.
She had to undergo an emergency spinal fusion in Spain, which left her 5ft 7ins tall – four inches shorter than before the surgery.
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The ride itself uses jets at the top to propel people down the slide before sending them gliding across the water when they reach the bottom.
Speaking about the accident at the time, she told The Sun: "We had just arrived at the park… it was only the third ride we had been on that morning.
"Things started to go wrong pretty much as soon as I started going down the slide. Before I knew it I crashed straight into the pool below.
"I knew immediately something was seriously wrong. I was screaming at Jodie, 'I can't swim, I can't swim,' which was very strange as I am a strong swimmer."
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Jennifer continued: "I had my first surgery three days after I was taken into hospital. My injuries were so bad they had to fly a specialist in from the mainland.
"After the operation I discovered I was four inches shorter. When I went on holiday I was 5ft 11ins now I am just 5ft 7ins.
"I thought I would have the time of my life on holiday, but instead it quickly became a nightmare.
"Having to undergo surgery abroad, away from family and friends, was extremely difficult, and I feel that my life has been turned upside down by my injuries.”
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Prior to the incident, Jennifer was an aspiring teacher, but the injuries left her unable to fund her training and in ongoing chronic pain.
She has now taken legal action against Spanish leisure corporation Aspro Ocio S.A, as well as insurance firm Liberty Seguros, seeking £500,000 in compensation over alleged faults in the management of the ride.
Jennifer’s lawyer, Katherine Deal, told a hearing at the High Court in London: “One would not expect to use this water slide and come off it with a broken back.”
Among the allegations is the claim that the holidaymaker wasn’t provided the proper instructions before going on the slide on her bodyboard.
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In addition, Jennifer suffered a recurring septic infection following her spinal fusion, which caused further pain and disruption.
The case, which made it to London’s High Court as lawyers highlighted issues prior to trial involving analysis of Spanish law and expert insight into the use of the water slide, is ongoing.
Topics: Theme Park
Daisy Phillipson