A professional cellist and music teacher is suing Starbucks for more than £2 million after a wooden fridge surround fell on her head, causing injuries she claims have ended her career. Sally Kenyon, 44, alleges the incident at a central London branch of the coffee chain in 2022 left her with concussion, leading to chronic migraines and a range of other symptoms.
Kenyon, a mother-of-two from Wells in Somerset, stated that the accident occurred during a day out with her young daughters. A large wooden fridge surround reportedly struck her on the head, requiring stitches for a cut above her right eyebrow. However, she asserts that the lasting impact of the injury has been life-altering, preventing her from returning to work as a cello teacher at the prestigious Millfield School or playing in orchestras.
She reports suffering from chronic migraines approximately 15 days a month, sometimes so severe that she is bedridden for days. Kenyon also claims to have experienced fatigue, sleepiness, facial paralysis, sensory loss, and difficulties with memory, planning, organizing, and problem-solving. She states that her symptoms can be triggered by bright lights and social interaction, impacting her ability to care for her children and manage daily tasks.
Starbucks, in its defense, acknowledges that Kenyon was struck by the wooden frame. However, the company claims that she had already taken 68 days off work due to anxiety prior to the accident and was already experiencing headaches and panic attacks. Starbucks does not admit negligence, stating that Kenyon must prove it. The company also asserts that its own medical expert believes she would have continued to suffer health problems even without the incident.
A consultant neurologist for Starbucks has described the symptoms Kenyon claims to suffer as being at the 'worst end of the outcome spectrum following a minor head injury'. Starbucks has declined to comment on the case, which is being heard at the High Court in Bristol.
