A BANKER who claims she suffered severe head injuries in a freak accident at Ascot Racecourse is suing for up to £100,000 compensation.

HSBC financial advisor, Charlotte Watts, was attending a work function in a conference room at the racecourse in February 2013, when 'without warning a heavy vent cover located in the ceiling directly above her head fell and landed on her'.

She is now seeking damages from racecourse managers, Ascot Racecourse Ltd, for failing to prevent a 'foreseeable risk of injury'.

A writ lodged by her lawyers in London's High Court, states that Ms Watts, 39, of Hall Road, Norwich, suffered injuries to her head, neck, shoulders and knees, and has been left with 'ongoing cognitive deficits'.

She says the injuries also disrupted her ability to work full-time and have led to a string of medical appointments with NHS and private 'specialist doctors'.

The writ claims the racecourse failed in its duty to take steps to ensure visitors would be reasonably safe in using their premises and that there were no risks to their health and safety.

It alleges the vent cover had not been properly installed, inspected or maintained.

The defence of Ascot Racecourse Ltd to the action is not yet available from the court and the contents of the writ have yet to be tested in evidence before a judge.