Overview

• Transport for London has formally filed its defence against Sarah de Lagarde’s £25 million claim, arguing her own negligence contributed to the High Barnet accident on six specific grounds.
• TfL maintains that its platform-train interface procedures at terminus stations like High Barnet fully comply with its safety standards and rejects allegations of unique terminus risks.
• Defence documents accuse Ms de Lagarde of mismanaging her exit from the train, failing to maintain balance and ignoring gap warnings among other alleged safety breaches.
• The High Court has authorised a detailed reconstruction of the incident and comprehensive station inspections to gather evidence ahead of the liability trial.
• A trial on liability is set to open in January 2027, as the case continues to shape scrutiny of Underground safety and accountability.