A Canadian lawyer is suing Sonesta Beach Hotel for $100,000 for injuries he allegedly suffered during a fall.

Eric Murray, a regular visitor, was on the Island for the annual Bermuda Regional Bridge Tournament on January 19, 2001, when he fell while stepping from one floor level to another.

Mr. Murray, who is in his 70s, said he sustained head injuries which required hospital treatment and the fall aggravated pre-existing back injuries.

Mr. Murray, who is a Queen?s Counsel in Ontario, is seeking $100,000 in general damages and $4,000 in special damages.

Puisne Judge Ian Kawaley, in an initial judgment over costs, says Sonesta claim Mr. Murray was to blame because a white strip defined the ledge, but evidence filed by Mr. Murray showed this was not the case.

?The real issue at trial, it seems to me, will be the extent (if any) that plaintiff?s (Mr. Murray) own negligence may be said to have been a contributing cause of the accident and/or the injuries sustained,? wrote Mr. Justice Kawaley.

He ordered Mr. Murray secure $7,500 before bringing the case to trial because the likely costs to the hotel if he loses will be $15,000.