Woman receives $500,000.00 after a slip and fall on an open carriage in the Central Highlands Victoria

In mid-2015, our client had travelled from New South Wales to Victoria with her students for a school excursion at an outdoor museum and historical experience venue. As part of the Australian historical experience, the group were travelling in an open carriage vehicle, which had large plastic curtains draped down the sides of the carriage to keep the passengers dry from the rain. In order to alight from the carriage, our client assisted the students by lifting and holding the heavy clear curtains, without the assistance of the venue’s staff members. Finally, she attempted to alight from the carriage, by holding the heavy clear curtains with both hands and stepping down from the carriage. Due to the awkward motion, she lost her balance, fell from the raised height of the carriage and landed heavily on the ground on her shoulder. Our client came to us for advice in 2018, as her shoulder injury had not resolved, even after an operation, and she was extremely restricted. Our client had previously instructed lawyers who advised that they would not assist with bringing the claim against the Victorian company, due to the complexity of the cross-vesting laws. Our team worked hard and proceedings were commenced shortly after in County Court of Victoria, as the three (3) year limitation period was about to expire. Following the incident, our client was initially incapacitated for any work for a period of six (6) months, then returned to work and gradually increased her working hours to full-time. However, our client was struggling to perform her work duties as a teacher due to her shoulder injury and would experience aggravated symptoms following work. In addition, our client was struggling to perform her domestic household duties and was relying upon family and friends. The Public Liability team at Gerard Malouf & Partners obtained expert reports from an expert engineer who was of the opinion that the existence of the clear curtains in combination with the clear narrow step down and the rain earlier that day complicated the egress from the tram and therefore it was a hazard. Once we had obtained our medical and expert evidence in support of our client’s case and prepared the matter in compliance with the various NSW and VIC laws, we were able to negotiate with the Defendant and achieve an optimal result for our client.  Our client was pleased with this result as it will enable her to reduce her working hours and obtain any further treatment she will require for her shoulder injury. In addition, the sum of money represented to the client, the negligence on behalf of the Defendant. If you have been injured as a result of a fall, whilst visiting another state or country for work purposes, contact the specialist public liability team today at Gerard Malouf & Partners.