Briony Fahey calls for compensation after alleged life-changing accident crushed daughter’s leg

A Sunshine Coast mother is demanding justice for her nine-year-old daughter who was left “motionless” on a road after being hit by a car while riding her scooter home from school.

A mother demands justice for her nine-year-old daughter who was left “motionless” on a road after being hit by a car.

According to a compulsory third party claim issued against the alleged driver’s insurer Allianz in the Brisbane Supreme Court Hope O’Rourke, nine, was riding her scooter home from school when she was hit by a car as it exited an Erang Street car park in Currimundi on July 26, 2018.

The statement of claim states the driver allegedly failed to stop after the initial accident and continued to drive forward, breaking Hope’s right leg.

Hope suffered a compound fracture to her right tibia and fibula and required two operations including one to remove screws and plates from her leg.

Hope O'Rourke was just nine when a car’s front and back wheels crushed her right leg. Picture: Supplied.

Hope’s mother Briony Fahey was determined to get justice for her daughter who suffered ongoing trauma from the accident and launched the compulsory third party claim with help from Slater and Gordon Lawyers.

“We are worried about how this injury and traumatic event will impact her future,” she said.

“We are hoping to finally see some justice and some compensation for Hope to begin her life with.”

The Brisbane Supreme Court document states Hope, now 12, had difficulty with concentration and school activities, suffered anxiety, nerve damage and ongoing pain in her leg that impacted her ability to walk, stand or run.

“If we are at the shops she has to sit down because she’s in pain and the scar tingles,” Ms Fahey said.

The Currimundi mother said Hope had also lost confidence.

Hope O'Rourke in hospital after being hit. Picture: Supplied.

“In carparks she is often waiting such a long time to cross roads,” she said.

“She gets embarrassed talking about the accident although she knows it was not her fault.”

The court document states the accident was likely to impede on Hope’s ability to work in the future and would result in a future economic loss.

Hope’s mother had sought compensation to assist with occupational therapy, medical and travel expenses.

Ms Fahey said she wondered what life would be like for Hope if the accident hadn’t happened.

“The driver only stopped several hundred metres away after someone yelled out to them demanding she stop as she had just hit someone,” she said.

“Seeing my little girl lying motionless on the road was one of the worst moments of my life.”

The compulsory third party claim states the alleged driver admitted fault in the alleged accident in a letter dated July 26, 2018.

A Queensland Police Spokesman said an investigation into the matter was finalised and no criminal charges were laid.