Central Queensland grandfather Michael Schneider launches compensation claim with Cement Australia

A central Queensland grandfather has been left with “unbearable” and “unfixable” pain after a battery exploded in his face, spraying acid into his eyes.

A central Queensland grandfather claims he suffered life debilitating injuries after a heavy duty battery, alleged to be overcharged and corroded, exploded within a metre of his face and subsequently sprayed acid into his eyes.

Michael Schneider, 56, claims he’s been left with irreparable injury after the battery pack, owned by Cement Australia, exploded during a horror incident at East End Mine, near Mt Larcom.

On Wednesday, Mr Schneider and his legal team from Shine Lawyers filed a $3.2 million compensation claim in the Rockhampton Supreme Court following the horror 2017 event.

Michael Schneider was sprayed with acid when a battery exploded one metre from his face. Picture: Supplied

Mr Schneider said his injuries as a result of the explosion have left him unbalanced, and claims the “unbearable” and “unfixable” pain has previously left him “lying on the floor vomiting.”

He recalled the moment acid splattered into his eyes, and detailed the lasting impacts of the explosion on both his mental and physical health.

“I thought ‘this is it, this is my eyesight gone … There was just this bubbling and sizzling around my eyes,” Mr Schneider said.

“I got to the point that everything was too much … I couldn't get out of bed, I couldn't feed myself … And mentally I was just gone.

The exploding battery. Picture: Supplied

Mr Schneider said it’s his two grandkids that have given him purpose, and kept him “very busy.”

“But it’s impacted me financially, emotionally, mentally, socially. You get to the point where you start questioning: ‘What’s the point, what’s the journey here, what’s left for you?”

Shine Lawyers say Mr Schneider’s life was changed in an instant when the battery pack Shine alleges was overcharged, corroded and not kept in a safety housing, exploded when Mr Schneider attempted to jump-start a water truck.

The battery pack was owned by mine operator Cement Australia (Queensland).

Shine’s Bundaberg Practice Manager, Rebecca Ballantyne, said the significant $3.2 million claim made against Cement Australia reflects the devastating impact the incident had on Mr Schneider and his family.

“ (Mr Schneider) has been robbed of his golden years because of negligence that could have so easily been avoided,” Ms Ballantyne said.

“Cement Australia has failed to properly service its battery …

“There’s no amount of money that will give Mick his life back, but we’re fighting to take out some of the worry for his future.”

Cement Australia has been contacted for comment.