VRC and Amanda Parsons settle case before major trial
The Victoria Racing Club has settled a multimillion-dollar claim with a young mum who became a paraplegic when she was crushed by a tree at Flemington Racecourse.
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The Victoria Racing Club has settled a multimillion-dollar claim on the eve of a major trial after a young mum became a paraplegic when she was crushed by a giant tree branch at Flemington Racecourse.
Amanda Parsons sued the Melbourne Cup organiser after she suffered life changing injuries in the members’ carpark at an Australian Guineas race meet in March, 2022.
A massive “widow maker” River Red Gum branch crushed Ms Parsons, severing her spinal cord below her neck at a time her baby girl was just six months old.
She claimed in court documents that the horror injuries had left her unable to care for her infant daughter or give care or assistance to her husband.
In an ironic twist, a picture of Ms Parsons with two friends had been used by the VRC to depict its gardening and track maintenance programs in its 2021 annual report.
Ms Parsons was set to face off against the Victoria Racing Club in a civil trial this week after she sued it over the injuries that “devastated my life and the lives of those closest to me”.
But her high profile barrister, Jack Rush KC, made a surprising announcement in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
“I’m pleased to announce the matter has been resolved between the parties,” Mr Rush told Justice Jacinta Forbes.
Mr Rush said an agreement had been made for the VRC to pay Ms Parsons’ legal costs.
Justice Forbes dismissed the case, telling the lawyers: “Well done all of you.”
Ms Parsons’ lawyer, Gordon Legal Senior Partner Peter Gordon, said the young mum was “one of the most heroic people I have met”.
“It has been a privilege to act for her,” he said.
“Today is an important lesson for those who manage large areas of open space.
“It ensures they understand the importance of upholding professional standards of tree management.
“Amanda was the person most seriously injured by this tree fall, but she wasn’t the only one.
“It is her hope that the resolution of her case will be of some assistance to the other people who were injured that day.”
A VRC spokeswoman said: “The matter has settled and the VRC does not consider it is appropriate to comment.”
Originally published as VRC and Amanda Parsons settle case before major trial
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