Amanda Parsons’ husband, Billy Parsons, sues Victoria Racing Club over tree that left her paralysed

The Victoria Racing Club could have to pay millions more in compensation after a tree fell and left a young mum paralysed.

A tree has fallen at Flemington Racecourse injuring several people Picture: Twitter

The husband of a woman who was left paralysed when a tree fell on her at Flemington Racecourse has filed a lawsuit of his own, claiming the Victoria Racing Club owes him millions more in compensation.

The club last year settled a case brought by Amanda Parsons, over injuries she suffered when a poorly maintained “widow maker” tree fell on her and left her with life-changing injuries.

Ms Parsons had told the Supreme Court she was owed millions in compensation, but the precise sum she was awarded was not disclosed following the settlement.

In an unusual development, Ms Parsons’ husband, Billy Parsons, earlier this month filed his own case against the Melbourne Cup organisers, arguing he too was owed compensation for over the injuries Ms Parsons, then-35, sustained on Australian Guineas Day in 2022.

Mr and Ms Parsons were waiting for a taxi when a 60-year-old, 23-metre-tall river red gum fell on Ms Parsons, leaving her paralysed and permanently disfigured.

Amanda Parsons was left with life-changing injuries when a tree fell on her at Flemington Racecourse | Credit :7NEWS - YouTube

The couple’s daughter was just six months old at the time, and Ms Parsons never returned to her $130,000-a-year job in the fashion industry.

Mr Parsons, in his case against the club, said he was almost solely responsible for caring for their daughter.

He says he has been deprived of the “enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfilment of providing joint parental care for (her)”.

Mr Parsons also said his wife was unable to help out around home, or provide him with “care, comfort and support” because of her injuries.

He further alleges his business has suffered because he is required to spend much of his time caring for Ms Parsons and their daughter.

Amanda Parsons ( middle ) in an image published in Victoria Racing Club Annual report, she sued the club. Picture: Instagram

Amanda Parsons’ husband Billy is now suing the club | Credit :7NEWS

“(He) will continue to suffer loss of income from the business as he prioritises care for Amanda and their daughter,” documents filed in the Supreme Court state.

The case also alleges racecourse management were responsible for a cover-up after the accident, knowing it could be sued over the incident.

“The (racecourse) retained only a minor and marginally relevant section of the trunk in

its yard while hastening to destroy the subject limb and the balance of the trunk

before the Plaintiff or any of the anticipated litigants could inspect and test them.”

Mr Parsons’ lawyers said the racecourse admitted it was negligent during the earlier court case.

Mr Parsons’ case also alleges the club and its managers focused “its gardening and horticultural resources on roses and gardens, recklessly ignoring the health and safety to patrons of its old and dangerous tress and the threat they posed to the safety of racegoers.”

The club is yet to file a defence to Mr Parsons’ case.