Concert goer sues Corner Hotel over crowd surfing incident
What started as a gig with friends quickly turned into a nightmare for Anthony Robinson, who was hospitalised after a freak accident by a wannabe rock star.
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A punk music fan is suing Richmond’s Corner Hotel after he was crushed by a crowd surfing wannabe rock star.
Anthony Robinson, 30, has launched legal action against the popular Melbourne pub after suffering severe spinal injuries when another patron jumped off the music stage and onto him.
The flightless patron launched himself off the stage in an attempt to follow in the footsteps of the lead singer of American punk rock band, The Bronx at a gig in October 2017.
Instead he flattened Mr Robinson, displacing his spine and causing ongoing pain, shock and anxiety, court documents allege.
The Melbourne man is suing the venue as well as the security company, Aztech Security, working at the gig.
Mr Robinson is seeking damages, including loss of income after he was forced to change jobs as a cabinet maker due to his injuries and ongoing pain.
He now relies heavily on his wife, a statement of claim said.
Candice Robinson said the impact on her husband had been significant.
“He was there to enjoy himself — he has been a fans for years,
“Instead Anthony has had to live with enormous pain,” Ms Robinson told the Herald Sun.
Ms Robinson said the couple were married just eight weeks after the incident but her husband was in pain the entire day.
“I hope other concert goers don’t have to go through what we have,” she said.
Through his lawyers, Mr Robinson alleges the parties were negligent in allowing the patron — and the lead singer — to stage dive.
County Court documents also claim the pub failed to employ enough security staff and exposed Mr Robinson to unnecessary risk of injury.
Maurice Blackburn Principal Lawyer Dimi Ioannou said band venues had a responsibility to ensure patron safety.
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“Anthony’s injury was entirely avoidable and has had devastating effect on him and those around him,” Ms Ioannou said.
“A culture of reckless behaviour towards patrons is not acceptable,”
“Anthony did not deserve to be crushed to the ground and we want to make sure that something like this never happens again,” she said.
Mr Robinson is seeking damages.