Mum sues AFL, Etihad after allegedly being hit in head by football
A MELBOURNE mum is suing the AFL and Etihad Stadium after she was allegedly hit in the head by a football, suffering serious injuries, while waiting to buy tickets.
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A MELBOURNE mum who suffered serious spinal and neck injuries after allegedly being hit in the head by a football outside Etihad Stadium is suing the AFL and the stadium owner.
Jodie Burns, 44, of Hoppers Crossing, was waiting with her family to buy tickets at the Gate 5 ticket booth for a Carlton-GWS clash in May 2015, when she was allegedly struck by a Sherrin.
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MUM INJURED BY KICK-TO-KICK AT AFL GAME
The mother of three — who is a full-time carer for her intellectually disabled son, Brock — was taken to hospital after suffering an indentation to her spinal cord and two bulging discs in her neck.
Ignoring signs around the stadium asking patrons to not kick footballs, a man playing kick-to-kick had allegedly booted the ball, which hit a pole and rebounded into the side of Ms Burns’ head.
Ms Burns is seeking unspecified damages, claiming the conduct of the AFL and Melbourne Stadiums was negligent and fell below a reasonable standard of care.
Ms Burns was treated by St John Ambulance members and paramedics at the ground before being taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She was released some 72 hours later but had to be taken back to hospital some eight hours later as her health deteriorated.
“I started vomiting severely, I lost control of my legs. It’s affecting my speech now,” Ms Burns said after.
Concerned about who would look after he children Ms Burns said: “It’s something that should not have happened.”
“They should not have been kicking the football,” she said.
“If it had hit my son, Brock, it would have killed him.”
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said: “The AFL is aware of this matter and our position is that we will respond as required when the legal process continues.”
Melbourne Stadiums has not responded to the Herald Sun. Shortly after the incident Etihad Stadium spokesman Bill Lane said: “This is a matter that the venue has always taken seriously and we will continue to be vigilant.
peter.mickelburough@news.com.au
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