Win for injured father

A FATHER who injured his spine after falling from faulty play equipment while trying to rescue his daughter at a Victorian play centre has been awarded more than $1 million in damages.

Abdul Qayom was at Xanadu Playcentre & Cafe in Hallam with his wife and two daughters in November 2014 when one of his daughters became stuck in a section of the play equipment.

Having read signs attached to the play equipment advising patrons that “parents or guardians to accompany children at all times” Mr Qayom climbed up to rescue his daughter.

He stepped on to the platform but it gave way and Mr Qayom tumbled 3.5m to the concrete floor below.

The Victorian County Court heard how a staff member apologised to Mrs Qayom.

“Sorry about this,” the staff member said. “Actually, we told the owner to fix it and unfortunately he didn’t.” The court also heard the same staff member mentioned the day before another person had fallen from the same platform.

Mr Qayom suffered injuries to his back, neck and shoulders and has been in constant pain ever since. The play centre, which is now known as Pixel Playcentre, was run by husband and wife team, Brad and Kate Dickinson between 2007 and 2014.

Last month, Mr Qayom won his legal costs after earlier winning damages of $1,372,233.80.

Judge Jeanette Morrish said Mr Qayom suffered with ongoing constant pain.

SORRY ABOUT THIS. ACTUALLY, WE TOLD THE OWNER TO FIX IT AND UNFORTUNATELY HE DIDN’T. STAFF MEMBER