Shooting from the slip

Coast woman sues historic club for $750k

AN elderly Surfers Paradise woman is suing the Tattersall’s Club for up to $750,000 after she allegedly injured her knee in the bathroom of the historic Brisbane venue.

In a statement of claim lodged in the Southport District Court in June, Helen Rosemary Reid, 68, said she can no longer dress, shower or prepare meals after she slipped and fell in the ladies toilet while attending a wedding reception at the Queen St member-only Tattersall’s Club in April last year.

Ms Reid has lodged the claim against the Tattersall’s Club Nominees Limited for damages “in the sum of not more than $750,000”.

She is asking for $158,021.45 for future care, past care and future medical expenses.

The claim states Ms Reid was in the middle cubicle of the female bathrooms and slipped and fell on the tiles as she turned to fix her skirt.

She suffered a patella fracture, bruising, scarring and an avulsion fracture to the knee, the claim states.

It also states she is suffering from “psychological sequelae” from personal injuries.

Ms Reid said she received medical treatment and now requires “the assistance of others in matters of day-to-day living”.

“As a result of the accident, it has been necessary for the plaintiff’s husband, Peter Reid, to attend to ... all driving ... personal care and assistance with showering and dressing (and) preparation of all meals and drinks,” the claim states.

The claim states Mr Reid also shops for all food and cleans for the pair.

Of the compensation, Ms Reid seeks more than $59,000 for future care and $21,780 in general damages. She is also seeking $750 for travel costs and $884 for pilates.

The claim states the club was negligent in failing to warn patrons the bathroom tiles were “slippery when wet” or carry out any inspections of the area “in order to determine whether they were safe”.

It also claims the club failed to coat the tiles with a non-slip substance.

Tattersall’s Club Nominees Limited have not yet lodged a defence.

Ms Reid’s lawyer, Bruce Simmonds, said cheaper tiles bought for areas that were not expected to get wet caused hazards when used in the wrong areas.

“Sometimes tiles that are acceptable for outside use can cause a hazard when used in the wrong location,” he said.