Hit puts woman off work

A FENDER-BENDER on a Pimpama go-kart track left a Banora Point woman unable to work for 12 months while she recovered from surgery for her injuries, according to court documents.

Sharon Wilks is suing Xtreme Karting, also known as Green Power Xtreme, for $450,000 in compensation for neck and shoulder injuries.

The crash occurred when Ms Wilks was rear-ended while her go-kart was stopped in a pit lane on April 20, 2014.

Documents filed in the Southport District Court claim Ms Wilks was unable to continue to work her regular 25 hours a week as a barista and waitress.

“(Ms Wilks) reduced her working hours and days due to her injuries,” the documents said. “Following surgery in July 2015, which was to treat the injuries suffered in the said incident, (Ms Wilks) ceased work for 12 months.” She has since returned to work but remains on unspecified limited hours.

According to the documents, Ms Wilks was sitting in a go-kart in pit lane when another go-kart failed to stop and hit the back of her stationary vehicle.

Her go-kart was not fitted with a seat belt and the back of the seat was not high enough to sit behind and support Ms Wilks’ head and shoulders.

Ms Wilks claims in the court documents that Xtreme Karting should have provided speed limiting devices for the pit lanes, more speed signage, seat belts and better support on the seats.

She alleges she was a paying customer and it was implied that Xtreme Karting would prevent any foreseeable risk.

The case continues.