Supreme Court of Queensland judge orders Golding Contractors to pay $1.4 million
A mining truck driver who sustained back injury in a collision has received $1.4 million in compensation.
The Supreme Court of Queensland ordered Golding Contractors to pay Jodie Maree Martin the sum after a crash in March 2009 left her with lower back pain.
The 28-year-old was working at a coal mine near Emerald in Queensland when she was hit by a digger when reversing a mining truck for loading.
The Court has found her evidence to be “honest and free of exaggeration”.
Martin, who continues to suffer from low back and neck pain is unable to work in the transport industry.
She was keen to build a career in the mining industry after obtaining other machinery and equipment training before the injury.
Her partner and family also work at the mines.
“The plaintiff gave evidence that she enjoyed a challenge and I formed the view that she was not only ambitious but in particular she was also enthusiastic to meet the challenges facing a young woman operating heavy machinery in the mining industry,” Supreme Court Judge North says.
If she had obtained a job with other coal mine operators after 2010, she could have earned up to $160,000 per year, the court heard.
She was compensated for her loss of earning capacity as well as pain and injury.