6-8 William Street, Nambour, Sunshine Coast

Securing a Safer Tomorrow: Compensation for Future Loss in Personal Injury Cases

The Challenge

In a heart-wrenching scenario, a family sought the expertise of Butler McDermott Lawyers following a distressing incident involving their 3-year-old daughter. While attending a gymnasium, due to insufficient safety precautions and negligence from the establishment, the young girl suffered serious brain injuries. The legal complexities were magnified given the victim’s age and her inability to engage in legal proceedings, prompting the need for a litigation guardian, her father, to act on her behalf. 

The Legal Expert: George Cowan, Special Counsel

George Cowan, Special Counsel with a deep-seated expertise in Personal Injury Law, stepped forward to take on this intricate case. His extensive experience and understanding of public liability law were instrumental in addressing the multifaceted challenges presented. 

The Journey to Justice 

With a child’s future at stake and a family in desperate need of support, Butler McDermott Lawyers took action with determination and empathy. A critical aspect was demonstrating the gymnasium’s negligence while ensuring the compensation covered the extensive needs of the child, including both her immediate and long-term care and potential future earnings. This necessitated not only legal expertise but a profound commitment to achieving justice for the young girl. 

The Outcome 

The legal battle culminated in a successful settlement that was significantly favourable to the young client and her family. This was not merely a financial victory, but a fundamental milestone in securing the child’s rehabilitation and future well-being. The compensation addressed her ongoing medical costs and acknowledged the profound impact on her future work potential and quality of life. 

The Impact 

The resolution brought a sense of solace to the girl’s family, assuring them that she would receive the necessary support for her recovery and future challenges. This case not only underscores the vital importance of legal expertise in the realm of personal injury and public liability but also reflects Butler McDermott Lawyers’ unwavering dedication to upholding the rights and welfare of those affected by the negligence of others. By employing a combination of legal prowess, negotiation skills, and empathetic client care, George Cowan and the team at Butler McDermott Lawyers have once again delivered justice and a better future for their clients.

More news from Butler McDermott Lawyers

Peter Boyce

Consultant

Peter has been practising as a Nambour Solicitor since 1977 and joined Butler McDermott Lawyers the same year.

With over 40 years practicing as a Sunshine Coast lawyer, Peter has extensive knowledge of various facets of law.

He has practised in all areas of litigation and has special interests in:

  • Criminal law
  • Civil and Commercial litigation
  • Retirement Village matters
  • Sports law
  • Resumption of land and compensation claims

 

Peter has specialised knowledge of and experience with resumption matters as a result of the Traveston Dam project, road corridors, Main Roads and water pipeline. He is renowned for his professional approach and is an experienced and determined advocate.

Brent King

Solicitor/Director

Brent works as a litigation lawyer, providing litigation legal advice in relation to both civil and criminal law matters, including:
  • Defamation Claims
  • Contract and Debt Disputes
  • Building and Construction Disputes
  • Planning Matters
  • Criminal Law and Traffic Legal Matters
Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast and joining Butler McDermott after the completion of his studies, Brent appreciates the needs of our clients, and brings a particularly commercial approach to litigation. Brent is a member of the Queensland Law Society and the Sunshine Coast Law Association, and has litigated a wide variety of matters in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts.

Al Upton

Solicitor/Director

After arriving at Butler McDermott Lawyers in 2016, Al quickly progressed to running our Wills and Estates section and has successfully litigated disputes in the Supreme and District Courts of Queensland in the early stages of his career.

In the years that followed Al has now moved to assist our clients with commercial and property matters having achieved positive outcomes in that area as well as general litigation. Al’s experience has him uniquely placed to provide quality advice in the areas of property, commercial, wills and estates and general litigation.

Al is involved in giving back to the community, sitting on the board for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Sundale Community Foundation. He otherwise became a director of Butler McDermott Lawyers in November 2021.