Tori’s story: resilience after a life-altering injury

At just 17 years old, Tori had her whole life ahead of her until one day, her then-boyfriend accidentally shot her. They were at his parents’ private residence, and Tori was shot with a firearm belonging to his parents.

Tori suffered bullet wounds to her left hand, right lower leg, and knee. She sustained nerve damage that caused her right foot to droop, and her proximal fibula was also shattered, along with her hopes and dreams. 

Following the accident, she developed post-traumatic stress disorder. This horrible and avoidable accident changed her life, personality, and future forever. 

The scarring on her hand, leg and knee, combined with a noticeable limp and chronic pain in her right leg, left her devastated.

Tori's journey of overcoming trauma and pursuing justice

Once aspiring to become a Weapons and Sensors Operator in the Royal Australian Navy, she had to abandon her dream career. She wasn’t even able to complete high school.

Tori’s case is unique because it involves not only the physical and psychological trauma she endured but also the significant impact on her future aspirations and education. The combination of her young age, the severity of her injuries, and the disruption to her life plan created a situation that was particularly complex and legally challenging to address.

Multiple surgeries were required to treat the extensive injuries. Her recovery has involved extensive medical treatment, including hand therapy, psychological counselling, pain management and physiotherapy. Despite these efforts, she continues to experience significant symptoms and functional limitations including numbness, chronic pain, reduced balance, weakness and scarring.

Living in regional Queensland, Tori consulted several local firms who, while recognising the significant injuries that she had suffered, were unable to achieve a successful outcome for her. Their inquiries revealed her then-boyfriend was uninsured, and his parents had no substantial assets.

Tori turned to Maurice Blackburn Lawyers for support because of our proven expertise in personal injury. 

Tori’s case was classified as catastrophic and allocated to our Complex Litigation Team. Her claim required a specialised personal injuries lawyer to thoroughly investigate her rights against all potential respondents. 

Upon a thorough review of Tori’s case, lawyer Scott Keft discovered a critical detail: her then-boyfriend was a member of a gun club that held insurance. This discovery opened the door to a worthwhile compensation pathway.

Despite the shooting taking place at a private residence, the gun club extended indemnity. This meant that we were able to secure compensation for Tori by linker her then-boyfriend’s actions to his membership.

“I find it rewarding to use my skills and experience to help people who are injured through no fault of their own, and Tori’s case was no exception. Her situation stood out to me because of her remarkable resilience and determination to overcome such a life-altering event.” Scott says.

Seeking compensation and benefits

Tori received a substantial lump sum. This compensation covered not only her immediate pain and suffering but also her future loss of income and the long-term impact on her quality of life. The financial relief enabled Tori to focus on her recovery and plan for her future without the added burden of financial stress.

Tori hopes that sharing her story will raise awareness about the importance of understanding one's rights and seeking help when injured. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact that proper legal assistance can have on an individual’s life.

What are considered serious injuries?

When you sustain an injury, it’s an important issue regardless of the severity of the damage sustained. However, in the practice area of personal injury law, some injuries are considered more serious than others, and these injuries are labelled as catastrophic.

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering and tragic. They are often extremely challenging for both the person injured and their loved ones.

Serious or catastrophic injuries can include:

• brain injuries
• amputations
• spinal cord injuries (paraplegia, quadriplegia, tetraplegia)
• burns to the majority of the body
• blindness or loss of an eye
• very serious back or other injuries where the injured person has been taken out of the workforce.

Due to the catastrophic impacts of these injuries, the legal process can be more complex when bringing a claim. If court proceedings commence, they are done in the Supreme Court.

Making a claim for a complex injury

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, navigating the legal process can be complex. That is why it’s crucial to have access to a specialised team of legal experts. Our injury lawyers are here to support you in a way that best suits your needs.

Strict time limits can apply, so it’s important to act quickly.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you.