Mum seeks answers after workplace fall leaves son with lifelong brain injury

Curtis Cook adored footy, his mates and time with his family.

But his loved ones were forced to spend his 21st birthday by his hospital bedside, after a horror workplace accident left him in a coma with serious head injuries.

Cook lost the life he loved not even three weeks into his new job working for irrigation systems specialist Flow Smart in Victoria’s Gippsland region.

The then-20-year-old was installing irrigation on a Yarram dairy farm when a type of forklift, called a telehandler, allegedly hit him on the head and knocked him from the truck he was working on.

Cook fell one-and-a-half metres to the ground and was rushed to hospital seriously injured.

After two weeks on life support, an MRI revealed his brain injuries were a lot more serious than doctors first thought.

Worksafe has charged his employer, Flow Smart, with two criminal charges, including failing to provide and maintain a safe system to work and failing to provide necessary information, instruction or training to enable employees to work safely.

Arnold Thomas Becker Senior Legal Executive Stuart Coutts is pursuing compensation for Cook.

“We’ll be seeking the maximum amount payable under the Act, which, in round terms, is around $2 million,” Coutts said.

Watch the full story on A Current Affair.

We can help you get compensation you deserve

If you have been injured at work in Victoria you will be entitled to compensation under the Victorian WorkCover system. This is a ‘no-fault’ scheme. You can still make a claim even if the accident was your fault.

We know that suffering an injury at work can have a catastrophic effect on your health, emotional well-being, quality of life and financial security. We also know that dealing with large government agencies can be challenging, which is not what you need when you should be focusing on your recovery.

With Arnold Thomas & Becker WorkCover lawyers on your side, you can be sure you will get the maximum compensation you are entitled to, including lump sums, medical expenses and weekly payments. Let us eliminate the stress and frustration while you get better.

For more information, visit our Workers Compensation page.

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For more information on our WorkCover lawyers, or any of our other legal services including superannuation and road accident claims, pop into one of our offices in Victoria or phone us on 03 9626 9541.

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