A Gippsland family has launched legal action against the State of Victoria after their son was seriously injured when he ran through a glass window at a special development school in Traralgon, raising concerns about safety standards in older school buildings.
Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyers is acting for Brody Lothringer, who was 12 years old when the incident occurred in May 2019.
Brody, who lives with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, ADHD and epilepsy, sustained multiple lacerations to his arms and head after colliding with the window. He was taken to hospital by ambulance and required extensive suturing. Photographs and medical material show lasting scarring.
It is alleged the glass involved was not safety glass and did not meet applicable safety standards or Department of Education requirements.
Following the incident, Brody experienced significant distress and ongoing behavioural and emotional challenges. Treating specialists have reported symptoms including anxiety, trauma-related responses and severe avoidance behaviours associated with his school environment.
His legal team says the incident had a profound impact on his ability to engage in education.
Brody’s support needs and behaviours were well documented prior to the incident. Reports describe distress-related behaviours, including running, headbutting and physical outbursts, which may increase the risk of injury in certain environments.
His parents say they were not made aware of the extent of earlier window-related incidents before May 2019. They also say they had to make repeated requests to the school to obtain a report about what had occurred on the day of the incident.
The school has since closed at that location.
After WorkSafe involvement, windows at the school were upgraded or replaced with safety glass.
The case will examine whether the response to identified risks was adequate and timely, and whether the school environment met required safety standards.
The matter is listed for trial in the County Court of Victoria on 17 May 2026, with mediation expected to take place prior.