A 65-year-old Queensland hairdresser is fighting for compensation after she fell into a large pothole while visiting a local grocery store.
When Linda Evans visited the Imbil Friendly Grocer in December 2020 to get a loaf of bread, things took a turn for her when she was taken away in an ambulance after she tripped and fell into a pothole on the road out the front of the shop.
"I was bawling my eyes out. I was so upset. I just couldn't believe it happened," Evans told A Current Affair.
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Evans suffered fractures to her left elbow and wrist and further damage was caused to her left thumb and right shoulder.
"People rushed over and I think I was dazed and couldn't breathe because I'd winded myself so badly," Evans said.
Evans, who owns a hairdressing salon in Cooroy, was unable to cut hair for three months and said when she returned she had to learn how to cut differently.
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"I ended up having to wear a brace around my wrist and my elbow because it just aches and some days I'm nearly in tears," Evans said.
Shine Lawyers solicitor, Rebecca Thomas, said the accident will have a long-lasting impact on Evans.
"As a hairdresser you're using both arms throughout the day, (she's using them) above her head and she's restricted and will be forevermore," Thomas said.
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Evans almost lost her business because of her injuries, which is why she is seeking $230,000 in damages from Gympie Regional Council and the owner of the Imbil Friendly Grocer.
Thomas said both parties were responsible for having the pothole fixed.
"We're pursuing both the grocery store and the council, because they both have a duty of care to Linda," Thomas said.
"Whether it's the council's land or not, why wasn't the Friendly Grocer hassling them to fix it? Because when you have a look at the hole, it didn't happen overnight," Evans said.
Despite the seriousness of her injuries, Evans said she "can't believe" that the pothole has only recently been filled.
Both the council and the store owner have yet to lodge a defence to Evans' claim or an offer to settle the matter.
They both declined A Current Affair's request for a response.
To make matters worse, Evans said she has been attacked by keyboard warriors on social media.
"People on Facebook were saying. 'lift your feet and open your eyes' and a couple of them said, 'I've tripped there before too and I didn't go out and sue anyone'," Evans said.
Thomas said Evans' claim is fair.
"I wouldn't have gone through the stress of this, if they had just fixed the thing," Evans added.
Grandmother sues council and local grocer after pothole fall - Nine Shows
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