Pool maintenance worker, 48, sues couple for $750,000

A maintenance man who tripped over a sprinkler hose and broke his wrist while working on a property in Rockhampton is suing the homeowners.

Darren James Gorle is claiming ‘not more than $750,000’ in damages and associated costs after he fell while speaking to the occupants as he worked on their pools filter box. 

The 48-year-old moved forward to get a better view of the householders, who were talking to him from the balcony, before stumbling across the sprinkler hose and breaking his right wrist, the Morning Bulletin reported. 

Darren James Gorle claims he tripped over a sprinkler hose which caused his injury (stock) 

Mr Gorle claims that because of the injury, which required surgery, he was left with a permanent imposition. 

The claim indicates he blames the owners for negligence as his injury occurred because the sprinkler hose was in his way and he was distracted by the residents. 

He says at no time was he warned about the hose while he was working nor did the owner make an effort to remove it ahead of time. 

Mr Gorle also claims the wrist fracture has impacted his ability to do recreational activities.  

Mr Gorle claims that because of the injury, which required surgery, he was left with a permanent imposition (stock)

The claim indicates he blames the owners for negligence as his injury occurred because the sprinkler hose was in his way and he was distracted by the residents (stock)

‘The plaintiff is by virtue of his injuries over sensitised and unable to cope with the usual rigours of work,’ the claim states. 

The suit for $750,000 lists $80,000 in general damages, $107,170 for past economic loss, $354,879.60 in future economic loss, past and future superannuation loss totalling $51,294.76.  

It also details other special damages claims plus interest including future physiotherapy costs. 

He says that with his age and how long he had away from the job, he is at ‘risk of significant periods of unemployment,’ the claim states.