A Queensland mother is taking legal action against Woolworths, seeking more than $1.7 million in damages after an alleged workplace injury. Lyticia Freshwater, a mother of three from the Sunshine Coast, claims she suffered permanent impairment while breaking down cardboard from a pallet of watermelons at the Caloundra store in 2023.
Details of the Incident
According to a statement of claim filed in Brisbane's Supreme Court, Ms Freshwater was the assistant produce manager at the time. She asserts that she stepped on cardboard to fold it down, but it suddenly snapped back, causing her to fall backwards and strike her head on the concrete floor. The incident has left her with an 11 per cent Psychiatric Injury Rating Scale score, preventing her from returning to her pre-injury social, recreational, and employment activities.
Allegations Against Woolworths
Ms Freshwater alleges that Woolworths failed to provide a safe system of work, did not properly identify or mitigate risks, and lacked adequate training or supervision for staff performing such tasks. She is claiming over $1.74 million, excluding interest, for injuries, future loss of income, and medical treatments for neurological symptoms and psychological conditions, including persistent headaches, cervical spine pain, numbness, and depression.
The claim includes future treatments such as Botox, Pilates, massage, acupuncture, and global travel for medical purposes.
Personal Impact
Ms Freshwater expressed her emotional struggle, stating, "I've been through so many stages - grief, anger and a real loss of self-worth." She highlighted the challenge of managing her injury while caring for her children, adding, "I don't get to just go home and rest. I have children who rely on me." She also criticised Woolworths for insufficient support, saying, "After the injury, I received the same check-in call each week. It felt robotic, like I was just another box to tick."
Legal Perspective
Isabella Blunt, Ms Freshwater's personal injury lawyer from Travis Schultz & Partners, noted that the case underscores how routine tasks can pose serious dangers. "There's a perception that workplace injuries happen in high-risk industries, but in reality, they can happen anywhere," Ms Blunt said. "Many serious injuries occur during routine tasks. These tasks are repeated countless times a day – but it only takes one moment for someone's life to change."
She also criticised the statutory scheme, saying delays in treatment approvals and inconsistent decision-making can leave injured workers in limbo.
Current Status
The case is before Brisbane's Supreme Court, and a notice of intention to defend has been filed. The Daily Mail has contacted Ms Freshwater's lawyer and Woolworths Group for comment.
