Second burns victim sues party host, takes claim total to $18 million
A second teenager has come forward to join a massive $18 million lawsuit against a Queensland party host's mother, after the duo were horribly burned when accelerant was poured on a fire at the property.
Matthew Richards and Paris Turkington were aged 15 and 16 when they were engulfed in flames at a Toowoomba house party in 2013, but the host's mother is set to fight the compensation claim.
Matthew Richards and Paris Turkington were injured at the same Toowoomba party. Source: 7News
Teen severely burnt at Queensland party suing host's mother for $11.8 million
Burns victim Paris Turkington fighting back
Mr Richards, who's now 18, says he has endured 11 painful operations and claims his injuries ended his dream of becoming a physiotherapist and derailed his studies.
"I wanted to be a physio but the burns mean I have lost the strength in my hands that the job requires so that opportunity is gone. I am currently working in a pub behind the bar. I am not sure what I want to do with my life now," Mr Richards said.
Burns victim Matthew Richards. Source: Johanna Way
Burns victim Matthew Richards. Source: APN
He's claiming $6.5 million in compensation against the mother's home and contents insurance policy, alleging her supervision of the party was neglectful.
Last month the now-19-year-old Ms Turkington lodged a similar claim for $11.8 million after suffering third-degree burns to more than 40 per cent of her body.
It will be alleged Ms Turkington’s mother dropped her daughter at the party and while there, asked if more supervision was required but the host’s mother reportedly said no.
Burns victim Paris Turkington. Source: 7News
Ms Turkington, who was left in an induced coma for 33 days, still wears a whole-body pressure suit for up to 23 hours a day, and sustained severe facial scarring in the incident.
Jillian Barrett, from the law firm Maurice Blackburn, is representing both victims and says the woman who hosted the party is lucky she had home and contents insurance.
"A lot of people don't realise home and contents doesn't just protect your belongings. It also protects the people you invite into your home as well," she told AAP.
Burns victim Paris Turkington in hospital. Source: 7News
Ms Barrett said the woman's insurer was fighting Ms Turkington's claim, and both claims may end up being settled by a judge.
"They are denying that the host mother was negligent, they are denying that she was responsible for what's happened, and they are also denying the amount of compensation," she said.
"Both matters are progressing towards trial, if that's ultimately what has to happen."
