Woman sues The Woolshed in Cairns for table 'dancing' injury
A POPULAR Cairns nightspot known for encouraging revellers to dance on tables is facing a lawsuit after a woman allegedly fell and fractured her wrist three years ago.
In documents lodged in Cairns Supreme Court on Wednesday, White Rock woman Gabrielle Roethig alleges she was standing on a table at The Woolshed when a dancer bumped into her and knocked her to the ground, causing the injury.
The Woolshed is popular among backpackers and locals, and puts forward table dancing as a major drawcard on its website.
In the statement of claim obtained by The Cairns Post, it is alleged Ms Roethig was not drunk but was drinking a bourbon and Coke at the venue about 2am on July 8, 2009, when she moved towards the dance floor.
"At this point in time, (Ms Roethig) was told by security personnel that it would be safer for her to stand on top of The Woolshed’s large timber tables … ," the claim said.
"The Woolshed advertises and encourages its patrons to climb on to said tables and dance." Ms Roethig was "listening to music but not dancing" on the table when someone "bumped into her with force" and she fell to the floor, the claim said.
It is alleged she put her left hand out in front and landed heavily on it.
According to the claim, Ms Roethig iced her arm and drove herself home, before going to a medical centre the next day where it was confirmed she had fractured her wrist.
She alleged her injuries were caused by negligence on the part of the nightclub, along with a breach of contract and statutory duty.
The claim has been filed under the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act and a potential compensation sum has not been nominated.
Under the Act, parties are required to attempt negotiations before the case goes to court.
The "about us" section on the nightclub’s website actively encourages table dancing after touting itself as four-time winner of the "best backpacker night out venue in Queensland".
"So why don’t you come check us out, dance on the tables and have yourself a good time," the website says.
The Woolshed’s owner Dominic Davies declined to comment while the case was before the courts.
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