One punch attack survivor Danny Hodgson is suing the Western Australian government for negligence as he continues to live with his injuries almost three years after the attack.
The 28-year-old, originally from the UK, was attacked outside a train station in Perth in September 2021 and suffered a catastrophic brain injury.
A talented football player at the time of the attack, Hodgson underwent extensive surgeries.
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He is alleging negligence and breach of duty because his teenage attacker was out on bail at the time.
“It’s time for them to step up and take responsibility for the damage they’ve caused me,” he told 9News Perth.
His attacker was sentenced to three-and-a-half years’ behind bars, while Hodgson spent more than 200 days in hospital.
The incident changed the course of Hodgson’s life and future plans with his girlfriend Jessica Pollock.
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“We’ve got basically zero income, we’re both on Centrelink and Jess is my full-time carer and our full life has been taken away from us,” Hodgson said.
“We’ve no [prospect] of me ever working again or even starting a family.”
Last year Hodgson’s father Peter was granted a permanent visa to stay in Australia to care for his son.
Lawyers for the state are attempting to strike out Hodgson’s lawsuit, claiming there is “no reasonable cause of action”.
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“We need to get a better understanding of what the family are looking for and how they’re looking to access those outcomes,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“Obviously we continue to be willing to have those conversations.”
Hodgson is battling the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with funding for his rehabilitation needs slashed.
“I’ll never give up,” Hodgson said.
“I don’t think the Western Australian public will give up either, to be honest.”
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