Family Kayaking Trip

A family kayaking trip turned tragic when a mother and her four-year-old son were struck by a falling tree branch while enjoying a rope swing along the Gordon River. Encouraged by strangers who had just used the swing, the group came ashore to join in the fun. But as one member swung from the rope, the large branch it was tied to snapped, plummeting 20 feet and striking the mother and child below. Both suffered catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal fractures. A $1.3 million settlement—the full policy limits—was secured to support their recovery and future care.