Taekwondo Instructor Awarded $14,740 After McDonald's Slip-and-Fall

A Canberra Taekwondo instructor has been awarded approximately $15,000 in damages after slipping at a McDonald's restaurant, in a case that underscores how personal responsibility can sharply reduce compensation payouts. The ACT Supreme Court ruling, delivered on September 2, 2026, concluded a legal battle that began with a claim of $2.15 million.

The Incident

Mohammad Almazaydeh slipped and injured himself on February 17, 2021, at a McDonald's franchise in the Mitchell suburb of Canberra. The fall occurred in an area near a wet floor sign. Following the accident, Mr. Almazaydeh launched legal proceedings seeking substantial compensation.

The court found that the franchisee had breached its duty of care toward the patron. However, it also determined that the plaintiff bore significant responsibility for what happened.

Damages Reduced for Contributory Negligence

The ACT Supreme Court assessed the total damages at approximately $20,000. That figure was then cut after the judge ruled Mr. Almazaydeh was 33% responsible for his own fall, resulting in a deduction of $7,260.

The final award was set at $14,740. The judge noted that limited evidence had been provided to support the extent of the injuries claimed, which largely explained the gap between the original $2.15 million demand and the amount ultimately ordered.

Wider Legal Context

The case highlights how premises liability claims in Australia can hinge on both the property owner's duty of care and the conduct of the person injured. A separate decision on legal costs is expected later in September.

In an unrelated ruling on the same day, the ACT Supreme Court awarded a scaffolder more than $752,000 for a workplace fall through a skylight at the Australian Defence Force Academy in August 2023. In that case, the employer was found to have breached its duty of care, and the award was not reduced despite contributory negligence being argued.