Ms Pitt suffered burns to 64 per cent of her body and life-threatening injuries in September 2011 when she became trapped by a fire in West Australia’s Kimberley region while she was running in a marathon organised by Racing the Planet.
Ms Pitt, 26, had four fingers from her left hand and her right thumb amputated and was told by doctors that her injuries were so severe that she might not survive.
In February last year the mining engineer launched a Supreme Court action against the organisers, and on Thursday the parties settled out of court.
Ms Pitt’s lawyer, Greg Walsh, would not confirm the figure of the confidential settlement but The Weekly understands it not as high as the $10 million figure which is being reported.
“She’s very relieved that the matter has finally been settled. There’s no amount of money that could return her to the position that she was at before race, but she’s glad to be able to put the case behind her”, Walsh told The Weekly.
“It’s not about retribution, but she’s now able to get on with her life.”
Turia Pitt and her partner Michael Hoskins. Photography by Tim Bauer. Styling by Jamela Duncan.
Turia Pitt and her partner Michael Hoskins. Photography by Tim Bauer. Styling by Jamela Duncan.
Turia Pitt and her partner Michael Hoskins. Photography by Tim Bauer. Styling by Jamela Duncan.
A fellow competitor, Kate Sanderson also suffered extensive burns, had her left foot amputated, lost part of her earlobes and part of her right index finger. Ms Sanderson reached a settlement with Racing the Planet last year.
The WA state government has previously offered $450,000 payments to the runners following a parliamentary inquiry in which a committee found the organisers did not take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of competitors and identify risks, despite knowing a bushfire was burning nearby.
The inquiry condemned Tourism WA for sponsoring the event without examining its risk management plans or insurance policies.
