Bashed soccer player Danny Hodgson ordered to pay ambulance bill, burden of questioning crime victim

A man who survived a single-shot assault that left him with continuous seizures and brain damage wonders why a crime victim has to pay for ambulance transportation.

Danny Hodgson was beaten without warning by a 17-year-old boy at Perth train station in September 2021.

He fell on his back, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and spent nearly 100 days in the state’s intensive care unit, including his 26th birthday.

The aspiring soccer player then underwent a lengthy rehabilitation process in which he had to learn to eat, drink, sit, walk and talk.

He suffered a series of complications that left him permanently disabled.

Invoice arrived from date of attack

Mr Hodgson today shared a notice he received from a debt collector requesting payment for an ambulance to the Royal Perth Hospital on the day he was attacked.

He said he was unable to work and was left permanently disabled by the attack, so he had no idea where the money would come from.

In a statement, Hodgson said, “Once again my family and I feel kicked during our depression.

“This demand for payment has not only created financial pressure, but it has also taken an emotional toll.

“One cowardly attack took everything from us, but the system still wants more, and there’s nothing we can do about it.

“Where is justice?”

Hodgson said he was not eligible for disability benefits. He moved to Australia from England as a teenager.

Compensation process in WA

In Western Australia, victims of crime can apply for compensation from the state government to cover a range of circumstances, including medical expenses.

In a statement, a Justice Department spokesman said crime victims can apply for up to $75,000, regardless of nationality or citizenship.

“Injury and loss payments under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme include ambulance bills, which can be paid directly to the service provider or to an account where the maximum amount has not yet been paid to the victim. Victims who paid will be reimbursed,” the statement said. .

“The Commissioner for Crime Victims has begun discussions with St. John Ambulance regarding improving services for crime victims.”

Victims have a three-year claim period from the date of violation and may seek interim payments before the claim is completed.

This afternoon, the Washington state government said Hodgson would not have to pay ambulance bills.

A government spokesperson said, “The Office of the Minister of Health, aware of the collection notice issued to Danny Hodgson, has contacted St. John Washington.”

“Mr. Hodgson does not have to pay this bill.”