Published on: December 17, 2025, at 02:45h. 

Updated on: December 17, 2025, at 02:45h.

• Hairdresser claims injury sustained from large casino Christmas tree.
• Negligence lawsuit files against The Star, event management firm, and temp agency.
• Seeks compensation for surgery, therapy, lasting impairment, and hairdressing income loss.

A hairdresser whose hand was injured by a massive Christmas tree at Australia’s Star Gold Coast Casino, near Brisbane, is seeking A$1.68 million (approximately US$1.11 million) in a lawsuit.

In November 2023, Gabriela Maciel Saraiva, aged 36, was working temporarily as a laborer at the casino in preparation for the holiday season, according to her negligence claim.

The plaintiff and a coworker were moving the tree on a cart from a staging area to the casino atrium, with Saraiva pushing while her colleague pulled it, as outlined in the lawsuit.

Medical Intervention Needed

Unbeknownst to Saraiva, an elevated work platform had been placed in the doorway of the staging area, obstructing her view of the cart’s left side, where the platform was located, as stated in her complaint.

Consequently, her left hand was caught and crushed between the cart’s guardrail and the base of the Christmas tree during their movement, according to the allegations in the lawsuit.

Saraiva reportedly endured injuries to multiple fingers on her left hand, including fractures in the fingertips.

Court documents reveal that she required surgical intervention, including K-wire fixation for her left index and middle fingers, along with splinting and hand therapy.

The claim states that these injuries have led to chronic pain, restricted mobility, diminished sensation, and reduced grip strength in her left hand.

Challenges in Hairdressing Career

The plaintiff argues that her injuries have obstructed her ability to perform hairdressing tasks, complicating activities such as cutting, shampooing, styling, and managing clients’ heads.

“These work-related difficulties have rendered her less proficient in comparison to her fully able peers, resulting in a significant income loss,” states the complaint.

Beyond the casino, Saraiva’s lawsuit is also directed at temp agency Combined Labour and events management firm A Noble Event Australia. She is claiming damages of $774,317.15 (nearly US$511K) from Combined Labour and $910,910.28 (around US$601K) from A Noble Event and The Star.

In response, Combined Labour has acknowledged the plaintiff’s injuries but maintained they had “no control” over A Noble Event’s operational practices and “no input” regarding the elevated platform’s placement.

Thus far, neither the event management company nor The Star have responded to the lawsuit.

Annually in the United States, approximately 18,400 individuals visit emergency departments due to injuries related to Christmas decorations, as reported by USAFacts.org. Injury cases peak on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, averaging around 660 patients seeking medical attention.