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“We have taken the pre-emptive step to bring those applications so that we can protect our clients’ interests and all entitlements,” Ehrich said.
“The three years expires in January 2026 so claims have be commenced in court by that date.”
Just 25 seconds after take-off, the helicopter she was riding in entered free-fall for 40 metres and crashed on a sandbar.
Simon Tadros was forced to watch the disaster unfold from the shoreline and Nicholas would later have a leg amputated while being treated for his severe injuries.
Helicopter pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, was also killed along with British newlyweds Ronald and Diane Hughes – aged 65 and 67.
Nine passengers across both helicopters were injured.
Judge Ken Barlow today ordered the personal injury applications not proceed until a coroner has made findings into the crash.
The inquest earlier in December heard claims Jenkinson could have been affected by cocaine on the day of the crash.
There was evidence new helicopters with lower pilot visibility could have been rushed into service for the Christmas holidays, counsel assisting Ian Harvey said.
Coroner Carol Lee has adjourned the inquest to February to hear from further witnesses.
“There’s disappointment that the inquest was adjourned but there’s an understanding that it’s not an easy process,” Ehrich said.
“My clients would like (the inquest) done properly and if the parties need further time, so be it … to ensure the actual evidence comes out.”
Sea World owner Village Roadshow Theme Parks sold its joy flights operation to Sea World Helicopters Pty Ltd in 2019.
The Tadros family and several other people have in the past two weeks filed personal injury claims against Sea World Helicopters Pty Ltd in the Queensland Supreme Court.
The inquest heard Village Roadshow still had some involvement in the helicopter operation through ticket sales, audits, and staff drug and alcohol testing.
The Tadros family and the other applicants also named Gold Coast City Council, who approved the Sea World helipad, as defendants in today’s District Court applications
Jetpoint, a company that certified the helicopters as airworthy, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority were also listed as defendants in the seven applications.
