Andrew Leslie Paul, who retired from the force last month, may never be able to work again because of trauma he suffered after the infamous fight

Andrew Leslie Paul, who retired from the force last month, may never be able to work again because of trauma he suffered after the infamous fight between the Hells Angels and Finks on the Gold Coast.Three men were shot and three more stabbed when a fight broke out between the rival gangs at a kickboxing event at the Royal Pines Resort, where Mr Paul and another officer were providing crowd control on March 18, 2006.The claim states: "The plaintiff's co-worker called for urgent police back-up when the gun battle started but armed assistance did not arrive for at least 20 to 30 minutes following this request by which time the battle was over.
"During the gun battle, the plaintiff and his co-worker feared for their lives and those of the public who they were there at the event to protect, as they just did not have sufficient police resources to properly control the situation or to protect themselves or the public."The State of Queensland is accused of failing to pass on intelligence that bikie gangs, which had the potential to spark violence, could be at the event, to either the Broadbeach Police Division officer-in-charge or an 18-officer contingent at a nearby Carrara football event.It is also accused of failing to adhere to its own Queensland Police Service planning policy, which states there should be six officers for every 1000 members of the public at an event, with the claim estimating at least 3000 people were in attendance at the kickboxing tournament.
The claim states Mr Paul, 38, has been diagnosed with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive order because of the gunfight, the circumstances around it and a failure by the QPS to provide any adequate debriefing, counselling or ongoing medical assessment or treatment."Every aspect of the plaintiff's daily living, employment, social and recreational activities has been adversely impacted by the work injury," the claim states. "The plaintiff has tried to work as a police officer but has been unable to do so because of his work injuries. Medical specialists are of the opinion that the plaintiff will not be able to return to any paid employment for a number of years into the future, if at all."Mr Paul is claiming $950,000 for future economic loss, $140,707.47 plus interest for past economic loss, the loss of past and future superannuation benefits at the rate of 18 per cent, $75,000 plus interest for pain and suffering and loss of amenities, $19,403.22 for past special damages and $10,000 for future medical expenses.A spokeswoman said the QPS was unable to comment on the case because it was before the courts.