This was the case for the family of Austen Harrison, a four-year-old boy who lost his life after sustaining severe head injuries when an 18-stone mirror fell on him.
Austen was at a Hugo Boss pop-up store in Bicester Vilage, Oxfordshire, with his family when the incident occurred. According to reports, his father was trying on a suit when the mirror came crashing down upon him.
The huge mirror had been left standing free rather than being attached to a wall, and has been described by a coroner as “an accident waiting to happen”.
Austen was rushed to hospital after the horrific accident, but he sadly lost his life four days later at John Radcliffe Hospital.
Austen’s heartbroken parents proceeded to take a case against Hugo Boss, and this week a judge fined the Hugo Boss corporation for £1.2 million.
Commenting after the judgment was handed down, a representative for Austen’s mum Irina released a statement, which read: “I would like to thank the coroner, Judge Ross and Mr Hake of Hugo Boss for their sensitivity and genuine care.”
“Austen’s greatest pleasure in life was to help others. In his memory I invite you to help someone, no matter how small or large the deed, to assist Austen in creating a friendlier world. My love extends to each one of you for doing this,” she added.
Hugo Boss UK went on to issue an apology for Austen’s “wholly avoidable” death.
