SHOPPING giant could face a compensation claim after two disabled brothers were ordered out of wheelchairs and one had to crawl to his car.
The family of Ross and Tony Costa, who both have muscular dystrophy, have not ruled out going to the Equal Opportunity Commission.
If they decide to press on with the complaint, Westfield could be ordered to pay compensation, the commission confirmed last night.
Ross Costa, 41, said he felt humiliated as shocked shoppers witnessed the event.
"My sister was trying to carry me to the car but I fell over and had to crawl along the ground," he said.
"There were people getting into their cars who were just staring at me on the ground. I was really embarrassed.
"I felt like I lost my dignity because of a silly rule."
The incident occurred on Sunday when Ross was allegedly told to get out of a hired wheelchair by a security guard at Westfield Fountain Gate, Victoria.
Mr Costa said he was forced to crawl 3m to the car while his brother Tony, 45, was carried by his sister, Sandra.
A senior Westfield representative hand-delivered a written apology to the Costas' home near Mildura late yesterday.
The female guard allegedly told the brothers store policy prevented hired wheelchairs from being taken outside the centre into the car park.
Westfield last night said it would change its wheelchair policy to allow users access to car parks.
Westfield chairman Frank Lowy, one of Australia's richest men, is overseas and his office said: "He's in another time zone and we won't be bothering him now."
Two disabled brothers 'forced to crawl'
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
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