Dean v Pope [2021] NSWDC 670

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Dean v Pope [2021] NSWDC 670 Hearing dates: 22, 23, 24 & 25 June, 16 & 23 July, 7 August, 4, 11 & 17 September, 3 & 11 December 2020; 10 March 2021 Date of orders: 13 December 2021 Decision date: 13 December 2021 Jurisdiction: Civil Before: Judge Levy SC Decision: 1. Verdict and judgment for the defendant; 2. The plaintiff is to pay the defendant's costs on the ordinary basis unless otherwise ordered; 3. The exhibits may be returned; 4. Liberty to apply on 7 days' notice if further or other orders are required. Catchwords: TORTS – negligence – medical treatment – neurosurgery – finding that treating neurosurgeon acted in a manner that was widely accepted in Australia by peer professional opinion as competent professional practice – defence established pursuant to s 5O of Civil Liability Act 20021 – claim of negligence not proven – claim of causation not proven; DAMAGES – damages assessed at $611,850 – failure of plaintiff's solicitor to prove claim for out-of-pocket expenses Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), s 5B, s 5C, s 5D, s 5E, s 5O, s 13, s 16 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), Sch 7 Cases Cited: Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Kerr [2012] NSWCA 13 Dobler v Halvorsen (2007) 70 NSWLR 151; [2007] NSWCA 335 Fox v Percy (2003) 214 CLR 118; [2003] HCA 22 Glen v Sullivan [2015] NSWCA 191 Graham v Baker (1961) 106 CLR 340; [1961] HCA 48 Leotta v Public Transport Commission of NSW (1976) 9 ALR 437; 50 ALJR 666 Lowns v Woods (1996) Aust Torts Reports 81 – 376 McKenna v Hunter & New England Local Health District; Simon v Hunter & New England Local Health District [2013] NSWCA 476 Medlin v State Government Insurance Commission (1995) 182 CLR 1; [1995] HCA 5 Paff v Speed (1961) 105 CLR 549 Paric v John Holland (Constructions) Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 58 Penrith City Council v Parks [2004] NSWCA 201 Perisher Blue Pty Ltd v Nair-Smith (2015) NSWLR 1, [2015] NSWCA 90 Purkess v Crittenden (1965) 114 CLR 164; [1965] HCA 34 Roads and Traffic Authority (NSW) v Dederer (2007) 234 CLR 330; [2007] HCA 42 Rogers v Whitaker (1992) 175 CLR 479; [1992] HCA 58 Rosenberg v Percival (2001) 205 CLR 434; [2001] HCA 18 Sparks v Hobson [2018] NSWCA 29 State of NSW v Moss [2000] NSWCA 133, (2000) 54 NSWLR 536 Sydney South West Area Health Service v MD [2009] NSWCA 343 Vairy v Wyong Shire Council (2005) 223 CLR 442; [2005] HCA 62 Water Board v Moustakas (1988) 180 CLR 491; [1988] HCA 12 Watson v Foxman & Ors (2000) 49 NSWLR 315 Watts v Rake (1960) 108 CLR 158; [1960] HCA 58 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Paul Rory Dean (Plaintiff) Raoul Pope (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr M Cranitch SC with Mr A Campbell (Plaintiff) Mr R Cheney SC (Defendant)