Ramsey v Denton [2021] NSWCA 310

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Ramsey v Denton [2021] NSWCA 310 Hearing dates: 24 June 2021 Date of orders: 17 December 2021 Decision date: 17 December 2021 Before: Meagher JA at [1] Simpson AJA at [2] Cavanagh J at [3] Decision: (1) The appeal is allowed. (2) The judgment of the District Court is set aside. (3) In lieu thereof, judgment for the appellant in the sum of $257,164.84. (4) The respondent is to pay the appellant's legal costs up to the time his solicitors ceased to act. Catchwords: NEGLIGENCE – Damages – Economic loss – Earning capacity – Assessing loss of future earning capacity by way of buffer – Where primary judge reduced the period of earning capacity without a sufficient evidentiary basis – Appeal allowed Legislation Cited: Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW) Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (NSW) Cases Cited: Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Cervantes [2012] NSWCA 244 Brear v James Hardie & Coy Pty Ltd (2000) 50 NSWLR 388; [2000] NSWCA 352 Graham v Baker (1961) 106 CLR 340; [1961] HCA 48 Pollard v Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering Pty Ltd [2008] NSWCA 99 Purkess v Crittenden (1965) 114 CLR 164; [1965] HCA 34 Rabay v Bristow [2005] NSWCA 199 Seltsam Pty Ltd v Ghaleb [2005] NSWCA 208 Todorovic v Waller (1981) 150 CLR 402; [1981] HCA 72 Watts v Rake (1960) 108 CLR 158; [1960] HCA 58 Wilson v Peisley (1975) 50 ALJR 207 Texts Cited: Nil Category: Principal judgment Parties: Stephen Noel Ramsey (Appellant) Patricia Sherry Denton (Respondent) Representation: Appellant (Self-represented) Respondent J Ryan (Counsel)