Kiritheran Thambirajah v Allianz Australia Insurance Limited [2023] NSWDC 534

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Kiritheran Thambirajah v Allianz Australia Insurance Limited [2023] NSWDC 534 Hearing dates: 03 November 2023 06 November 2023 Date of orders: 01 December 2023 Decision date: 01 December 2023 Jurisdiction: Civil Before: Montgomery DCJ Decision: (1) The Defendant's Notice of Motion filed 19 July 2023 is dismissed. (2) Pursuant to s 109(3) Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW), the Plaintiff have leave to commence and continue these proceedings. (3) The Defendant pay the Plaintiff's costs of the Notice of Motion. Catchwords: LIMITATION OF ACTIONS – Motor accidents – Failure to commence proceedings within three years of accident – Requirements of leave under Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW) ss 66(2) and 109(3)(a) – Whether a "full and satisfactory" explanation for delay – Significant disadvantages of respondent – Whether evidence required by each of the respondent's former legal advisors to constitute a full and satisfactory explanation for delay Legislation Cited: Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW), ss 7E, 66, 72, 73, 74, 81, 108, 109, 134 Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW) Cases Cited: Berowra Holdings Pty Ltd v Gordon (2006) 225 CLR 364; [2006] HCA 32 Dijakovic v Perez (2015) 71 MVR 334; [2015] NSWCA 174 Karambelas v Zaknic (No 2) (2014) 69 MVR 127; [2014] NSWCA 433 Landon v Ferguson [2005] NSWCA 395 Nestlé Australia Ltd v Metri [2021] NSWCA 303 Nominal Defendant v Browne (2013) 64 MVR 214; [2013] NSWCA 197 Stein v Ryden (2022) 102 MVR 309; [2022] NSWCA 212 Walker v Howard (2009) 78 NSWLR 161; [2009] NSWCA 408 Category: Procedural rulings Parties: Kiritheran Thambirajah (Plaintiff/Respondent) Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Defendant/Applicant) Representation: Counsel: Mr B Dooley SC and Mr S Hunt (Plaintiff/Respondent) Mr B Wilson (Defendant/Applicant)