Darwich v Sinclair [2009] NSWDC 295

New South Wales District Court

CITATION: Darwich v Sinclair [2009] NSWDC 295

HEARING DATE(S): 15 May, 5 June, 9 October and 5 November 2009

JUDGMENT DATE: 18 November 2009

EX TEMPORE JUDGMENT DATE : 15 May 2009

JURISDICTION: Civil

JUDGMENT OF: Levy SC DCJ

1. The time for commencing proceedings be extended until 18 December 2008; DECISION: 2. The plaintiff is to pay the defendant's costs of the motion, such costs are not to become payable until after the conclusion of the proceedings; 3. Exhibits may be returned; 4. Liberty to apply on 7 days notice if further orders are required.

CATCHWORDS: LIMITATION OF ACTIONS –application for leave to proceed under s 109 of Motor Accidents Act 1999 – whether full and satisfactory explanation provided – whether delay has caused defendant significant prejudice – whether s 109(3)(c) quantum threshold requirement is satisfied – short form of notional damages assessment required for purpose of determining application

Civil Procedure Act 2002 LEGISLATION CITED: Evidence Act 1995 Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999

Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor [1996] HCA 25; (1996) 186 CLR 541 Campbell v United Pacific Transport Ltd [1966] Qd R 465 Commonwealth of Australia v Smith [2005] NSWCA 478 Cowie v State Electricity Commission (Vic) (1964) VR 788 Dennis v Australian Broadcasting Corporation [2008] NSWCA 37 Ditchburn v Seltsam (1989) 17 NSWLR 697 Henricks v Agnew (1997) 26 MVR 277 CASES CITED: Holt v Wynter [2000] NSWCA 143; (2000) 49 NSWLR 128 Khoury v Linfox Australia Pty Ltd (2006) NSWCA 51 Nowlan v Marson Transport Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 346; (2001) 53 NSWLR 116 Smith v Grant (2006) 67 NSWLR 735 South Western Area Health Service v Gabriel [2001] NSWCA 477 State of NSW v Moss [2000] NSWCA 13 Sydney City Council v Zegarac (1998) 43 NSWLR 195 The Salvation Army (South Australia Property Trust) v Rundle [2008] NSWCA 347