Jajieh v Woolworths Ltd [2010] NSWDC 239

New South Wales District Court

CITATION: Jajieh v Woolworths Ltd [2010] NSWDC 239

HEARING DATE(S): 21, 22 & 23 July 2010

JUDGMENT DATE: 26 October 2010

JURISDICTION: Civil

JUDGMENT OF: Levy SC DCJ

1. Verdict for the plaintiff on the issues of liability; 2. Damages are assessed in the sum of $766,793; DECISION: 3. Judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $750,000; 4. The defendant is to pay the plaintiff's costs on the ordinary basis unless otherwise ordered; 5. The exhibits may be returned; 6. Liberty to apply on 7 days notice if further orders are required

CATCHWORDS: TORTS – negligence – occupier's liability – slip and fall on wet floor in retail premises where occupier had notice of water spillage on floor – delay in isolating and cleaning spillage - DAMAGES – assessment of multiple heads of damage including damages for the provision of childcare services to the plaintiff's children in addition to damages for gratuitous services provided to the plaintiff – ss 15, 15B of the Civil Liability Act 2002

Civil Liability Act 2002, ss 5B, 5D, 15, 15B, 16 LEGISLATION CITED: District Court Act 1973, s 51(4) Evidence Act 1995, s 60

Amaca Pty Ltd v Novek [2009] NSWCA 50 Australian Safeway Stores Pty Limited v Zaluzna [1987] HCA 7; (1987) 162 CLR 479 Daw v Toyworld (NSW) Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 25 Ehlefeldt v Rowan-Kelly [2009] NSWSC 331 Graham v Baker [1961] HCA 48; (1961) 106 CLR 340 Hackshaw v Shaw [1984] HCA 84, (1984) 155 CLR 614 Jones v Bartlett [2000] HCA 56; (2000) 205 CLR 166 CASES CITED: Liverpool City Council v Altaf Laskar [2010] NSWCA 52 Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre Pty Ltd v Anzil [2000] HCA 61; 205 CLR 254 Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW v Dederer [2007] HCA 42 Shaw v Thomas [2010] NSWCA 169 State of NSW v Moss [2000] NSWCA 133 Stojan (No 9) Pty Ltd v Kenway [2009] NSWCA 364 Vairy v Wyong Shire Council [2005] HCA 62; (2005) 223 CLR 442 Wyong Shire Council v Shirt [1980] HCA 12; (1979 - 1980) 146 CLR 40