CUBBON, CUBBON & BATES v ROADS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY OF NSW [2004] NSWCA 326

Reported Decision : (2004) Aust Torts Reports 81-761

New South Wales Court of Appeal

CITATION : CUBBON, CUBBON & BATES v ROADS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY OF NSW [2004] NSWCA 326 HEARING DATE(S) : 27 July 2004 JUDGMENT DATE : 23 September 2004

JUDGMENT OF : Handley JA at 1; Sheller JA at 2; Tobias JA at 105 DECISION : In relation to Kenneth Neil Cubbon - see paragraph 57-58; In relation to Geoffrey Warren Cubbon - see paragraph 82-83; In relation to Lynda Aileen Bates - see paragraph 103-104

CATCHWORDS : NERVOUS SHOCK - mother and sister killed in car accident - when not present at scene of accident or aftermath - proximity test - Tame v New South Wales, Gifford v Strang Patrick Stevedoring - whether incorrect test for causation applied - whether caused or materially contributed to recognised psychiatric illness - costs of cross-appeal LEGISLATION CITED : Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1944 Gifford v Strang Patrick Stevedoring Pty Ltd (2003) 77 ALJR 1205 CASES CITED : Jaensch v Coffey (1984) 155 CLR 549 Rosniak v Government Insurance Office (1997) 41 NSWLR 608 Tame v New South Wales and Annetts v Australian Stations Pty Ltd (2002) 211 CLR 317 Geoffrey Warren Cubbon - Appellant PARTIES : Kenneth Neil Cubbon - Appellant Lynda Aileen Bates - Appellant Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales - Respondent FILE NUMBER(S) : CA 40230/02; 40231/02; 40232/02 COUNSEL : L King SC/J T Kearney - Appellants S Harben SC - Respondent SOLICITORS : Michael Evers & Co - Appellants Sparke Helmore - Respondent