Hepworth v Miller Bulk Haulage Pty Ltd [2004] NSWSC 324

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Hepworth v Miller Bulk Haulage Pty Ltd [2004] NSWSC 324 HEARING DATE(S) : 22/03/04 - 30/03/04 JUDGMENT DATE : 23 April 2004

JUDGMENT OF : Shaw J at 1 DECISION : 1) Verdict and judgment in favour of the Plaintiff in the sum of $864,155;; 2) Exhibits to be retained by the Court until 5 August 2004 at which time they may be returned unless an appeal has been filed in the Court of Appeal;; 3) The Defendant to pay the Plaintiff's costs and such costs are to be paid on an indemnity basis from 15 May 2003 and on a part/party basis before that time;; 4) That the Defendant have a credit in the sum of $370,589 for payments made pursuant to the Workers Compensation Act 1987.

CATCHWORDS : Negligence - Employer's Liability - Workplace Safety LEGISLATION CITED : Motor Accidents Act 1988 (NSW), Part 6, ss 151E, 151E(2); Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW), ss 39, 39(1A)(d), 39(2), 79 Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v GSF Australia Pty Ltd (2003) 57 NSWLR 321; Fox v Wood (1981) 148 CLR 438; Hamilton v Nuroof (WA) Pty Limited (1956) 96 CLR 18; Judd v Portland District Hospital (unreported) Supreme Court of Victoria, Court of Appeal, August 1995; CASES CITED : Kondis v State Transport (1984) 154 CLR 672; March v Stramare (1991) 171 CLR 506; Miletic v Capital Territory Health Commission (1995) 69 ALJR 675; Polycarpou v Australian Wire Industries Industries Pty Limited (1995) 36 NSWLR 49; Shirt v Wyong Shire Council (1980) 146 CLR 40; Wilsons & Clyde Coal Company v English [1983] AC 57 PARTIES : Gregory John Hepworth (Plaintff) Miller Bulk Haulage Pty Limited (Defendant) FILE NUMBER(S) : SC 20411/2000 COUNSEL : P Menzies QC with P Beale (Plaintiff) DJ Russell SC with W Chipchase (Defendant) SOLICITORS : Andrew Fegent & Co (Plaintiff) Sparke Helmore (Defendant)