Simms v Western Sydney Area Health Service [2003] NSWSC 445

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Simms v Western Sydney Area Health Service [2003] NSWSC 445 HEARING DATE(S) : 23/04/03 JUDGMENT DATE : 28 May 2003

JUDGMENT OF : Burchett AJ at 1 DECISION : Appeals allowed and the orders made below set aside. In lieu thereof the limitation period for the cause of action alleged by the Plaintiff in each proceeding be extended for an appropriate period, not exceeding five years. The Appellants to bring in on a date to be fixed short minutes of orders to reflect these reasons. The Appellants to pay the costs of the applications to the Master, but the Respondent to pay the costs of the appeals.

CATCHWORDS : Limitation of Actions - extension of time from 3 years in certain personal injuries cases under ss. 60C and 60E - effect of those sections - effect of lack of prejudice to Defendant - effect of delay caused by neglect on part of Plaintiff's solicitor - court bound to have regard to each relevant factor in s. 60E(1) - explanation of delays LEGISLATION CITED : Limitation Act 1969 Workers Compensation Act 1987 Salido v Nominal Defendant (1993) 32 NSWLR 524 Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor (1996) 186 CLR 541 Sydney City Council v Zegarac (1998) 43 NSWLR 195 Hartley v Birmingham City District Council [1992] 1 WLR 968 Itek Graphix Pty Ltd v Elliott (2002) 54 NSWLR 207 Malone v New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service [2001] NSWCA 354 Nowlan v Marson Transport Pty Ltd (2001) 53 NSWLR 116 Paterson v Paterson (1953) 89 CLR 212 CASES CITED : S.S. Hontestroom v S.S. Sagaporack [1927] AC 37 Watt or Thomas v Thomas [1947] AC 484 Martin v Nominal Defendant (1954) 74 WN (NSW) 121 Jess v Scott (1986) 70 ALR 185 Morton v Jools (1992) Australian Torts Reports 61,297 Clark v Pain Manufacturing Pty Limited [1961] SR (NSW) 565 Halford v Brookes [1991] 3 All ER 559 Repco Corporation Ltd v Scardamaglia [1996] 1 VR 7 Comcare v A'Hearn (1993) 119 ALR 85 Schering-Plough Pty Limited v Page [2002] NSWCA 4 Megan Simms PARTIES : Western Sydney Area Health Service Gordon Simms Western Sydney Area Health Service FILE NUMBER(S) : SC 20642/00; 20643/00 COUNSEL : Appellants: P W Neil SC Respondent: K Burke SOLICITORS : Appellants: Maurice Blackburn Cashman Respondent: Lynn Boyd