State of New South Wales v Watzinger [2005] NSWCA 329

New South Wales Court of Appeal

CITATION: State of New South Wales v Watzinger [2005] NSWCA 329

HEARING DATE(S): 13/05/05

JUDGMENT DATE: 23 September 2005

JUDGMENT OF: Handley JA at 1; McColl JA at 2; Campbell AJA at 4

DECISION: 1. Verdict and judgment of Judge Blackman set aside. 2. The matter remitted to the District Court for a new trial limited to the issue of liability including contributory negligence. 3. The costs of the first trial to be determined by the judge hearing the retrial. 4. The respondent to pay the costs of the appeal and to have a Certificate under the Suitors' Fund Act if otherwise qualified.

CATCHWORDS: Negligence - prisoner injured carrying out plumbing work - not an employee - duty of care - foreseeability - Shirt calculus - adequacy of reasons.

Workers Compensation Act 1987 LEGISLATION CITED: Suitors' Fund Act

Stevens v Brodribb Sawmilling Co Pty Ltd (1986) 160 CLR 16 Hudson v Ridge Manufacturing Co Ltd (1957) 2 QB 348 Helmers v Department of Corrective Services [1997] 14 NSWCCR 248 Maviglia v Maviglia [1999] NSWCA 188 Tame v New South Wales [2002] 211 CLR 317 Beale v GIO of New South Wales (1997) 48 NSWLR 430 Quinn v Hill (1957) VR 439 Hall V Whatmore (1961) VR 225 Morgan v Attorney-General [1965] NZLR 134 CASES CITED: Ellis v Home Office [1953] 2 QB 135 Keatings v Secretary of State for Scotland 1961 SLT (Sh.Ct.) 63 R v Marshall [1985] 57 NR 308 McLean v The Queen (1972) 27 DLR 3rd. McCoy v Engle (537 NE 2d 665 (Ohio App 1987)) Australian Safeway Stores Pty Ltd v Zaluzna (1986-1987) 162 CLR 479 State of New South Wales v Seedsman [2000] NSWCA 119 Andar Transport Pty Ltd v Brambles Ltd (2004) 217 CLR 424 Brodie v Singleton Shire Council (2001) 206 CLR 512 Ashrafi Persian Trading Co Pty Ltd v Ashrafinia [2001] NSWCA 243