Imbree v McNeilly & Anor [2006] NSWSC 680

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Imbree v McNeilly & Anor [2006] NSWSC 680

HEARING DATE(S) : 20-28, 31 March 2006

JUDGMENT DATE : 5 July 2006

JURISDICTION : Common Law Division

JUDGMENT OF : Studdert J

DECISION : (1) I find negligence proved as against the first defendant and the second defendant.; (2) I find contributory negligence to have been proved.; (3) I find it just and equitable that the plaintiff's damages be reduced by thirty percent by reason of that contributory negligence.; (4) I assess the plaintiff's total damages (before such reduction) in the sum of $9,563,731, subject to such adjustment as is required for payments made by the defendant's insurer.

CATCHWORDS : Negligence - motor vehicle accident - driver without licence or permit - whether breach of duty - defences of volenti non fit injuria and illegal enterprise raised - contributory negligence and apportionment. Damages - accident in Northern Territory - action in New South Wales - application of Northern Territory statutory scheme for damages. Tetraplegic plaintiff - numerous heads of damages claimed and considered.

LEGISLATION CITED : Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act 1979, Northern Territory Motor Accidents (Compensation) Amendment Act 2000, Northern Territory

Breavington v Godleman (1988-1989) 169 CLR 41 Boyd v Boynton & Ors 28 NTR 1 Cook v Cook (1986) 162 CLR 376 Godhino v Willard 51 NTR 31 John Pfeiffer Pty Limited v Rogerson (2000) 203 CLR 503 Joslyn v Berryman (2003) 214 CLR 552 CASES CITED : Marsland v Andjelic (1993) 31 NSWLR 162 Mathews v McCullock of Australia Pty Limited (1973) 2 NSWLR 331 MBP (SA) Pty Limited v Gogic (1990-1991) 171 CLR 657 Nettleship v Western (1971) 2 QB 691 Perrett v Robinson (1988) 169 CLR 172 Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Limited (1985) 59 ALR 529 Southwell v Takashi Tomomoto, Bridgestone Australia [1994] NTSC 105