Leigh Ann Russell by her next friend Julie Ann Russell v Rail Infrastructure Corporation [2007] NSWSC 402

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Leigh Ann Russell by her next friend Julie Ann Russell v Rail Infrastructure Corporation [2007] NSWSC 402

HEARING DATE(S) : 27/11/06,28/11/06, 29/11/06, 30/11/06, 4/12/06

JUDGMENT DATE : 30 April 2007

JUDGMENT OF : Bell J at 1

DECISION : Verdict for the plaintiff against the defendant. The plaintiff's damages will be reduced by 50 percent by reason of her contributory negligence. The proceedings may be re-listed by arrangement with my Associate on three days notice for submissions on the question of fund management. The parties may bring in a schedule with calculations, in conformity with these reasons, of the sums that require adjustment to the date of judgment together with interest.

CATCHWORDS : Negligence - statutory authority responsible for rail infrastructure - failure to maintain fence - contributory negligence - standard of care of intellectually handicapped plaintiff

Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) LEGISLATION CITED : Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1965 Motor Accidents Act 1988 (NSW) Transport Administration Act 1988

Austrade & Safeway Stores Pty Ltd v Zaluzna (1987) 162 CLR 479 Brodie v Singleton Shire Council [2001] HCA 29; 206 CLR 512 Cook v Cook (1986) 162 CLR 376 Daly v Liverpool Corporation [1939] 2 All ER 142 Edson v Roads & Traffic Authority [2006] NSWCA 68; 65 NSWLR 543 Gala v Preston (1991) 172 CLR 243 Graham Barclay Oysters Pty Limited v Ryan [2002] HCA 54; 211 CLR 540 Hackshaw v Shaw (1984) 155 CLR 614 Joslyn v Berryman [2003] HCA 34; 214 CLR 552 CASES CITED : McHale v Watson (1966) 115 CLR 119 Mawlodi v State Rail Authority (NSW) [2001] NSWCA 415 Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre Pty Limited v Anzil [2000] HCA 61; 205 CLR 254 Podrebersek v Australian Iron and Steel Pty Ltd (1985) 59 ALJR 492 Reeves v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2000] 1 AC 360 Ryan v State Rail Authority of New South Wales [1999] NSWSC 1236 State Rail Authority v Madden [2001] NSWCA 252 Vairy v Wyong Shire Council (2005) 223 CLR 422 Wheat v E Lacon & Co Ltd [1966] AC 552 Wyong Shire Council v Shirt (1979–1980) 146 CLR 40