Wakeling v Coles Group Limited [2011] NSWDC 20

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Wakeling v Coles Group Limited [2011] NSWDC 20 Hearing dates: 28 & 29 October, 1 & 2 November 2010, 28 January 2011 Decision date: 04 April 2011 Before: Levy SC DCJ Decision: 1.Verdict and judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $118,350; 2.The defendant is to pay the plaintiff's costs on the ordinary basis unless otherwise ordered; 3.The exhibits may be returned; 4.Liberty to apply on 7 days notice if required. Catchwords: TORTS - negligence - occupier's liability - slip and fall by customer on wet floor of supermarket - rainwater droplets on vinyl floor due to movement of wet shopping trolleys previously left outdoors in rainy conditions - whether appropriate customer safety systems were implemented to allow for such conditions - consideration of liability and damages issues arising pursuant to Civil Liability Act 2002; DAMAGES - assessment of heads of damage claimed by plaintiff Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002, ss 5B, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5G(1), 5H, 15, 16 Evidence Act 1995, s 60 Cases Cited: Australian Safeway Stores Pty Limited v Zaluzna [1987] HCA 7; (1987) 162 CLR 479 Daw v Toyworld (NSW) Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 25 Hackshaw v Shaw [1984] HCA 84, (1984) 155 CLR 614 Luxton v Vines [1952] HCA 19; (1952) 85 CLR 352 Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre Pty Ltd v Anzil [2000] HCA 61; 205 CLR 254 Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW v Dederer [2007] HCA 42 Shaw v Thomas [2010] NSWCA 169 Stojan (No 9) Pty Ltd v Kenway [2009] NSWCA 364 Vairy v Wyong Shire Council [2005] HCA 62; (2005) 223 CLR 442 Woolworths Limited v Strong & Anor [2010] NSWCA 282 Wyong Shire Council v Shirt [1980] HCA 12; (1979 - 1980) 146 CLR 40 Texts Cited: - Category: Principal judgment Parties: Steven Wakeling (Plaintiff) Coles Group Limited (Defendant) Representation: Mr A Quinlivan (Plaintiff) Mr D Priestley (Defendant) CMC Lawyers (Plaintiff) Lander & Rogers (Defendant) File Number(s): 2009/338620