Emma Jane Plowman by her next friend Toby Plowman v Sisters of St John of God Inc [2012] NSWSC 376

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Emma Jane Plowman by her next friend Toby Plowman v Sisters of St John of God Inc [2012] NSWSC 376 Hearing dates: 30 September 2011 Decision date: 20 April 2012 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: HOEBEN J Decision: (1) The limitation period for the plaintiff's action be extended to 24 December 2010, pursuant to the Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Vic). (2) I order that paragraph 6 of the defendant's Notice of Grounds of Defence be dismissed. (3) I reserve the question of costs. Catchwords: LIMITATION OF ACTIONS - application for extension of time under Limitations of Actions Act 1958 (Vic) - whether plaintiff able to rely upon s27J of the Act - if not whether plaintiff entitled to discretionary extension of time under s27K and 27L of the Act - reasons for delay on part of plaintiff- extent of prejudice to defendant - absence of actual prejudice - time within which cause of action was discoverable - requirement that extension of time be "just and reasonable" - whether deliberate decision by plaintiff to let limitation period expire - effect of possible availability of cause of action against previous solicitors - delay in advising defendant of possibility of bringing proceedings against it - extension of time granted. Legislation Cited: Freedom of Information Act 1982 Guardianship and Administration Act 1986 Interpretation of Legislation Act (Vic) 1984 Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Vic) Limitation of Actions (Amendment) Act 2002 Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic) Wrongs and Other Acts (Law of Negligence) Act 2003 Wrongs and Limitations of Actions Act (Insurance Reform) Act 2003 Cases Cited: Adeels Palace Pty Limited v Bou Najem [2009] HCA 48, (2009) 239 CLR 420 Andresakis & Skouteris trading as Andresakis & Associates v Alexus Holdings Pty Ltd [2006] NSWCA 294, (2006) 68 NSWLR 507 at [82] - [93]. Baker-Morrison v State of NSW [2009] NSWCA 35, (2009) 74 NSWLR 454 Batistatos v Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW & Anor [2006] HCA 27, (2006) 226 CLR 256 at [69] Bostik Australia Pty Limited v Liddiard & Anor [2009] NSWCA 167 Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor (1996) 186 CLR 541 at 550 Diaz v Truong [2002] 37 MVR 158 Harris v Commercial Minerals Limited (1995-1996) 186 CLR 1 at 14 Harrison v Melham (2008) 72 NSWLR 380 Holt v Wynter [2000] NSWCA 143, (2000) 49 NSWLR 128 Itek Graphix Pty Limited v Elliott [2002] NSWCA 104, (2001) 54 NSWLR 207 Matthew v Eastern Health (Shelton CCJ unreported, 10 November 2006) Morrison v Judd (Court of Appeal - unreported, 10 October 1995) Noja v Civil and Civic Pty Ltd (1990) 26 FCR 95 Rogers v Whittacker (1992) 175 CLR 479 State of NSW v Gillett [2012] NSWCA 83 Wrongs and Other Acts (Law of Negligence) Act 2003 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Emma Jane Plowman by her next friend Toby Plowman - Plaintiff Sisters of St John of God Inc - Defendant Representation: Mr M Joseph SC/Mr D Stanton - Plaintiff Mr J Gormly SC - Defendant Equilaw Solicitors - Plaintiff TressCox Lawyers - Defendant File Number(s): 2010/425441