Upper Lachlan Shire Council v Rodgers [2012] NSWCA 259

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Upper Lachlan Shire Council v Rodgers [2012] NSWCA 259 Hearing dates: 13 August 2012 Decision date: 23 August 2012 Before: Allsop P at [1] Campbell JA at [52] Barrett JA at [53] Decision: Appeal dismissed with costs. [Note: The Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 provide (Rule 36.11) that unless the Court otherwise orders, a judgment or order is taken to be entered when it is recorded in the Court's computerised court record system. Setting aside and variation of judgments or orders is dealt with by Rules 36.15, 36.16, 36.17 and 36.18. Parties should in particular note the time limit of fourteen days in Rule 36.16.] Catchwords: NEGLIGENCE - duty of care - breach - inadequate lighting in car park - car park user tripped on log in darkness en route to vehicle - reasonable requirement for car park operator to take precautions - no contributory negligence

NEGLIGENCE - damages - past domestic assistance - sufficient evidence to justify conclusion of 1-2 hours per day of gratuitous care Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) Interpretation Act 1987 (NSW) Cases Cited: Carey v Lake Macquarie City Council [2007] NSWCA 4 Consolidated Broken Hill Ltd v Edwards [2005] NSWCA 380 Harrison v Melhem [2008] NSWCA 67; 72 NSWLR 380 Hill v Forrester [2010] NSWCA 170 Pacific Steel Constructions Pty Ltd v Barahona [2009] NSWCA 406 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Upper Lachlan Shire Council (Appellant) Terry Rodgers (Respondent) Representation: R Sheldon SC/G Donnellan (Appellant) D Campbell SC/A Foel (Respondent) DLA Piper (Appellant) Galland Elder Lulham (Respondent) File Number(s): 2009/338667 Decision under appeal Date of Decision: 2011-09-28 00:00:00 Before: Murrell SC DCJ File Number(s): 2009/338667