M & A Wood v C & R Christopherson [2013] NSWDC 233

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: M & A Wood v C & R Christopherson [2013] NSWDC 233 Hearing dates: 18, 19, 20, 21 November 2013 Decision date: 28 November 2013 Before: Judge Haesler SC Decision: (1) Verdict and judgment for the Plaintiffs against the Second Defendant in the sum of $25,000; (2) Verdict for the First Defendant. (3) The exhibits may be returned after 28 days. (4) If costs cannot be agreed the parties have liberty to apply on 7 days notice to the Court within 21 days. Catchwords: TORTS -escape of fire - causation of damage - negligence in lighting fire - failure to prevent spread - duty of care - breach of duty - non- delegable duty of care of landholder-damages agreed Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 Evidence Act 1995 Cases Cited: Bootle v Barclay [2013] NSWCA 142. Briginshaw v Briginshaw (1938) CLR 336-361 Burnie Port Authority v General Jones Pty Ltd (1994) 179 CLR 520 Fletcher v Rylands (1866) LR 1 Gardner v Northern Territory of Australia [2004] NTCA 1 Hargrave v Goldman (1963) 110 CLR 40 Warragamba Winery Pty Ltd v State of New South Wales (No 9) [2012] NSWSC 701 Waverley Council v Ferriera [2005] NSWCA 418 Whinfield v. Lands Purchase and Management Board of Victoria and State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria (1914) 18 CLR 606 Wyong Shire Council v Shirt (1980) 146 CLR 4 Texts Cited: Fleming's The Law of Torts 10th Edition, C. Sappideen & P. Vines, Lawbook Co, 2011 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Plaintiffs: A & M Wood Defendants: R & C Christopherson Representation: Plaintiffs: Mr D Toomey Defendants: Mr C Alexander Plaintiff: Whitely, Ironside & Shillington Defendants: Campbell Paton & Taylor File Number(s): 2012/00084602-1