Parkview Constructions Pty Ltd v Abrahim [2013] NSWCA 460

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Parkview Constructions Pty Ltd v Abrahim [2013] NSWCA 460 Hearing dates: 28, 29 November 2013 Decision date: 20 December 2013 Before: McColl JA at [1] Gleeson JA at [2] Sackville AJA at [3] Decision: 1. The appeal by Parkview Constructions Pty Ltd ("Parkview") in CA 2012/400220 be allowed in part. 2. The appeal by Erect Safe Scaffolding (Australia) Pty Ltd ("Erect Safe") in CA 2012/386915 be allowed in part. 3. The cross-appeal by Mr Abrahim in CA 2012/400220 be allowed. 4. The cross-appeal by Blue Star Painting Solutions Pty Ltd be allowed in part. 5. Set aside Orders 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 made by Adams J on 23 November 2012. 6. Set aside the order made by Adams J on 19 February 2013. 7. Direct the parties to file agreed short minutes of order on or before 31 January 2014 (a) specifying the amount of the verdict and judgment to be entered in favour of Mr Abrahim against each of Parkview, Erect Safe and Blue Star; (b) specifying the orders that should be made in lieu of the orders set aside by Order 5 above; (c) specifying the costs orders that should be made. 8. If the parties cannot agree on the matters identified in Order 7(a) and (b): (a) Parkview, Erect Safe and Blue Star are to file and serve their proposed short minutes of orders and brief written submissions in support on or before 31 January 2014; (b) Mr Abrahim is to file and serve his proposed short minutes of order and brief submissions in support on or before 14 February 2014. [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 - personal injury - scaffolding rendered unsafe by act of third party - whether scaffolder breached its duty of care in constructing scaffolding - whether principal contractor failed to conduct adequate inspections - whether plaintiff's employer negligent in failing to warn of risk - whether primary Judge's assessment of economic loss excessive Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002, ss 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 13 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946, s 5 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012, Sch 2.7 Workers Compensation Act 1987, s 151Z Cases Cited: Adeels Palace Pty Ltd v Moubarak [2009] HCA 48; 239 CLR 420 AV Jennings Construction Pty Ltd v Maumill (1956) 30 ALJR 100 British Fame (Owners) v MacGregor (Owners) [1943] AC 197 Cregan Hotel Management Pty Ltd v Hadaway [2011] NSWCA 338 De Sales v Ingrilli [2002] HCA 52; 212 CLR 338 Dovuro Pty Ltd v Wilkins [2003] HCA 51; 215 CLR 317 Idameneo (No 123) Pty Ltd v Gross [2012] NSWCA 423 Ilvariy Pty Ltd v Sijuk [2011] NSWCA 12 Leighton Contractors v Fox [2009] HCA 35; 240 CLR 1 Mercer v Commissioner for Road Transport (1937) 56 CLR 580 Miljus v Watpow Constructions Pty Ltd [2012] NSWCA 96; 82 NSWLR 597 Mobbs v Kain [2009] NSWCA 301; 54 MVR 179 Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre Pty Ltd v Anzil [2000] HCA 61; 205 CLR 254 Nominal Defendant v Green [2013] NSWCA 219; 64 MVR 354 Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34; 59 ALR 529 Roads and Traffic Authority (NSW) v Dederer [2007] HCA 42; 234 CLR 330 Shoalhaven City Council v Pender [2013] NSWCA 210 Stevens v Brodribb Sawmilling Co Pty Ltd [1986] HCA 1; 160 CLR 16 Vosebe Pty Ltd v Bakavgas [2009] NSWCA 117 Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19; 297 ALR 383 Wynn v NSW Insurance Ministerial Corporation [1995] HCA 53; 184 CLR 485 Category: Principal judgment Parties: In matter no. 2012/400220: