Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd (No 2) [2013] NSWSC 1951

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd (No 2) [2013] NSWSC 1951 Hearing dates: 5 August 2013, 6 August 2013, 7 August 2013, 8 August 2013, 12 August 2013, 13 August 2013, 14 August 2013, 15 August 2013 Decision date: 20 December 2013 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: Schmidt J Decision: Verdict for Mr Grills against both Leightons and the State. Catchwords: TORTS - negligence - police - police highway patrol - motorcade - Eastern Distributor - boomgate - how did the boomgate come to be lowered - were instructions given to lower the boomgate - was the plaintiff's speed excessive - duty of care - breach of duty - causation - contributory negligence - apportionment - Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 - damages - plaintiff's injuries - vocational reports - occupational therapists - non-economic loss - past and future economic loss - superannuation - out of pocket expenses - future medical expenses - domestic assistance - past care - future care future therapy, driving aids and equipment - orders

TORTS - defences - unpleaded defence Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 Civil Procedure Act 2005 Evidence Act 1995 Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 Workers Compensation Act 1987 Cases Cited: Adeels Palace Pty Ltd v Moubarak [2009] HCA 48; (2009) 239 CLR 420 Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v GSF Australia Pty Ltd [2005] HCA 26; (2005) 221 CLR 568 Bellingen Shire Council v Colavon Pty Ltd [2012] NSWCA 34; (2012) 188 LGERA 169 Bresatz v Przibillai (1962) 108 CLR 541 Consolidated Broken Hill Ltd v Edwards [2005] NSWCA 380; (2005) Aust Torts Reports 81-815 Inasmuch Community Inc v Bright [2006] NSWCA 99; (2006) 45 MVR 234 Izzard v Dunbier Marine Products (NSW) Pty Ltd [2012] NSWCA 132 Joslyn v Berryman [2003] HCA 34; (2003) 214 CLR 522 Manly Council v Byrne [2004] NSWCA 123 Manley v Alexander [2005] HCA 79; (2005) 223 ALR 228 Mead v Kerney [2012] NSWCA 215 Miller v Galderisi [2009] NSWCA 353 Kallouf v Middis [2008] NSWCA 61 Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre Pty Ltd v Anzil [2000] HCA 61; (2000) 205 CLR 254 Nominal Defendant v Livaja [2011] NSWCA 121 Nominal Defendant v GLG Australia Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 11; (2006) 228 CLR 529 Novakovic v Stekovic [2012] NSWCA 54 Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34; (1985) 59 ALR 529 Rabay v Bristow [2005] NSWCA 199 RG & KM Whitehead Pty Ltd v Lowe [2013] NSWCA 117; (2013) 63 MVR 375 Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW v Dederer [2007] HCA 42; (2007) 234 CLR 330 State of New South Wales v Perez [2013] NSWCA 149 Strong v Woolworths Ltd t/as Big W [2012] HCA 5; (2012) 246 CLR 182 TVH Australasia Pty Ltd v Chaseling [2012] NSWCA 149; (2012) 60 MVR 535 Vairy v Wyong Shire Council [2005] HCA 62; (2005) 223 CLR 422 Watts v Rake [1960] HCA 58; (1960) 108 CLR 158 Wynn v NSW Insurance Ministerial Corporation [1995] HCA 53; (1995) 184 CLR 485 Zurich Australian Insurance Ltd v CSR Ltd [2001] NSWCA 261; (2001) 52 NSWLR 193 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Adam Lee Grills (Plaintiff) Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd ABN 98 000 893 667 (First Defendant) State of New South Wales (Second Defendant) QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (Third Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr BJ Gross QC with Mr KO Earl (Plaintiff) Mr MJ Windsor SC with Mr S E Torrington, counsel (First Defendant) Mr G Parker SC (Second Defendant) Mr R Bartlett SC (Third Defendant) Solicitors: Baker & Edmunds Solicitors (Plaintiff) Thompson Cooper Lawyers (First Defendant) Turks Legal (Second Defendant) Michael Sofoulis(Third Defendant) File Number(s): 2008/317603 Publication restriction: None