White v Benjamin [2015] NSWCA 75

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: White v Benjamin [2015] NSWCA 75 Hearing dates: 3 October 2014 Decision date: 30 March 2015 Before: Beazley ACJ at [1]; Basten JA at [20]; Meagher JA at [97] Decision: (1)Allow the appeal and set aside the judgment given in the District Court on 10 October 2013. (2)In lieu thereof, give judgment for the plaintiff against the defendants in the amount of $278,250. (3)Order that the respondents pay 50% of the appellant's costs in this Court. Catchwords: DAMAGES – assessment – damages for past economic loss – plaintiff injured by respondent in motor accident – whether plaintiff would have stayed in Australia and been employed as a nurse absent injury – availability of child minding assistance to the plaintiff in Australia – whether trial judge erred in determining the plaintiff's loss of earning capacity – damages for future economic loss – whether the trial judge erred in deducting more than 15% for vicissitudes – Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW), s 126

DAMAGES – assessment – claim for gratuitous domestic assistance – refused because plaintiff's personal domestic needs required less than six hours per week – whether plaintiff's lost capacity to care for other family members can be considered – whether statutory test for awarding damages requires separate assessment of claims for gratuitous domestic assistance – Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), s 15B – Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW), s 141B

DAMAGES – commercial domestic assistance – whether trial judge erred in assessing likelihood of need – application of Malec v JC Hutton Pty Ltd [1990] HCA 20; 169 CLR 638 in respect of future contingencies Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), ss 3B, 15, 15B, 141B Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW), ss 3, 126, 141B Cases Cited: Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Kerr [2012] NSWCA 13; 83 NSWLR 302 Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Ward [2010] NSWSC 720; 79 NSWLR 657 Arthur Robinson (Grafton) Pty Ltd v Carter [1968] HCA 9; 122 CLR 649 Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Haleluka [2012] NSWCA 343 CSR Ltd v Eddy [2005] HCA 64; 226 CLR 1 Cummings v Canberra Theatre Trust (unrep, 18 June 1980, Full Court of Federal Court Daly v Thiering [2013] HCA 45 Griffiths v Kerkemeyer [1977] HCA 45; 139 CLR 161 Hill v Forrester [2010] NSWCA 170; 79 NSWLR 470 Hodges v Frost [1984] FCA 98; 53 ALR 373 Kallouf v Middis [2008] NSWCA 61 Malec v JC Hutton Pty Ltd [1990] HCA 20; 169 CLR 638 Mead v Kerney [2012] NSWCA 215 Miller v Galderisi [2009] NSWCA 353 Van Gervan v Fenton [1992] HCA 54; 175 CLR 327 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Victoria Iris White (Appellant) Nicole Benjamin (First Respondent) Paul Benjamin (Second Respondent) Representation: Counsel: Mr R Sheldon SC/Ms I Ryan(Appellant) Mr J A Gracie (Respondents)