Stenning v Sanig [2015] NSWCA 214

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Stenning v Sanig [2015] NSWCA 214 Hearing dates: 14 July 2015 Decision date: 27 July 2015 Before: Macfarlan JA at [1] Hoeben JA at [2] Gleeson JA at [77] Decision: (1) The judgment entered in favour of the respondent on 22 September 2014 is set aside. (2) In lieu thereof, judgment is entered in favour of the respondent in the amount of $539,692.78. (3) Subject to any application for a special costs order, there be no order for the costs of the appeal. Catchwords: TORT – negligence – plaintiff injured when slipped on step – defendant aware that step was slippery – whether defendant reacted adequately to known risk – carpet squares placed on steps not an adequate response – liability established – CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE – whether plaintiff keeping a proper lookout – application of s 5R Civil Liability Act 2002 – contributory negligence established – DAMAGES – whether damages awarded for future assistance excessive – need to re-assess damages for future assistance – damages reduced. Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 – s 5B, s 5R Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1965 – s 9 Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 Cases Cited: Australian Safeway Stores Pty Ltd v Zaluzna [1987] HCA 7; 162 CLR 479 Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd [2015] NSWCA 72 Reid v Commercial Club (Albury) Ltd [2014] NSWCA 98 Sibraa v Brown [2012] NSWCA 328 Wiki v Atlantis Relocations (NSW) Pty Ltd [2004] NSWCA 174; 60 NSWLR 127 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Robert Stenning – Appellant Sue-Anne Sanig - Respondent Representation: Counsel: RA Cavanagh SC/Ms OJ Dinkha – Appellant H Marshall SC - Respondent Solicitors: Curwoods Lawyers – Appellant Beilby Poulden Costello - Respondent File Number(s): 2014/344092 Decision under appeal Court or tribunal: District Court of NSW Jurisdiction: Civil Date of Decision: 22 September 2014 Before: Finnane QC DCJ File Number(s): 2013/91945