Allianz Aust Insurance Ltd v Habib & Ors [2015] NSWSC 1719

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Allianz Aust Insurance Ltd v Habib & Ors [2015] NSWSC 1719 Hearing dates: 19 October 2015 Date of orders: 20 November 2015 Decision date: 20 November 2015 Jurisdiction: Common Law - Criminal Before: Beech-Jones J Decision: (1) Rejects the tender of pages 4 to 13 of the annexures to the affidavit of Renee Maree Sadler sworn 24 July 2015.

(2) Orders that the certificate dated 14 May 2015 purportedly issued under s 94(4) of the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 concerning the claim made by the first defendant be set aside.

(3) Orders that the first defendant's claim under Chapter 4 of the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 be re-determined according to law.

(4) Orders that the first defendant pay the plaintiff's costs of the proceedings. Catchwords: MOTOR ACCIDENT – assessment of future economic loss and commercial care – whether Assessor able to determine one component of a claim for future economic loss using a buffer and otherwise rely on calculations – whether strict demarcation between buffer approach and approach based on calculations is required – whether sufficient compliance with s 126(3) of Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 to refer to one party's calculations – whether reasons adequate – whether decision illogical or irrational – error of law on face of record established – decision set aside. Legislation Cited: - Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) – s 57 - Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW) – s 94, s 126 - Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW) – s 69 - Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW) Cases Cited: - Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Cervantes [2012] NSWCA 244 - Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Kerr [2012] NSWCA 13; 83 NSWLR 302 - Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Sprod [2012] NSWCA 281; 81 NSWLR 626 - Campbelltown City Council v Vegan [2006] NSWCA 284; 67 NSWLR 372 - Craig v State of South Australia [1995] HCA 58; 184 CLR 163 - CSR Ltd v Eddy [2005] HCA 64; 226 CLR 1 - Griffiths v Kerkemeyer [1977] HCA 45; 139 CLR 161 - Insurance Australia Ltd t/as NRMA Insurance v Helou [2008] NSWCA 240 - Insurance Australia Ltd v O'Shannessy [2015] NSWSC 1047 - Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v Li [2013] HCA 18; 249 CLR 332 - Nominal Defendant v Livaja [2011] NSWCA 121 - Penrith City Council v Parks [2004] NSWCA 201 - R v Connell; ex parte Hetton Bellbird Collieries Ltd [1944] HCA 42; 69 CLR 407 - Rodger v De Gelder [2015] NSWCA 211 - Wingfoot Australia Partners Pty Ltd v Kocak [2013] HCA 43; 252 CLR 480 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Allianz Australia Insurance Limited – Plaintiff Bassam Habib – First Defendant Motor Accidents Authority of New South Wales – Second Defendant Hugh Macken, in his capacity as Claims Assessor of the MAA – Third Defendant Representation: Counsel: A. Poljak, A. Parker – Plaintiff E.G. Romaniuk SC, S.J. Roulstone – First Defendant Submitting appearance filed 24.06.15 – Second and Third Defendants