Vaccaro v MLC Limited [2016] NSWDC 85

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Vaccaro v MLC Limited [2016] NSWDC 85 Hearing dates: 9, 10, 11 November 2015; 22 January; 6 May 2016 Date of orders: 27 May 2016 Decision date: 27 May 2016 Jurisdiction: Civil Before: Judge Levy SC Decision: 1. Verdict for the plaintiff in the sum $200,000;

2. Interest is assessed in the sum of $39,627.25;

3. Judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $239,627.25;

4. The exhibits may be returned;

5. Liberty to apply on 7 days' notice if further or other orders are required. Catchwords: CONTRACT – insurance – construction of policy terms – contested claim for payment of benefit for accidental death – whether exclusions apply Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002, Pt 6, s 3, s 5D Civil Procedure Act 2005, s 56, s 58 Evidence Act 1995, s 63(1), s 136 Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cwth), s 57 Insurance Contracts Regulation 1984 (Cwth), reg 32 Mental Health Act 1990 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005, Sch 7, r 31.28 Cases Cited: Aon Risk Services Australia Limited v Australian National University [2009] HCA 27 Australian Casualty Co Ltd v Federico [1986] HCA 32; (1986) 160 CLR 513 Awa v Independent News Auckland [1996] 2 NZLR 184 Bonitto v Fuerst Bros & Co Ltd [1944] AC 75 Fox v Percy [2003] HCA 22; 214 CLR 118 Lasermax Engineering Pty Ltd v QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited & Ors [2005] NSWCA 66 Luxton v Vines [1952] HCA 19; (1952) 85 CLR 352 Mason v Demasi [2009] NSWCA 227 Moage Ltd (in liq) v Jagelman [1998] 153 ALR 711 NSW v Tyszyk [2008] NSWCA 107 Nowlan v Marson Transport Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 346; (2001) NSWLR 116 Pacific Carriers Ltd v BNP Paribas [2004] HCA 35; (2004) 218 CLR 451 Equuscorp Pty Ltd v Wilmoth Field Warne [2007] VSCA 280; (2007) VR 250 Russell v Edwards [2006] NSWCA 19; (2006) NSWLR 376 St Clair v Timtalla Pty Ltd and Anor (No 2) [2010] QSC 480 Strinic v Singh [2009] NSWCA 15 Toll (FGCT) Pty Limited v Alphapharm Pty Ltd & Ors [2004] HCA 52; (2004) 219 CLR 165 White v Overland [2001] FCA 1333 Yacoub v Pilkington (Australia) Ltd [2007] NSWCA 290 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Pasquale Vaccaro (Plaintiff) MLC Limited (ACN 00 000 402) (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr CJ Callaway (Plaintiff) Mr M McCall (Defendant)