Livermore v Nepean Longwall Pty Ltd [2017] NSWDC 5

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Livermore v Nepean Longwall Pty Ltd [2017] NSWDC 5 Hearing dates: 17 & 18 October 2016 Date of orders: 03 February 2017 Decision date: 03 February 2017 Jurisdiction: Civil Before: Judge Levy SC Decision: 1. Verdict for the plaintiff in the amount of $322,738.70;

2. Pursuant to s 151Z of the Workers Compensation Act 1987, the notional negligence of the plaintiff's employer is assessed at 20 per cent;

3. After applying the findings made pursuant to s 151Z of the Workers Compensation Act 1987, judgment for the plaintiff against the defendant in the sum of $258,190.96;

4. The defendant is to pay the plaintiff's costs on the ordinary basis unless otherwise ordered;

5. The exhibits may be returned;

6. Liberty to apply on 7 days' notice if further or other orders are required. Catchwords: TORT – negligence – employee of labour hire company injured in an assigned workplace – occupier's liability – whether defendant occupier was negligent – whether plaintiff was contributorily negligent – whether damages should be reduced on account of alleged notional negligence on the part of the plaintiff's employer pursuant to s 151Z of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 – limitation – whether proceedings are statute barred; DAMAGES – assessment of claimed heads of damage Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002, Pt 1A, s 5B, s 5C, s 5D, s 15, s 16 Evidence Act 1995, s 60 Limitation Act 1969, s 50C, s 50D Workers Compensation Act 1987, s 151L, s 151Z Cases Cited: Adeels Palace Pty Ltd v Moubarak; Adeels Palace Pty Ltd v Bou Najem [2009] HCA 48; (2009) 238 CLR 420 Adelaide Stevedoring Co Ltd v Forst [1940] HCA 45; (1940) 64 CLR 538 Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Kerr [2012] NSWCA 13 Australian Safeway Stores Pty Ltd v Zaluzna [1987] HCA 7; (1987) 162 CLR 479 Baker-Morrison v State of NSW [2009] NSWCA 35; (2009) 74 NSWLR 454 Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor [1996] HCA 25; (1996) 186 CLR 541 Browne v Dunn (1894) 6 R 67 Cupac v Cannone [2015] NSWCA 114 Daw v Toyworld (NSW) Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 25 Glen v Sullivan [2015] NSWCA 191 Graham v Baker [1961] HCA 48; (1961) 106 CLR 340 Larson v Commissioner of Police [2004] NSWCA 126 Majkic v Bonnano [2008] NSWCA 253 Malec v JC Hutton Pty Ltd [1990] HCA 20; (1990) 169 CLR 638 Manly Municipal Council v Skene [2002] NSWCA 385 Medlin v State Government Insurance Commission [1995] HCA 5; (1995) 182 CLR 1; (1995) 127 ALR 180 Miller v Galderisi [2009] NSWCA 353 Penrith City Council v Parks [2004] NSWCA 201 Purkess v Crittenden [1965] HCA 34; (1965) 114 CLR 164 Sampco Pty Ltd v Wurth [2015] NSWCA 117 State of NSW v Gillett [2012] NSWCA 83 State of NSW v Moss [2000] NSWCA 133, (2000) 54 NSWLR 536 Stevens v Brodribb Sawmilling Company Pty Ltd [1986] HCA 1; (1986) 160 CLR 16 Strong v Woolworths Ltd t/as Big W [2012] HCA 5, (2012) 246 CLR 182 Vairy v Wyong Shire Council [2005] HCA 62; (2005) 223 CLR 442 Watts v Rake [1960] HCA 58; (1960) 108 CLR 158 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Lourdelyn Livermore (Plaintiff) Nepean Longwall Pty Limited (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr H Halligan (Plaintiff) Mr SJ Walsh (Defendant)