Warren Fitzgerald v The Nominal Defendant [2018] NSWDC 175

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Warren Fitzgerald v The Nominal Defendant [2018] NSWDC 175 Hearing dates: 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24 (written submission) and 28 May 2018 Date of orders: 29 May 2018 Decision date: 29 May 2018 Jurisdiction: Civil Before: P Taylor SC DCJ Decision: (1) Judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $349,905.25. (2) Costs and any issues regarding the amounts agreed for past treatment expenses reserved. Catchwords: TRAFFIC LAW AND TRANSPORT – motor accident compensation – motorcycle – unidentified motor vehicle – contributory negligence - alcohol Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002, s 5, s 5B, s 5D, s 5R, s 49 Evidence Act 1995, s 64, s 66A Interpretation Act 1987, s 7 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946, s 5 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1965, s 9 Motor Accidents Act 1988, s 74 Cases Cited: Amanda's On The Edge Pty Ltd v Dries [2011] NSWCA 358 Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320 Day v Perisher Blue Pty Ltd (2005) 62 NSWLR 731; [2005] NSWCA 110 Grima v RFI (Aust) Pty Ltd [2014] NSWCA 345 MacKenzie v The Queen (1996) 190 CLR 348 March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 50; [1991] HCA 12 Mason v Demasi [2009] NSWCA 227 Nominal Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43 Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34 Smith v Randall [2016] QSC 191 Verryt v Schoup [2015] NSWCA 128 Watson v Foxman (1995) 49 NSWLR 315 Wells v Council of the City of Orange (No 2) [2017] NSWSC 510 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Warren Rayment Fitzgerald (plaintiff) The Nominal Defendant (defendant) Representation: Counsel: Dr S C Thornton (plaintiff) Mr J Ryan (defendant)