BROKEN HILL WATER BOARD v EDGECOMBE [1997] NSWCA 51

BROKEN HILL WATER BOARD v EDGECOMBE [1997] NSWCA 51

The trial judge's acceptance of Dr Bracken's opinion regarding permanent impairment, but rejection of the quantification of the pre-existing proportion, was lawful and correct. The statutory presumption of 10 percent deductible proportion under s68A(8) operated validly as there was no obligation to accept the 20 percent figure given by the expert report.

Parties
Appellant: Broken Hill Water Board; Respondent: Edgecombe
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
26 June 1997
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Court of Appeal Decision
Outcome
Appeal and cross appeal dismissed with costs.
Legal Topics
Deductible Proportion, Pre Existing Condition, Statutory Presumption, Assessment of Permanent Impairment

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 5 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Broken Hill Water Board

Appellant

Edgecombe

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Court of Appeal Decision

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge erred in assessing the deductible proportion for compensation regarding pre-existing back condition
  2. 2 Interpretation and application of s68A(8) of the Workers Compensation Act 1987

Ratio Decidendi

The trial judge's acceptance of Dr Bracken's opinion regarding permanent impairment, but rejection of the quantification of the pre-existing proportion, was lawful and correct. The statutory presumption of 10 percent deductible proportion under s68A(8) operated validly as there was no obligation to accept the 20 percent figure given by the expert report.

Court Disposition

Appeal and cross appeal dismissed with costs.

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed with costs.
  • Cross-appeal dismissed with costs.