GHINIS v PIZZARO [1995] NSWCA 170

GHINIS v PIZZARO [1995] NSWCA 170

The trial judge erred in failing to find a causal connection between the appellant’s psychiatric illness and the motor vehicle accident where the unchallenged psychiatric evidence pointed to such a connection and there was no psychiatric evidence tendered in reply. The error went to the root of the judgment, necessitating that the orders be set aside and a new trial ordered.

Parties
Appellant: Ghinis; Respondent: Pizzaro
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
04 December 1995
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Assessment of Damages, Causation, New Trial

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Ghinis

Appellant

Pizzaro

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge erred in finding no causal connection between the appellant's psychiatric illness and the motor vehicle accident
  2. 2 Whether the assessment of damages was in error based on unsupported findings of fact

Ratio Decidendi

The trial judge erred in failing to find a causal connection between the appellant’s psychiatric illness and the motor vehicle accident where the unchallenged psychiatric evidence pointed to such a connection and there was no psychiatric evidence tendered in reply. The error went to the root of the judgment, necessitating that the orders be set aside and a new trial ordered.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Orders below set aside
  • New trial ordered