NESTLE AUSTRALIA LTD v McDOUGALL [1998] NSWCA 158

NESTLE AUSTRALIA LTD v McDOUGALL [1998] NSWCA 158

The deduction for vicissitudes of 25% made by the trial judge was within an acceptable range considering respondent's circumstances and pre-existing condition; no appealable error was shown in respect of economic loss assessment or the allowance of the claim for future out-of-pocket expenses, given supporting evidence and lack of prejudice from absence of particulars.

Parties
Appellant: Nestle Australia Ltd; Respondent: McDougall
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
24 June 1998
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Damages, Personal Injury, Economic Loss, Vicissitudes, Deduction, Contingencies, Pleadings, Particulars

Case Brief

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Parties

Nestle Australia Ltd

Appellant

McDougall

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

  1. 1 Should a deduction for vicissitudes be made from awards for past economic loss and general damages?
  2. 2 What deduction for vicissitudes is appropriate given the respondent's pre-existing medical condition?
  3. 3 Should the assessment exclude non-tortious work-related injuries from contingencies?

Ratio Decidendi

The deduction for vicissitudes of 25% made by the trial judge was within an acceptable range considering respondent's circumstances and pre-existing condition; no appealable error was shown in respect of economic loss assessment or the allowance of the claim for future out-of-pocket expenses, given supporting evidence and lack of prejudice from absence of particulars.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed with costs.