Bobby Angeloski v GIO of NSW

Bobby Angeloski (the appellant) brought proceedings against GIO of NSW (the respondent) concerning a claim for workers compensation. The dispute ultimately came before the Court of Appeal of New South Wales.

The primary legal issue before the Court of Appeal was whether the appellant had suffered a "physical injury" as defined by the relevant legislation, specifically the *Workers Compensation Act 1987* (NSW). This involved determining whether the appellant's psychological condition, arising from his employment, constituted a physical injury for the purposes of his claim.

The Court of Appeal considered the definition of "physical injury" under the Act, which included disease, injury or aggravation, acceleration or recurrence of disease or injury. The Court analysed previous case law and concluded that a psychological injury could, in certain circumstances, fall within the definition of a "physical injury" if it manifested in a way that affected the body. However, in this instance, the Court found that the appellant's condition did not meet the threshold for a compensable physical injury under the Act. The Court noted that the appellant's claim was based on a psychological reaction to his work environment, which did not amount to a physical injury in the legal sense contemplated by the legislation.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.