Bobridge v Choppair Helicopters Pty Ltd and Anor (No.2)

This matter concerned a claim for damages for personal injury brought by the plaintiff, Mr. Bobridge, against the defendants, Choppair Helicopters Pty Ltd and Mr. David Gowing. The dispute arose from an incident where the plaintiff alleged he suffered injury due to the negligent operation of a helicopter by the first defendant, with the second defendant being the pilot. The proceedings were heard in the District Court of New South Wales.

The central legal issues before the court were whether the defendants owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, whether that duty of care was breached, and if so, whether the breach caused the plaintiff's alleged injuries. The court was required to assess the evidence presented by both parties to determine liability for the incident.

Judge Burchardt found that the defendants did owe a duty of care to the plaintiff, and that this duty was breached due to the negligent operation of the helicopter. The court was satisfied that the plaintiff's injuries were a direct consequence of this negligence. The court ultimately found in favour of the plaintiff, ordering that the defendants pay damages to Mr. Bobridge.