Legal Research
Cases
Chapman v Dickinson (No 2)

Chapman v Dickinson (No 2)

Case [2020] NSWDC 847 18 December 2020

Negligence

Contributory Negligence

Compensatory Damages

Tort Law

No judgment structure available for this case.

Type to search within this case.

District Court

New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Chapman v Dickinson (No 2) [2020] NSWDC 847
Hearing dates: 23, 24, 25, 26 November; 15 December (submission via email) 2020
Date of orders: 18 December 2020
Decision date: 18 December 2020
Jurisdiction: Civil
Before: P Taylor SC DCJ
Decision:
(1) Judgment for the plaintiff against the defendants in the sum of $121,844.61.
(2) Costs reserved.

Catchwords:
TORTS – negligence – accident at worksite – plaintiff often visited the site and did tasks of his own choosing – usually received money - whether plaintiff a worker – whether plaintiff a deemed worker – whether a contract between plaintiff and defendant – whether agreement uncertain – whether intention to create legal relations – contributory negligence - damages

Legislation Cited:
Civil Liability Act 2002, s 3B, s 5B, s 5G, s 5H, s 5I, s 5R, s 16
Workers Compensation Act 1987, s 2A, s 151E
Workplace Injury Management and WorkersCompensation Act 1998, s 4, Sch 1

Cases Cited:
Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth (1954) 92 CLR 424
Branir Pty Ltd v Owston Nominees (No 2) Pty Ltd (2001) 117 FCR 424; [2001] FCA 1833
Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183
Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320
Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc (2002) 209 CLR 95; [2002] HCA 8
GC NSW Pty Ltd v Galati [2020] NSWCA 326
Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72
Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd [2001] HCA 44
Humberstone v Northern Timber Mills (1949) 79 CLR 389; [1950] VLR 44
Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298; [1959] HCA 8
Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 32
March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12
Mason v Demasi [2009] NSWCA 227
Nominal Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43
Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd v Paul (1987) 162 CLR 221
Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34
Roude v Helwani [2020] NSWCA 310
South Australia v The Commonwealth (1962) 108 CLR 130
Taylor v Johnson (1983) 151 CLR 422; [1983] HCA 5
Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128
Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19

Category: Principal judgment
Parties: Christopher Chapman (plaintiff)
Justin Dickinson (first defendant)
Annette Patrick trading as White Heavy Haulage (second defendant)
Representation:
Counsel:
Mr R Goodridge (plaintiff)
Mr A J Parker (defendants)
Solicitors:
Firths - The Compensation Lawyers (plaintiff)
McInnes Wilson Lawyers NSW (defendants)

File Number(s): 2017/265257
Publication restriction: None

Judgment

Intending no disrespect, in this judgment I sometimes refer to Kevin Dickinson as Kevin and Justin Dickinson as Justin for ease of understanding.

A. Introduction

Christopher Chapman suffered a badly injured arm on 1 September 2014 on a White Heavy Haulage industrial worksite and commenced proceedings for damages under the Civil Liability Act 2002 against the business owner, Annette Patrick, and her son, Justin Dickinson, who was…

Grounds of appeal

[14] The appellant contends that the primary judge erred in finding that the respondent had discharged the onus of establishing the matters required under the relevant provision.

[15] It was submitted that his Honour failed to give adequate weight to the evidence of the second witness, and that the findings of fact were not reasonably open on the material before the Court.

[16] The respondent, for its part, submits that no error is disclosed, and that the conclusions reached were well within the range of outcomes available to the primary judge.

Consideration

[17] It is convenient to deal first with the question of construction, as the resolution of that issue informs the remaining grounds advanced by the appellant.

[18] For the reasons that follow, we are of the view that the appeal should be allowed in part and the matter remitted for further determination.

Continue reading Chapman v Dickinson (No 2)

Details

AGLC: Chapman v Dickinson (No 2) [2020] NSWDC 847
Case: [2020] NSWDC 847
Decision Date: 18 December 2020

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Chapman v Dickinson (No 2) involved a dispute over an accident that occurred at a worksite, with the plaintiff seeking damages from the defendants for negligence. The plaintiff, Chapman, frequently visited the site, performing tasks of his own choosing and usually receiving money for his work. The primary issues before the court were whether Chapman could be considered a worker or a deemed worker under the relevant legislation, whether there was a contract between Chapman and the defendants, and if the agreement was uncertain or if there was an intention to create legal relations. The court was also required to assess the defendants' claim of contributory negligence and determine the appropriate quantum of damages.

The court found that Chapman was not a worker or a deemed worker under the relevant statute. The court held that there was no formal contract between Chapman and the defendants, but there was an arrangement that gave rise to certain obligations. The court emphasised the intention to create legal relations and found that the agreement was not uncertain. In terms of contributory negligence, the court determined that Chapman had contributed to his injuries but did not bar his claim. Finally, the court assessed the damages and awarded Chapman $121,844.61.

The court's judgment was in favour of Chapman, with the defendants ordered to pay the awarded damages. The matter of costs was reserved for further consideration.

Orders

Orders of the court

(1) Judgment for the plaintiff against the defendants in the sum of $121,844.61.

(2) Costs reserved.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

Full text does not contain this section.

Decision

Reasons for decision

Full text does not contain this section.

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

Full text does not contain this section.

Citations

AGLC Citation

Chapman v Dickinson (No 2) [2020] NSWDC 847

Most Recent Citation

Chapman v Dickinson (No 3) [2021] NSWDC 63

Cases citing this decision · 2 of 2 shown

Dickinson v Chapman
[2022] NSWCA 2 Para 8

…aylor. On 18 December 2020 judgment was given for the plaintiff against the defendants in the sum of $121,844.61. [3] 3. Chapman v Dickinson (No 2) [2020] NSWDC 847 (“Chapman (No 2)”) at [132].…
Chapman v Dickinson (No 3)
[2021] NSWDC 63 Para 5

…4] Ultimately, at trial, the defence was unsuccessful. [5] 2. [2020] NSWDC 269. 3. Chapman at [33]. 4. Chapman at [43]. 5. Chapman v Dickinson (No 2) [2020] NSWDC 847 at [77].…

View all 2 citing cases →

Cases cited in this decision · 22 of 22 shown

GC NSW Pty Ltd v Galati
[2020] NSWCA 326

…v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320 Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc (2002) 209 CLR 95; [2002] HCA 8 GC NSW Pty Ltd v Galati [2020] NSWCA 326 Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd [2001] HCA 44 Humberstone v Northern Timber Mills (1949) 79 CLR 389; [1950] VLR 44 Jone…
Roude v Helwani
[2020] NSWCA 310 Para 73

…See Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd at 227-228, 255-257, see also Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 32 at [14], [60], and Roude v Helwani [2020] NSWCA 310 at [36]-[42].…
Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd
[2019] HCA 32 Para 73

…ust enrichment, a discrete principle. [156] 156. See Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd at 227-228, 255-257, see also Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 32 at [14], [60], and Roude v Helwani [2020] NSWCA 310 at [36]-[42].…
Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge
[2018] NSWCA 183 Para 2

…al Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43 at [142]-[144], Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128 at [27], Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183 at [31], March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12, cf Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19 at [11].…
Verryt v Schoupp
[2015] NSWCA 128 Para 2

…rills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 at [161], Nominal Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43 at [142]-[144], Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128 at [27], Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183 at [31], March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12, cf Wal…
Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd
[2015] NSWCA 72 Para 2

…f each party? 187. See generally Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34 at [10], Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 at [161], Nominal Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43 at [142]-[144], Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128 at [27], Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bri…
Wallace v Kam
[2013] HCA 19 Para 2

…rkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183 at [31], March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12, cf Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19 at [11].…
Nominal Defendant v Rooskov
[2012] NSWCA 43 Para 2

…ian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34 at [10], Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 at [161], Nominal Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43 at [142]-[144], Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128 at [27], Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183 at [31], March v E & M H Stramare…
Mason v Demasi
[2009] NSWCA 227 Para 62

…eports to reject Mr Chapman’s account of the relationship. 143. Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320 at [8], Mason v Demasi [2009] NSWCA 227 at [2].…
Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin
[2008] NSWCA 320 Para 62

…the contents of the medical notes and reports to reject Mr Chapman’s account of the relationship. 143. Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320 at [8], Mason v Demasi [2009] NSWCA 227 at [2].…
Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc
[2002] HCA 8

…183 Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320 Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc (2002) 209 CLR 95; [2002] HCA 8 GC NSW Pty Ltd v Galati [2020] NSWCA 326 Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd [2001] HCA 44 Humberstone v Northern Timber Mi…
Branir Pty Ltd v Owston Nominees (No 2) Pty Ltd
[2001] FCA 1833

…lian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth (1954) 92 CLR 424 Branir Pty Ltd v Owston Nominees (No 2) Pty Ltd (2001) 117 FCR 424; [2001] FCA 1833 Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183 Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320 Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA…
Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd
[2001] HCA 44 Para 76

…because Mr Chapman did not work for anyone else. But that question does not relevantly arise in these proceedings until a contract is found. 157. [2001] HCA 44 at [48]-[57]. 158. [1950] VLR 44; (1949) 79 CLR 389 at 401.…
March v E & MH Stramare Pty Ltd
[1991] HCA 12 Para 2

…NSWCA 128 at [27], Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183 at [31], March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12, cf Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19 at [11].…
Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd v Paul
[1987] HCA 5 Para 70

…ight to recover on a quantum meruit does not depend on the existence of an implied contract ”. [153] 152. Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd v Paul (1987) 162 CLR 221, 228. 153. Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd at 227.…
Podbrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd
[1985] HCA 34 Para 2

…f the negligence or degree of departure from reasonable conduct of each party? 187. See generally Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34 at [10], Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 at [161], Nominal Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43 at [142]-[144], Verryt v Schoupp […
Taylor v Johnson
[1983] HCA 5

…ustralian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34 Roude v Helwani [2020] NSWCA 310 South Australia v The Commonwealth (1962) 108 CLR 130 Taylor v Johnson (1983) 151 CLR 422; [1983] HCA 5 Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128 Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Christopher Chapman (plaintiff) Justin Di…
South Australia v The Commonwealth
[1962] HCA 10

…221 Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34 Roude v Helwani [2020] NSWCA 310 South Australia v The Commonwealth (1962) 108 CLR 130 Taylor v Johnson (1983) 151 CLR 422; [1983] HCA 5 Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128 Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Christopher Chapm…
Jones v Dunkel
[1959] HCA 9

…ty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd [2001] HCA 44 Humberstone v Northern Timber Mills (1949) 79 CLR 389; [1950] VLR 44 Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298; [1959] HCA 8 Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 32 March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12 Mason v Demasi [2009]…
Jones v Dunkel
[1959] HCA 8 Para 82

…account. I find that Justin was negligent, and that Ms Patrick is vicariously liable for the damages caused to Mr Chapman. 185. (1959) 101 CLR 298; [1959] HCA 8.…
Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth
[1954] HCA 20 Para 71

…duty to pay an agreed sum under a contract was established. 154. Ermogenous at [24], Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth (1954) 92 CLR 424 at 457, per Dixon CJ, Williams, Webb, Fullagar and Kitto JJ.…
Humberstone v Northern Timber Mills
[1949] HCA 49

…NSW Pty Ltd v Galati [2020] NSWCA 326 Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd [2001] HCA 44 Humberstone v Northern Timber Mills (1949) 79 CLR 389; [1950] VLR 44 Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298; [1959] HCA 8 Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 32 March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 1…

Legislation cited in this decision · 3

Civil Liability Act 2002 (TAS)
3B, 5H, 5I, 5R 5 mentions (from Para 2)
Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)
2A 2 mentions (from Para 3)
Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW)
4 2 mentions (from Para 2)

Medium Neutral Citation:	Chapman v Dickinson (No 2) [2020] NSWDC 847
Hearing dates:	23, 24, 25, 26 November; 15 December (submission via email) 2020
Date of orders:	18 December 2020
Decision date:	18 December 2020
Jurisdiction:	Civil
Before:	P Taylor SC DCJ
Decision:	(1) Judgment for the plaintiff against the defendants in the sum of $121,844.61. (2) Costs reserved.
Catchwords:	TORTS – negligence – accident at worksite – plaintiff often visited the site and did tasks of his own choosing – usually received money - whether plaintiff a worker – whether plaintiff a deemed worker – whether a contract between plaintiff and defendant – whether agreement uncertain – whether intention to create legal relations – contributory negligence - damages
Legislation Cited:	Civil Liability Act 2002, s 3B, s 5B, s 5G, s 5H, s 5I, s 5R, s 16 Workers Compensation Act 1987, s 2A, s 151E Workplace Injury Management and WorkersCompensation Act 1998, s 4, Sch 1
Cases Cited:	Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth (1954) 92 CLR 424 Branir Pty Ltd v Owston Nominees (No 2) Pty Ltd (2001) 117 FCR 424; [2001] FCA 1833 Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Bridge [2018] NSWCA 183 Container Terminals Australia Ltd v Huseyin [2008] NSWCA 320 Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc (2002) 209 CLR 95; [2002] HCA 8 GC NSW Pty Ltd v Galati [2020] NSWCA 326 Grills v Leighton Contractors Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 72 Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd [2001] HCA 44 Humberstone v Northern Timber Mills (1949) 79 CLR 389; [1950] VLR 44 Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298; [1959] HCA 8 Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 32 March v E & M H Stramare Pty Ltd (1991) 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12 Mason v Demasi [2009] NSWCA 227 Nominal Defendant v Rooskov [2012] NSWCA 43 Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd v Paul (1987) 162 CLR 221 Podrebersek v Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd [1985] HCA 34 Roude v Helwani [2020] NSWCA 310 South Australia v The Commonwealth (1962) 108 CLR 130 Taylor v Johnson (1983) 151 CLR 422; [1983] HCA 5 Verryt v Schoupp [2015] NSWCA 128 Wallace v Kam [2013] HCA 19
Category:	Principal judgment
Parties:	Christopher Chapman (plaintiff) Justin Dickinson (first defendant) Annette Patrick trading as White Heavy Haulage (second defendant)
Representation:	Counsel: Mr R Goodridge (plaintiff) Mr A J Parker (defendants) Solicitors: Firths - The Compensation Lawyers (plaintiff) McInnes Wilson Lawyers NSW (defendants)
File Number(s):	2017/265257
Publication restriction:	None