Pryor v Vibro

Pryor brought a claim against Vibro for injuries sustained while at work, specifically a fall from a beam. The dispute centred on the assessment of damages, including non-economic loss, future economic loss, future superannuation loss, and future out-of-pocket expenses. The matter was heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The primary legal issues before the court were the quantification of the non-economic loss, the calculation of future economic loss, the determination of future superannuation loss, and the assessment of future out-of-pocket expenses.

The court considered the principles set out in Griffiths v Kerkemeyer, which provide a framework for assessing damages in personal injury cases. The court examined the nature and extent of the plaintiff's injuries, the impact on his life, and the loss of earning capacity. In assessing non-economic loss, the court took into account the plaintiff's age, the severity of the injuries, and the effect on his ability to enjoy life. The court also considered the plaintiff's prospects for future employment and the likely reduction in income due to the injuries. The court determined that the plaintiff was entitled to damages for non-economic loss, future economic loss, future superannuation loss, and future out-of-pocket expenses.

The court ordered Vibro to pay Pryor damages in the amount of $750,000 for non-economic loss, $500,000 for future economic loss, $300,000 for future superannuation loss, and $100,000 for future out-of-pocket expenses, along with interest and costs. The total award was $1,650,000.