Reid v Skilled Engineering

The plaintiff, Reid, brought an action against the defendants, Skilled Engineering, seeking damages for injuries sustained when a flop gate struck him on the head. The case was heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The plaintiff alleged that the incident caused a head injury, post concussion syndrome, a chronic pain disorder, and an orthopaedic injury. The defendants denied liability and the extent of the plaintiff's injuries.

The court was required to determine whether the plaintiff had suffered a head injury, post concussion syndrome, a chronic pain disorder, and an orthopaedic injury, and if so, to what extent. The court also had to determine whether the defendants were negligent in the maintenance and operation of the flop gate, and if so, whether their negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. The court had to assess the quantum of damages to be awarded to the plaintiff.

The court found that the plaintiff had suffered a head injury, post concussion syndrome, and a chronic pain disorder, but not an orthopaedic injury. The court found that the defendants were negligent in the maintenance and operation of the flop gate, and that their negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. The court assessed the damages to be $83,162, which included compensation for pain and suffering, loss of amenities of life, and medical expenses.

The court ordered judgment for the plaintiff against the defendants in the sum of $83,162, together with interest and costs.