Sinanian v Eks Carpentry Pty Ltd

In *Sinanian v Eks Carpentry Pty Ltd and Anor*, the New South Wales Court of Appeal considered an appeal concerning the liability of the defendants for injuries sustained by the plaintiff. The plaintiff, Mr. Sinanian, had suffered injuries while working on a construction site and brought proceedings against Eks Carpentry Pty Ltd and another party, alleging negligence.

The central legal issues before the Court of Appeal were whether the defendants owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, whether that duty had been breached, and if so, whether the breach caused the plaintiff's injuries. The court also had to consider the application of the principles of contributory negligence and the assessment of damages.

The Court of Appeal, in its reasoning, analysed the nature of the relationship between the parties and the foreseeability of the risk of injury. It applied established principles of negligence, including the elements of duty, breach, causation, and remoteness of damage. The court examined the evidence presented regarding the safety measures in place at the construction site and the conduct of the parties. The court found that the defendants had breached their duty of care to the plaintiff.

The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal in part, finding that the defendants were liable for the plaintiff's injuries. However, it also found that the plaintiff had been contributorily negligent, and accordingly, the damages awarded were reduced. The court made orders for the assessment of damages, taking into account the apportionment of liability.