Sjostrom v McDermott

The appeal in *Sjostrom v McDermott* concerned a dispute over damages awarded to the respondent, Mr. McDermott, following an accident. The appellant, Ms. Sjostrom, sought to challenge the quantum of damages awarded by the trial court. The matter was heard in the Court of Appeal of New South Wales by Giles and Hodgson JJA.

The central legal issues before the Court of Appeal were whether the accident had caused the debilitating condition suffered by the respondent, the extent of the effects of that condition, and the assessment of economic loss and domestic assistance. The court noted that there was no question of principle involved in the appeal.

The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, setting aside the original verdict and judgment for $623,406. In its place, the court entered a verdict and judgment for $538,295, with the judgment to take effect from 5 April 2001. No order was made as to the costs of the appeal.