State of NSW v Coffey (No 3)

The Court of Appeal of New South Wales heard an appeal by the State of New South Wales against a judgment of the District Court. The dispute concerned a claim by Mr Coffey, a psychologically injured worker, who alleged a failure by the State to provide a safe system of work.

The primary legal issue before the Court of Appeal was whether the District Court had erred in finding the State liable for Mr Coffey's psychological injury. This involved a consideration of the employer's duty of care to provide a safe system of work, particularly in relation to psychological harm, and whether that duty had been breached in the circumstances of Mr Coffey's employment.

The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, setting aside the original judgment and verdict. While the appeal was allowed, the court varied the quantum of damages awarded to Mr Coffey, increasing the verdict from $449,478.00 to $459,947.00. The appellant, the State of New South Wales, was ordered to pay the costs of both the appeal and the trial.