Public Liability - Case Examples    

The Case of the Exploding Glass Door

The Problem

When exiting commercial premises, a large glass door shattered into many pieces and a large piece of the door struck Slater & Gordon’s client’s foot. Multiple fractures and various medical conditions acquired. Difficult to know who was responsible for the door construction and installation. Multiple defendants were sued including the owner, occupier, builder, architect, engineer, sub contractors, glass door builder, door designer etc etc

The Resolution

After a number of years and numerous expert opinions and interrogation of various stakeholders, Slater & Gordon were able to pinpoint with some degree of certainty who may have been at fault. A mediation was held with these parties and the case resolved shortly after the mediation.

The Outcome

The case settled on confidential terms. And it did not go to trial.

The Mystifying Case of Sudden Legionella Exposure

The Problem

Client attended Melbourne from country Victoria. A week later client was struck down by serious infection (cold and flu like symptoms). The investigation required Slater & Gordon to obtain all documented cases of Legionella infection over the same period of time to determine whether some source of the legionella bacteria could be determined. The questions for answering were: where did the Legionella bacteria found in the client’s lungs and bloodstream emanate from and could someone be found to be at fault.

The Resolution

Extensive investigations were conducted and numerous expert opinions obtained. Eventually proceedings were issued and in due course a mediation arranged. The case settled shortly after the mediation and all stakeholders were pleased with the resolution.

The Outcome

The case settled on confidential terms and did not go to trial.

The case of the wild dingoes 

The Problem

Client lived next door to a breeder of dingoes. The dingoes managed to bite their way through the fence and attack the client and her dogs . As a result of the attack client was severely traumatised. The investigation required Slater & Gordon to obtain evidence of the propensity of these dingoes to attack from various sources including council records by way of Freedom of Information.

The Resolution

As a result of the extensive investigations and available evidence the case was settled a few days before the trial.

The Outcome

The case settled for a substantial sum on confidential terms and did not go to trial.

The case of the slippery bike track

The Problem

A cyclist suffered severe head injuries when she crashed into a metal guard rail on a section of bike path that had a very slippery surface. It was necessary to show that the defendants were aware or ought to have been aware of the hazardous nature of that section of the bike path

The Resolution

Legal action was brought against the owners, operators and builders of the bike path and extensive investigations and evidence including expert reports were obtained.

The Outcome

The case settled at mediation on confidential terms.