Laidlaw & v Touma

(2002) 36 MVR 388; [2002] NSWCA 190

NSW Court of Appeal

View on CaseLaw

Built by Barristers,
For Australian Law.

See how it works

Interrogate

Catchwords

1. Practice and Procedure
2. › Limitation of Actions
3. › Extension of time
4. › Motor vehicle accident claims
5. › Full and satisfactory explanation for delay
6. › Whether complete explanation required for entire period of delay
7. › Whether court may fill gaps in evidence
8. › Motor Accidents Act 1988 (NSW), ss 40(2), 52(4), 52(4B)
1. Practice and Procedure
2. › Limitation of Actions
3. › Extension of time
4. › Discretion
5. › Prejudice to defendant
6. › Whether prejudice must be considered in exercising discretion to extend time
7. › Motor Accidents Act 1988 (NSW), s 52(4)
1. Practice and Procedure
2. › Limitation of Actions
3. › Extension of time
4. › Threshold requirement
5. › Whether total damages likely to be awarded not less than 25% of maximum for non-economic loss
6. › Motor Accidents Act 1988 (NSW), ss 52(4B)(b), 79A

Quick Take

An applicant for an extension of time under s 52(4) of the Motor Accidents Act 1988 (NSW) must provide evidence explaining the entire period of delay; the court cannot fill gaps in the evidence. The word 'full' in s 40(2) means 'complete'. Additionally, when exercising the discretion to grant an extension, the court must consider prejudice to the potential defendants, and failure to do so constitutes an error.