Garling & Co wins hit and run comp case

In this case Mr Dowedeit was found by his neighbours in front of his first floor apartment lying on the footpath in a pool of his own blood, with extensive orthopaedic injuries. It was unclear whether the extensive injuries suffered by Mr Dowedeit were the result of a hit and run, or if he had instead fallen from his balcony.

However, on the afternoon of the accident Mr Dowedeit remembered standing on his balcony and then going downstairs and outside. Once outside Mr Dowedeit recalled beginning to cross the road when he was jolted backwards.

At the trial, the Judge was open to make the finding that Mr Dowedeit had either been hit by a car, fallen from his balcony, or any other probable cause. After examining the expert evidence and the evidence of Mr Dowedeit the Judge found that it was more probable that Mr Dowedeit had been hit by a car rather than suffering the injuries from a fall.

Mr Dowedeits’ damages were reduced to account for contributory negligence as he gave evidence that he sometimes did not look when crossing the road. Mr Dowedeit was awarded damages in the amount of $175,000.

The Nominal Defendant appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal. The Court found the trial judge had made no error and confirmed the decision.

Read the Judgement of the Court of Appeal here.