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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 FIJI ISLANDS
\par AT SUVA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Civil Appeal No CBV0008 of 2002S
\par (Fiji Court of Appeal Civil Action No ABU0085 of 2000S)
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Petitioner
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Respondent
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\par Coram:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Hon Justice Daniel Fatiaki, President of Supreme Court
\par Hon Justice Robert French, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Rt Hon Justice Peter Blanchard, Judge of Supreme Court
\par 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Thursday, 16 October 2003, Suva
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Mr VM Mishra for the Petitioner 
\par Mr R Smith for the Respondent
\par 
\par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Thursday, 16 October 2003, Suva
\par Date of Reasons:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Friday, 24 October 2003, Suva
\par 
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\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Introduction
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\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Peter Douglas Elsworth petitions this Court for special leave to appeal against a decision of the Court of Appeal given on 7 August 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 That decision reduced damages awarded to him by the High Court for personal injuries sustained in an accident at the Fijian Hotel on 4 January 1990 from $857,248.98 to $176,729.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The proceedings have been attended with extraordin
ary delay and error at first instance as appears from the account of their history set out later in these reasons.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The trial judge failed to make any findings on the important issue of contributory negligence which was before him on the pleadings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He also erred in his approach to the calculation of damages for loss of earnings and loss of earning capacity.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Court of Appeal made findings that should have been made but were not ma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 de by the learned trial judge.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
While this Court might have formed a different view of the percentage reduction of the petitioner\rquote 
s damages by reason of his contributory negligence and the multiplier used in the calculation of earning capacity, it was not satisfied, at the close of argument for the petitioner, that any error of principle had been shown in the approach }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 adopted by the Court of Appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 In particular, the Court was not satisfied that the petitioner ha}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 d shown that the case involves:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 (a)\tab a far-reaching principle of law; 
\par (b)\tab a matter of great general or public importance; or
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 (c)\tab 
a matter that is otherwise of substantial general interest to the administration of justice.
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 These are the statutory criteria for the grant of special leave in civil cases.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 In the circumstances the Court was of the opinion that the petition for special leave must be dismissed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 We now publish our reasons for so deciding.
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 
\b\f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Factual History and History of Proceedings
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 On 4 January 1990, Peter Douglas Elsworth, a 48-year-old Australian businessman fro
m Kew in Victoria, was on holiday with his family at the Fijian Hotel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The hotel was owned and operated by Yanuca Island Limited.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 During the day Mr Elsworth swam and played golf and tennis.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 In the evening he walked to a Chinese restaurant with his family.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 At the restaurant he had a meal with them and shared a bottle of wine with his wife and two adult sons.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Their daughter and a fr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 iend of hers were also present.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 After the meal the group returned to the Fijian and entered the Black Marlin Bar.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It was sometime after 10 or 11 o\rquote clock.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The bar was crowded and there were no seats available at any of the tables.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The bar was dimly lit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
There was a dance floor spot-lit by a revolving light.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab Mr Elsworth and his family found the ledge of a large window which was open at the side of the bar.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The window was about 5 feet wide and 4 \'bd feet high.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Outside the window there was a drop of 6 to 7 feet to the ground.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The ledge was between 10\'94 and a foot wide.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It was unprotected by any external railings.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 There was no external lighting to enable the height of the window above the ground to be seen.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 There }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 was foliage outside the window.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par \tab Mr Elsworth and his family sat on the ledge.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 His wife and one o
f his sons began dancing on the dance floor while he had a beer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He began to feel sleepy.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He fell asleep and fell out the window.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He either fell to the ground or into the fork of a tree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Which of these occurred is not clear.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par \tab As a result of his fall, Mr Elsworth suffered a head injury and massive bruising to one side of his body.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
He was unconscious for several hours afterwards.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He went in and out of consciousness for the next two or three days.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He was taken to hospital in Fiji for four or five days and then airlifted to Australia where he was hospitalized for three weeks.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Following his discharge he attended hospital daily for the next two months. It was not in dispute that he suffered a severe injury as a result of his fall.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The immediate sequelae were slurred speech, impaired right side co-ordination and horizontal oscillation of his eyes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 His symptoms were described by an experienced neurosurgeon, Mr Wallace, as \'93fairly striki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 ng neurological abnormalities\'94.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par \tab Mr Elsworth\rquote s symptoms improved for a time.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
He adopted a positive and optimistic approach to his treatment and recovery and was determined to rehabilitate himself as soon as possible.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Ultimately, however, he reached a point beyond which further improvement was unlikely to occur.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 In June 1998, his condition was found by the neurosurgeon not to have improved beyond such improvement as had been achieved by April 1993.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He had ongoing problems with impaired numeracy skills, impaired memory and concentration.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He had suffered a permanent impairment of his high intellectual functions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He had impaired sensation on the right side of his body, including his lips, tongue and the lower parts of the right arm and leg.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He had a continuing balance disorder.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
This caused him to give up tennis and diminished his previously high level of skill as a golfer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The neurosurgeon, reporting on him in 1998, concluded: 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \'93I believe all these current disabilities are likely to be permanent.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 There is no doubt whatsoever that this man [sic] injury has led to a si
gnificant diminution in his former high level of skill and expertise in business, engineering, sales and retailing, and has significantly diminished his self-confidence and his level of function as an executive in a successful business.\'94}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
A clinical psychologist who tested Mr Elsworth in 1993 and reviewed him in 1998 found him to have suffered declines in intellectual and memory functions, attention concentration and delayed recall.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He also exhibited \'93depressive symptoms and significant anxiety with concern about personal insecurity, lassitude malaise, need for affection, and denial of social anxiety\'94. 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Mr Elsworth and the company which he and his wife controlled and which was his employer at the time of the accident commenced proceedings in the High Court of Justice on 20 May 1992.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 However his company, Parkanson Pty Ltd, abandoned its claim at the commencement of the hearing of the action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The defendant was Yanuca Island Ltd. Mr Elsworth claimed damages for breach by Yanuca Island of its duty a
s an occupier under the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1968 and for negligence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The trial proceeded in the High Court of Justice in 1998.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It was protracted due to two or three adjournments.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 From the end of the hearing until judgment two years elapsed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par \tab The High Court found Yanuca Island to be liable for breach of its duty under the Occupiers Liability Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
This was the basis upon which the case was fought at trial and on appeal to the Court of Appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Defences based upon Mr Elsworth
\rquote s contributory negligence and his voluntary assumption of risk did not succeed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par \tab The judgment of the High Court awarded total damages of $857,248.98 and costs of $30,000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The breakup of the award at first instance was: 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 1.\tab Pain and suffering and loss of amenity}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab \tab \tab 
$100,000
\par 2.\tab Interest on pain and suffering of $60,000 at 6% per annum \tab  $}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 29,700
\par 3.\tab Loss of earnings}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab $610,000
\par 4.\tab Special damages}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
$117,548.98
\par }\pard\plain \s5\ql \li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Total\tab \tab $857,248.98
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par In addition the trial judge made a global award of $30,000 for the costs of the action in favour of Mr Elsworth.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Yanuca Island appealed on both liability and quantum.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Mr Elsworth appealed on quantum.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
His appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed and that of Yanuca Island allowed as to quantum.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The damages awarded by the High Court were reduced to $176,729 and the costs increased to $60,000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The Court of Appeal made no order as to the costs of the appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The judgment of the Court of Appeal which 
comprised President Reddy and Justices of Appeal, Kapi and Smellie, was delivered on 16 August 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
On 9 September 2002, Mr Elsworth filed a Petition for Special Leave to Appeal to the Supreme Court from the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 
\b\f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Judgment at First Instance
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 
\par \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 On the issue of liability the learned trial judge found that Yanuca Island had breached the duty of care it owed to Mr Elsworth under s 4 of the Occupiers Liability Act.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He found, inter alia, that Yanuca Island ought reasonably to have foreseen that the window ledge would be used as a seat by its guests.
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The ledge was not secured.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 There was no warning of the danger and the lighting was poor.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Neither Mr Elsworth nor his family was told by hotel staff that they could not sit on the ledge. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par \tab Although contributory negligence was pleaded, the learned trial judge did not consider that plea or make any finding on it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Nor was there any finding on the defence of voluntary assumption of risk.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Counsel for the petitioner argued that there was implicit in the trial judge\rquote s reasons a rejection of the plea of contributory negligence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Like the Court of Appeal, we are quite unable to detect, from the reasons, any indication that his Lordship turned his mind to that topic.
\par 
\par \tab In assessing general damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, the learned trial judge began with a figure of $120,000 which he then reduced by $20,000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The basis for this reduction was not clear although it was related to evidence about Mr Elsworth\rquote 
s involvement in complex negotiations relating to Parkanson Pty Ltd some months after the accident. 
\par 
\par \tab The learned trial judge awarded damages for loss of income but gave no reasons to support the assessment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
He made no distinction between loss of income and loss of earning capacity although these are distinct heads of damage.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
And although Parkanson Pty Ltd had abandoned its claim at the beginning of the trial, his Lordship held that he would not allow it any damages for financial loss because he was not persuaded that its business misfortunes were attributable to Mr Elsworth
\rquote s accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 He nevertheless found that Mr Elsworth\rquote 
s loss of earnings from the company was attributable to the accident.
\par 
\par \tab Special damages were not formally proved at trial although there was a schedule handed up at the close of the hearing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
One of the claims, a figure of $40,000 for the costs of a doctor travelling from Australia to Fiji to attend Mr Elsworth and travel back with him to Australia was abandoned as it had been paid pursuant to a travel insurance policy.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Nevertheless that sum and the other amounts set out in the schedule, totalling $117,548.98, was awarded absent proof or agreement by the parties. 
\par 
\par \tab The learned trial judge awarded a global figure for Mr Elsworth\rquote s costs of the action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
This did not include an allowance for a number of items by way of disbursement set out in the Special Damages Schedule which, according to the Court of Appeal, should have been claimed as part of the costs of the action.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 
\b\f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Judgment in the Court of Appeal
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 
\par \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Court of Appeal did not disturb the trial judge\rquote s conclusion as to liability.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It noted that his Lordship\rquote s reasons made no reference to the cost, difficulty and inconvenie
nce to Yanuca Island of taking steps to avoid the risk of guests falling from the window ledge.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
It accepted that given the hot night, the crowded}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
bar, the absence of seats and the late hour, it was reasonably foreseeable that persons attending the Black Marlin Bar would sit on the window ledge.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The possibility that someone might fall off the ledge should have been taken into account.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It was not expensive, difficult or inconvenient to put up a warning notice or to fit guardrails outside the window. The C
ourt was of the view also that, despite the fact that Mr Elsworth fell off the ledge when he fell asleep, the accident would not have happened if guardrails had been provided.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 On this basis it found breach of duty by Yanuca Island and that Mr Elsworth\rquote s injuries were caused by that breach of duty.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Factors relied upon by Yanuca Island, relevant to contributory negligence, were not sufficient to justify interfering with the trial judge\rquote 
s conclusions that liability had been made out.
\par 
\par \tab On the question of contributory negligence, the Court of Appeal held that \'93[t]here really can be no argument}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
but that this is a case calling for a substantial percentage of contributory negligence\'94. Their Lordship considered that Mr Elsworth\rquote s action in sitting on the window l
edge after an energetic day when he was feeling tired was a significant contributing factor to the accident. When he felt himself becoming sleepy, knowing as he did of his own tendency to fall asleep quickly, he should have got up and moved away from the 
window.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Court of Appeal regarded his failure to take that action as \'93\'85
 a further very significant contribution to what happened\'94. They therefore made a global reduction of 70% in the damages awarded.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 

\par 
\par \tab In relation to the trial judge\rquote s assessment of damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, their Lordships accepted that Mr Elsworth had suffered a severe injury.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 They were of the view that the pain and suffering element was not great but that there was ongoing emotional distress, for which Mr Elsworth took medication, for some years.
\par 
\par \tab Their Lordships had regard to previous awards in other cases in Fiji for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
They referred to three \'93benchmark\'94 cases: 
\par 
\par 1.\tab }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Salaitoga v Anderson}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317  (Civil Appeal ABU0026 of 1994)
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 In that case, an award under this head for $85,000, was made for injuries described by a leading orthop}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 a}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 edic specialist as some of the most horrific he had seen.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
This award was still, at the time of the Court of Appeal\rquote s judgment, the second highest award in Fiji for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 2.\tab }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Kamea v The Attorney General}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317  (Civil Appeal HBC281 of 1996)
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 $70,000 was awarded under this head for serious brain damage suffered by the plaintiff from age 9.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 3.\tab }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Robutabutaki and Attorney General v Rokodove}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317  (Civil Appeal HBC0088 of 1998)
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 An award of $200,000 to a permanent paraplegic was reduced on appeal to $150,000 on the basis that $200,000 represented too high a jump from the previous high figure of $85,000 in the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Anderson}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317  case.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab Their Lordships in the Court of Appeal, having referred to these thre}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 e \'93bench mark\'94 cases then said:}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \'93In the light of those authorities the starting point taken by the trial judge of $120,000.00 cannot be sustained nor can the reduced figure of $100,000.00.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
In our judgment an amount of $50,000.00 for pain and suffering loss of enjoyment of life is the most that can be justified in the circumstances of this case.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 This figure will carry interest at 6% from date of issue of writ to date of judgment.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par It may be observed in passing that their Lordships did not identify any other error in the trial judge\rquote s assessment beyond its incompatibility with recent awards with what were evidently worse cases.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It appears therefore, that th
eir Lordships treated the assessment of damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life as manifestly excessive. 
\par 
\par \tab In relation to the loss of income component of the damages, their Lordships regarded the trial judge\rquote s assessment as unsatisfactory because it amalgamated the historic loss (special damages) with the loss of earning capacity (general damages).
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 In addition there were conflicting findings, already mentioned, that Parkanson\rquote 
s losses were not due to the accident whereas Mr Elsworth\rquote s losses were.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Parkanson, they noted, had lost a valuable agency shortly after the accident for reasons unconnected with it and, in any event, Mr Elsworth had sold his interest in that company for a modest sum within a year.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 There was, so the Court of Ap
peal held, no foundation for the assumption that Mr Elsworth would have continued to earn the same amount prior to the date of the trial or beyond had his accident not occurred.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 On the evidence of Mr Elsworth\rquote s own accounting witness the Court of Appeal w
as able to conclude that his real income, putting aside the provision of a car and its running expenses and an entertainment allowance, would not have exceeded $50,000 per annum.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 In 1990 he had disclosed a taxable income in his income tax return of $34,000.
\par 
\par \tab Their Lordships went on to calculate Mr Elsworth\rquote s loss of earnings from the date of issue of the writ to the date of the judgment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Court calculated historic loss of earnings on the basis that Mr Elsworth\rquote s pre-accident average annual income was $50,000 and his post-accident income was $30,000.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Over the seven and a half year period of the calculated historic loss, the $20,000 annual difference between pre-accident earnings of $50,000 and average post-accident earnings of $30,000, was $150,000.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The Court had no evidence as to the relevant tax rate but simply deducted a figure of $10,000 for tax and so nominally reduced the recovery figure for historic loss of income to $140,000.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 This figure was to be converted to Fiji dollars and to carry interest at 6% from the date of the writ to the date of judgment. 
\par 
\par \tab Their Lordships considered Mr Elsworth would have continued to earn $50,000 per annum until age 65 had the accident not occurred.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 At the date of judgment he was 58.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
This meant the loss of earning capacity by reference to loss of future earnings fell to be calculated over a period of seven years.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
To allow for contingencies and the advantage of a lump sum payment their Lordships applied a multiplier of 4 to assess loss of earning capacity at A$200,000 which was to be converted to Fiji dollars. 
\par 
\par \tab As to the special damages claimed, these had not been proved but some, set out in the schedule handed up at the end of the hearing, were regarded by the Court as \'93beyond dispute\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Court was prepared to take judicial notice of the fact that these were clearly recoverable.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The items in question were qualifying and court attendance fees for two medical experts, the neurosurgeon and the psychologist and also for Mr Elsworth\rquote s accountant.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The amount for the accountant was reduced by 50% because half of his work related to the abandoned claim by Parkanson.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The figures of special damage so assessed were as follows: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 1.\tab In respect of the neurosurgeon, Mr Wallace \tab \tab \tab $12,995
\par 2.\tab In respect of the psychologist, Dr Healey\tab \tab \tab $ 6,544
\par 3.\tab In respect of the accountant, Mr Armstrong\tab \tab \tab $ 5,397
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par The damages calculated by the }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 Court of Appeal were therefore:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 
General Damages}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life \tab \tab \tab $ 50,000
\par Interest at 6% for 7\'bd years\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab $ 22,500
\par Loss of future earning capacity 
\par A$50,000 x 4 = $200,000
\par Converted (A$ = F$1.22)\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab $244,000
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Special Damages
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Loss of earnings from issue of writ to date of judgment
\par $A144,000 converted (A$1 = F$1.22)\tab \tab \tab \tab $170,800
\par Interest at 6%}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 for 7\'bd}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 years \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab $ 76,860
\par Qualifying and attendance fees for experts \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 $ 24,936
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Total\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab $589,096
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Recovery consequent upon reduction of damages on account of contributory negligence}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Recovery prior to reduction on account of 
\par Contributory Negligence\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab $589,096
\par Less 70% for contributory negligence\tab \tab \tab \tab $412,367
\par Substituted damages award\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab $176,729
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par \tab The costs recoverable by Mr Elsworth in respect of the trial were increased to $60,000 by including in them a number of the matters claimed in t}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 he Schedule of Special Damages.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Petition for Special Leave
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 
\par \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Petition for Special Leave set out seven grounds accompanied, in some cases, by numerous particulars.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 These ground}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 s may be summarized as follows:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 A.\tab The Court of Appeal erred in failing to give adequate weight to the trial judge\rquote s findings of fact, substituting its own \'93discretion\'94
 for that of the trial judge in relation to the question of contributory negligence.
\par B.\tab The Court of Appeal erred in overturning the trial judge\rquote s finding that Mr Elsworth\rquote s pre-trial income was $100,000 per annum and substituting its own finding \'93rather than restricting themselves to a review of his findings of fact
\'94.
\par C.\tab The Court of Appeal erred in permitting Yanuca Island to argue questions of damages on the appeal as it had not made submissions on quantum at the appropriate time and was estopped from so doing on appeal.
\par D.\tab The Court of Appeal erred in dismissing the Cross-Appeal given its merits as evidenced by the findings of the Court of Appeal on pre-trial loss and assessment of damages.
\par E.\tab The Court of Appeal erred in concluding that the trial judge had made inconsistent findings in relation to the Parkanson losses and the loss of earnings suffered by Mr Elsworth.
\par F.\tab The Court of Appeal erred in law in not allowing two trips to Australia by Mr Elsworth, his wife and Yanuca and the costs of Rick Hayter when their travel costs to Fiji were admitted.
\par G.\tab The Court of Appeal erred in law in not taking into account the principle that the Court will consider whether a plaintiff is able to earn and/or control income and not whether he actually takes that amount or pays tax on it. 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It may be observed immediately that while the grounds as set out 
in the Petition for Special Leave may have been appropriate for a draft notice of appeal, they do not in terms address the questions which must be addressed upon such a petition.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It is necessary therefore to turn to those questions.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Criteria of the Grant of Special Leave to Appeal
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab The statutory criteria for the grant of special leave are to be found in s 7 of the Supreme Court Act 1998.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The criteria for the grant of special leave in civil matters are stated in s 7(3):
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \'93In relation to a civil matter (including a matter involving a constitutional question), the Supreme Court must not grant special leave to appeal unless the case raises}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-731\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 (a)\tab a far reaching principle of law; 
\par (b)\tab a matter of great general or public importance; 
\par (c)\tab a matter that is otherwise of substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab This Court referred to these criteria in its decision in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Matalulu and Rasolosolo v The Director of Public Prosecutions}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317  (Civil Appeal Number CBV0002 of 1999S), judgment in which was delivered on 17 April 2003.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Court there said, at p 22 of the judgment: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \'93Petitioners for special leave should ensure that when they frame their petitions they do so with care.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Supreme Court of Fiji is not a court in which decisions of the Court of Appeal will be routinely reviewed.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The requirement for special leave is to be taken seriously.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 It will not be granted lightly.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Too low a standard for its grant would undermine the authority of the Court of Appeal and dist
ract this Court from its role as the final appellate body by burdening it with appeals that do not raise matters of general importance or principle or, in the criminal jurisdiction, \'93substantial and grave injustice\'94.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Whether Special Leave Should be Granted
\par }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab 
The petition in this case does not expose with any clarity the far reaching questions of law, matters of great or general public importance or of substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice which would be necessary to warrant t
he grant of special leave.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par \tab Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the Court of Appeal failed to give due weight to the standing of the trial judge as a justice of the High Court in too readily assuming that he had failed to consider the defence of contributory negligence.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Principle, it was said, required a benevolent reading of the reasons which the Court of Appeal failed to undertake by too readily finding an omission to consider an important defence which had been expressly pleaded and was a live issue at trial.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Moreover, it was submitted, the Court of Appeal effectively substituted its own view of the evidence for that of the trial judge in relation to its assessment of the annual income of the petitioner relevant to the calculation of his loss of earnings.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 The Court of Appeal was said to have failed to give due weight to the trial judge\rquote 
s findings and to the advantage enjoyed by the trial judge who heard the witnesses and the full detail of the evidence at trial.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Apart from those issues, the grounds of the petition invite the Court to revisit the merits of the factual conclusions and the findings of the Court of Appeal .
\par 
\par \tab The jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal is set out in s 121 of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1997.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 That section provides: 

\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \'93121}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 . }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 (1)}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The Court of Appeal has jurisdiction, subject to this Constitution and to such requirements as the Parliament prescribes, to hear and determine appeals from all judgments of the High Court, and has such other jurisdiction as is conferred by law.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 (2)}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Appeals lie to the Court of Appeal as of right from a final judgment of the High Court in any matter arising under the Constitution or involving its interpretation.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 (3)}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
The Parliament may provide that appeals lie to the Court of Appeal, as of right or with leave, from other judgments of the High Court in accordance with such requirements as the Parliament prescribes.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab Section 12 of the Court of Appeal Act (Cap 12) provides that an appeal shall lie from any decision of the High Court sitting at first instance.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Where a High Court judge is exercising appellate jurisdiction the appeal to the Court of Appeal can only be on grounds which \'93
involve a question of law only\'94 (s 12(c)).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par \tab Section 13 of the Court of Appeal Act provides: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \'9313.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 For all 
the purposes of and incidental to the hearing and determination of any appeal under this Part and the amendment, execution and enforcement of any order, judgment or decision made thereon, the Court of Appeal shall have all the power, authority and jurisdi
ction of the High Court and such power and authority as may be prescribed by rules of Court.\'94}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par \tab In hearing an appeal from a trial judge in the High Court the Court of Appeal, while proceeding by way of rehearing, and no doubt able to receive fresh evidence
 in exceptional cases, will give appropriate weight to the advantage enjoyed by the trial judge.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
For a trial judge is more likely to be appraised of the nuances and the details of the evidence than an appellate court which is faced only with the written record of the proceedings.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
However where, as in this case, there has been a delay of two years between trial and judgment, it may be thought that the trial judge would enjoy no relevant advantage over the Court of Appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 For the trial judge in such a case would, like the Court of Appeal, be reliant upon the written record rather than any reliable recollection of the trial.
\par 
\par \tab In this case the Court of Appeal: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 1.\tab Did not disturb the trial judge\rquote s conclusions on liability.
\par 2.\tab Held that the trial judge had made no determination of the pleaded issue of contributory negligence. 
\par 3.\tab Found contributory negligence on the basis of facts not disputed or able to be disputed. 
\par 4.\tab Made its own assessment of contributory negligence. 
\par 5.\tab Found in effect that the learned trial judge\rquote s award for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life was manifestly excessive having regard to other awards and reduced it, again on the basis of facts not in dispute.
\par 6.\tab Found that the trial judge had erred in law in conflating historic loss of earnings with loss of earning capacity and made its own assessment of the evidence to yield its calculation of those heads of damage.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 This did not involve any interference with any properly exercised assessment by the learned trial judge. 
\par 7.\tab Found that the trial judge had no evidence upon which to make the assessment of special damages that he did but nevertheless identified certain items of special damage as beyond dispute and others as properly included in the 
costs of the proceedings.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 \tab There is no basis for saying that the Court of Appeal has exceeded its proper functions in arriving at the conclusions that it did.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 
 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Nor could it be said that there is any arguable error of principle in the Court\rquote s decision to f
inally determine the proper outcome in the case rather than remitting the matter for retrial.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Nearly thirteen years have passed since the date of the accident and five years since the trial of the action.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
Neither party could be assured that it would not suffer unfair prejudice if the case were to be remitted for trial. 
\par 
\par \tab It might be that this Court, if sitting as a trial court or as an intermediate court of appeal, might have come to a different conclusion as to the extent of contributory negligence or t
he amount of damages which could properly be awarded for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
And this Court might have come to a different conclusion on the amount of damages properly recoverable for loss of earning capacity.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
There is no real elaboration in the reasons of the Court of Appeal explaining the particular percentage reduction for contributory negligence which their Lordships adopted or the multiplier chosen for assessing loss of earning capacity.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Nevertheless the figures chosen do not of themselves indicate any underlying error in principle.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par \tab In our opinion, this case does not give rise to an issue of the kind necessary to warrant the grant of special leave.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
In any event we are not satisfied that the reasons of the Court of Appeal demonstrate appealable error.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Conclusion
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317 
\par \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 For the preceding reasons the Petition for Special Leave is refused.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Hon Justice Daviel V Fatiaki
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 President of Supreme Court}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Hon Justice Robert French
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Judge of Supreme Court
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Rt Hon Justice Peter Blanchard
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Judge of Supreme Court}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3353317 {
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3353317\charrsid3353317 Solicitors:}{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790635\charrsid3353317 Mishra Prakash & Associates, Suva for the Petitioner
\par Munro Leys, Suva for the Respondent
\par }}