CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 30 November 1945, Page 5

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

LIABILITY ADMITTED: JURY TO ASSESS AMOUNT | A claim for damages was heard before the Chief Justice. Sir Michael Myers, and jury in the Supreme Court this morning. Ada Florence Priscilla Fawcett (Mr C. R. Fell) claimed £29 10s special and £IOOO general damages from Roderick O’Connor (Mr M. C. H. Cheek) for the death of a son arising out of a motor accident. The following common jury was empanelled- P. C. Manson, G. J. Nesbit. G. R. Burrows. T. G Winter. A. Win (foreman). M. G. Frost. W M. Bennett. G. A. Henderson. H. W. Pearless. G. Curnow. J. Hov. E. J. Graves. Mr Fell explained that this was a claim for damages arising out of a motor accident in which a young man was killed. Defendant had admitted negligence and all the jury was required to do was to assess the <% triages caused to the mother by %’ie death of her son through the negligence of defendant’s son. the driver of the car. Evidence was given by the plaintiff as to the extent to which her son used to assist her. and by plaintiff’s daughter. Plaintiff said she was a semiinvalid and a widow, requiring regular medical supplies. Her son had been helping her since the father died.

After both counsel had addressed the jury His Honour said the plaintiff was entitled to some compensation. The plaintiff was not entitled to damages for loss of companionship or for any sentimental item, but only for pecuniary loss. The jury then retired.