Insights

Allianz Australia Insurance Limited v Delor Vue Apartments CTS 39788 [2022] HCA 38 Key takeaways The High Court has provided important guidance regarding the circumstances in which an insurer can depart from earlier representations made regarding the availability of cover. The duty of utmost good faith does not always prevent an insurer from retracting an […]

Carnemolla v Arcadia Funds Management Ltd [2020] NSWCA 308 Key takeaways An occupier of commercial premises does not have a duty to keep a floor dry at all times, but rather to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of harm by ensuring an adequate inspection and cleaning system is in place. The plaintiff bears […]

Marks v Skydive Holdings Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 21 Key takeaways Where an organisation wishes to rely on a waiver to bar all future claims against it, the waiver must be brought to the attention of the party in a sufficient manner. It is sensible to force a party to review and agree to the […]

Powell v JFIT Holdings Pty Ltd t/as New Dimensions Health and Fitness Centre [2020] NSWDC 264 Background On 4 February 2016, a gym member twisted her back while clearing weights strewn about the floor of the gym to make space for her exercise regime. She sustained a serious spinal injury which has resulted in ongoing […]

Nikolich v Webb [2020] WASCA 169 (21 October 2020) Key takeaways Due to the operation of s 50 of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (WA), there is no duty to warn of an obvious risk. The risk of slipping and falling on a wet bathroom floor where the floor is not uniquely slippery, is an […]

Key takeaways In some States and Federally, witnessing and attesting affidavits can be done remotely. If a sworn affidavit is not possible, an unsworn affidavit may be accepted by the Court. If an unsworn affidavit is relied upon, a sworn or affirmed affidavit must be filed with the Court when circumstances allow. Legislation and Regulations […]

Key takeaways Insurer and reinsurer responses to COVID-19 are continuing to evolve. Critical to liability claims is likely to be the timing and content of government directives and an insured’s response to them. An Insured will need to defend their actions in preventing the spread of the disease. The number and types of claims to […]

Key takeaways A brief insight into COVID-19 insurance implications Business interruption and liability coverage This article is the first in a series of updates on the insurance issues and implications emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared COVID-19 an official insurance catastrophe. What is clear is that the consequences […]

Key takeaways Important case for personal fitness instructors and other fitness operators. Harm reduction measures are important, even where no prior accidents have occurred. A Plaintiff must show a reasonably practicable precaution that could have been taken to avoid the risk of injury. Fitness instructors need to give clear instructions and insist on the use […]

Key takeaways Insurer bears the onus of proof in establishing it can deny a claim due to non-disclosure. At inception, a policy must provide a clear and understandable duty of disclosure notice, in writing. Online policy application and acceptance provides unique challenges. Insurer needs to provide evidence that the insured failed to disclose relevant information. […]