Working in the field, one could be forgiven for thinking that
personal injury claims always succeed, but a 2010 decision from the
Queensland Supreme Court is an interesting example of how careful
management of public areas, and good evidence, can result in a
finding in favour of a defendant.
Mr Omar Sultan (the plaintiff), a trainee marine surveyor,
attended on board the MV "Cleopatra Dream", along with
another surveyor. Mr Sultan allegedly slipped and fell on deck,
injuring his right hip, buttock area and his left knee.
Mr Sultan made a claim against his employer and also the owners
of the vessel for in excess of $600,000. The claim against the
employer settled prior to trial, but the allegations were defended
by the vessel owner.
