NSW: Widow wins $750,000 payout after husband killed by tree

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2004
NSW: Widow wins $750,000 payout after husband killed by tree

A woman whose husband was killed by a falling tree has been awarded almost $750,000
in damages after a NSW court found a south coast council liable for his death.

CARLENE TIMBS had unsuccessfully sued Shoalhaven City Council for negligence in the
NSW District Court following the death of her husband, GORDON.

Mr TIMBS was killed instantly when strong winds blew a 25-metre gum tree onto the family's
South Nowra home in July 1998.

He had made a number of requests for the removal of the trees, which he thought were dangerous.

But he was assured by council officers that they were safe and refused permission to
remove them himself.

The NSW Court of Appeal today overturned a District Court decision in the Council's
favour made last year.

The appeal court has awarded Mrs TIMBS $750,000 in damages plus costs.

AAP RTV ka/nf/ajc/rp

KEYWORD: TIMBS (SYDNEY)

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