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Lowns v Woods (1996) Aust Torts Reports 81-376 (NSWCA) - Duty of Care case

The plaintiff was an 11 year old boy with a history of epileptic seizures. On holiday, he underwent a seizure. His mother sent a brother to get an ambulance and her daughter to get a doctor. After 5 minutes, she arrived at the defendant's surgery and explained the situation and asked the defendant to come. He refused, telling her to bring the plaintiff to him. An ambulance arrived and took the plaintiff to hospital. The plaintiff suffered profound brain damage and was quadriplegic as a result of the uncontrolled seizure. It was claimed the defendant owed a duty of care and could have prevented injury by administering Valium for the seizure.

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