Assessment of Damages for Personal Injury and Death

The book "Assessment of Damages for Personal Injury and Death" by Harold Luntz is a comprehensive and authoritative text in the field of tort law, specifically focusing on the assessment of damages for personal injuries and deaths. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Comprehensive Commentary: The book provides a thorough commentary on the general principles of tort law, covering major tort law reforms in Australia[2].
2. Assessment of Damages: It offers invaluable assistance in preparing cases and negotiating settlements out of court, including arithmetical and actuarial tables to assist in calculating future economic loss[2].
3. Legal Authority: The text has been a leading authority in the assessment of damages for over two decades, as evidenced by numerous High Court citations[2].

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather serves as a reference guide for legal professionals, judges, and scholars dealing with personal injury and death cases. It covers various aspects of tort law, including the calculation of damages, legal precedents, and policy considerations.

Critical Reception

1. Academic Recognition: The book is highly regarded in academic circles, with references to its various editions appearing in well-known torts cases such as Griffiths v Kerkemeyer, Sharman v Evans, Kars v Kars, and De Sales v Ingrilli[2].
2. Professional Use: It is considered an essential resource for legal professionals preparing cases and negotiating settlements, providing practical guidance on the assessment of damages[2].
3. Publication History: First published in 1974, the book has undergone several editions, with the fifth edition being the most recent, published in 2023[2].

Editions and Publication Details

• Editions: The book has been published in multiple editions, with the fifth edition being the latest.
• Publisher: The fifth edition is published by LexisNexis in Australia.
• ISBN: The ISBN for the fifth edition is 9780409339468[2].
• Availability: The full text of the book is not publicly available, but it is widely cited and referenced in legal literature[2].

Critical Reviews

While there are no detailed reviews available on platforms like Goodreads, the book's reputation and usage metrics suggest it is highly regarded within the legal community. The book's comprehensive nature and authoritative status make it a valuable resource for those dealing with personal injury and death cases[2].

In summary, "Assessment of Damages for Personal Injury and Death" by Harold Luntz is a seminal work in tort law, providing a detailed and authoritative guide to the assessment of damages in personal injury and death cases. Its comprehensive commentary, practical guidance, and academic recognition make it an essential resource for legal professionals and scholars.