Robert S. Sutherland

The plaintiffs requested that their action and several related actions be assigned for case management pursuant to Rule 77.05 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

The request was heard by the Civil Team Leader-Toronto Region, to whom the Regional Senior Judge had delegated this responsibility.

The court applied the criteria under Rule 77.05(4) and found that the actions should be assigned for case management.

Justice W.S. Chalmers was assigned as the case management judge for the consolidated actions.

The plaintiffs initiated an action for injuries sustained by Vladislav Bukshtynov at McMaster University's indoor track, claiming $1.1 million in damages.

A jury found the Flying Angels Running Club and George Kerr 60% liable, Vladislav Bukshtynov 40% contributorily negligent, and McMaster University and Hwang Lee not liable.

Damages were assessed at $101,885.

This judgment addresses costs, considering Rule 49 offers and the plaintiff's litigation conduct.

The court denied the plaintiffs' request for a Sanderson order, finding the plaintiff's conduct, particularly the failure to secure ATE insurance and refusal to settle, to be irresponsible.

The court awarded partial indemnity costs to the plaintiffs up to the date of the defendants' Rule 49 offers, and partial indemnity costs to all defendants from that date until a mid-trial pretrial recommendation, followed by substantial indemnity costs to all defendants thereafter.

The plaintiffs were ordered to pay McMaster University $95,000 and the Flying Angels Running Club, George Kerr, and Hwang Lee $69,156.

The defendants Flying Angels Running Club and George Kerr were ordered to pay the plaintiffs $43,108, to be deducted from the amounts owed by the plaintiffs.

Following a jury trial involving two related actions, the court addressed the issue of costs.

The court held that the same cost considerations applied to both plaintiffs in the related proceedings.

As a result, the plaintiff in this action was ordered to pay costs to the defendants.

The court fixed the costs payable at $35,000.

Following a jury trial in two related motor vehicle personal injury actions where the plaintiffs recovered no damages, the defendants sought substantial partial indemnity costs exceeding $178,000 against one plaintiff.

The court considered the general principles governing costs under s. 131 of the Courts of Justice Act and Rule 57.01 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, including reasonableness, the indemnity principle, and access to justice.

The plaintiff argued that costs should be nominal or none due to financial hardship, lack of employment, and the presence of some medical evidence supporting the claim.

The court held that while unsuccessful litigants should generally pay costs, impecuniosity and hardship may be considered in fixing the quantum.

Balancing these factors, the court reduced the costs significantly and ordered the plaintiff to pay $35,000.