-In view of the above, I think it is fair to say the methodology of P's expert is more comprehensive than those of D's expert. The investigation by P's expert is in general more serious, solid and professional, whereas the D's expert appeared to be rather sloppy. Hence, the expert opinion of P shall be preferred. (Clause 27)
- I am inclined to prefer Ms Lau's opinion on quantum issue, as her view in this regard is generally more soild and with more supporting evidence than Mr Lo's. (Clause 44)
區域法院 (法庭案件編號 DCCJ 4020/2012)
-I have no doubt about the expertise and qualification of Lau. She gave firm answers with full explanations based on objective test results recorded in her report during cross-examination. (Clause 85)
-Having considered Lau's detailed report in the light of the other available materials and
evidence, and heard her evidence given at trial, I find her a professional and reliable
expert witness. I accept her evidence. (Clause 86)
區域法院 (法庭案件編號 DCCJ 17/2016)
-I find Ms Lau’s approach in the preparation of the Joint Report more disciplined and
scientific. In my opinion, she is also a much more straightforward and direct witness
when giving evidence in court. She gave her evidence in a no nonsense and
unequivocal manner. (Clause 86)
-And an experienced expert, I have no doubt that Ms Lau would have taken every care to
ensure that the probe would be placed upon the same position as marked by her. While Mr
Lam’s criticism may be valid on a theoretical basis, I am of opinion that it would affect very
little of Ms Lau’s overall opinion which was reached after taking in the consideration
of number of tests and not relying on one single test only. (Clause 90)
區域法院 (法庭案件編號 DCCJ 2815/2015)
-Ms Lau did not come to the conclusion by the Infra-red scanning at the light well alone,
but based on the multiple tests results and eliminated “light well” as a source of water
seepage. (Clause 31)
-I am satisfied that the overall reliability of Ms Lau’s findings is not affected by the
limitation of infra-red scanning at the light well because of the above reasons.
(Clause 32)
-I have no difficulty to accept P’s expert opinion and reject D’s expert evidence.
(Clause 38)
區域法院 (法庭案件編號 DCCJ 3071/2017)
-She engaged Hong Kong Survey Limited (“HKSL”) to inspect and identify the source of
the water seepage, HKSL in the inspection report dated 21 January 2017 concluded that
the water seepage originated from the Defendant's premises.. (Clause 8)
- Evidence of Mrs. Chan and the 2 reports prepared by Ms. Lau are unchallenged. I also
consider such evidence to be reasonable and credible. I accept the evidence of Mrs.
Chan in full. I also accept Ms. Lau as an expert in the field of water leakage and her
findings in the 2 reports. (Clause 14)
區域法院 (法庭案件編號 DCCJ 1184/2020)
- After perusing Ms Lau’s curriculum vitae annexed to the 2nd expert report, I am satisfied
that she is qualified to give expert opinion in respect of the cause of the damages to
the Plaintiffs’ flat, the remedial works that needed to be carried out, and the costs of such
works. (Clause 8)
- As indicated in the 2nd expert report, the expert had undertaken an on-site inspection on
29 October 2021. On the whole, I accept the expert opinion to be both plausible and
reliable. (Clause 8)
- Having perused the photographs annexed to the 2nd report, I found that these further
damages are supported by evidence. (Clause16)
- On the other hand, according to the 2nd expert report, the reasonable costs for the
relevant works to be done as observed during the inspections took place in 2019 (which
was however after the temporary remedial works had been taken) amounted to $44,668.80.
I find this figure more reliable. I would award this amount in full instead. (Clause 22)
- Accordingly, I am satisfied that the Plaintiffs are entitled to claim against the Defendants
for the costs of further remedial works as stated in the 2nd expert report. There is no basis
to suggest that the amount stated in the 2nd expert report ($62,404) was excessive or
unreasonable. I would also award this amount in full. (Clause 25)
高等法院 (法庭案件編號 HCA 1010/2019)
- Meanwhile, the plaintiff had engaged Ms Lau Shan La (“Ms Lau”), a surveyor of Hong
Kong Survey Ltd, who inspected 35D in November and December 2016. She did not
have access to 36D. She issued a report dated 11 January 2017, concluding that the
water seepage in 35D had originated from the faulty waterproof layer of the bathroom floor
slab and related drainage pipes of 36D. (Clause 10)
- Ms Lau investigated in 35D on three occasions in November and December 2016. She
observed that there were water stains, spalled concrete and exposed steel bars in the
ceiling of the master bathroom, and also spalled concrete and exposed steel bars in the
ceiling of the guest bathroom. Infrared scans showed abnormally cool areas in the
ceilings, indicating water seepage as Mr Tang acknowledged. Electrical conductivity
tests also showed water seepage in the ceilings. Microwave scans showed more
moisture at 110 mm depth than at 30 mm depth, and from the pattern of the
tomography Ms Lau reasoned that the moisture had come from above. In her oral
evidence she gave further explanation of this reasoning which I accept. She also
made visual inspection and infrared scan of the external wall of the two flats, which did not
reveal any leakage there. (Clause 20)
- On balance, I prefer the opinion of Ms Lau on this point: (Clause 31)
- The plaintiff does not have to prove the cause of seepage to a certainty. Having evaluated
the evidence, I consider that the plaintiff has proved on a balance of probabilities, i.e.
that it is more likely than not, that the water seepage had originated from the bathroom of
36D. It follows that the defendant is liable in both tort and contract as alleged by the