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1 (a) That's right. The harm that B has suffered in these circumstances consists of lost earnings and appears to be purely economic (or financial). B is not physically injured in any way as a result of A's negligent misstatement. (Although being told the wrong results caused a loss of confidence, the facts do not disclose any psychiatric harm.)

Purely economic harm is recognised as sufficient for the purposes of Negligence, whether caused by a physical act or (as in this case) by a negligent misstatement. In relation to the job from which she was dismissed, the loss is an actual loss and, provided the other elements of liability are satisfied, B could claim damages to compensate for this loss.

Perre v Apand Pty Ltd (1999) 198 CLR 180.

Shaddock & Associates Pty Ltd v Parramatta City Council (No 1) (1981) 150 CLR 225.