5.  The applicant was born in 1959 and lives in Žalec. 6.  On 23 October 1995 the applicant was injured in an accident at work. The applicant’s employer had taken out insurance with the insurance company ZT. 7.  On 12 December 1996 the applicant instituted civil proceedings against ZT in the Celje District Court (Okrožno sodišče v Celju) seeking damages in the amount of 2,800,000 tolars (approximately 11,700 euros) for the injuries sustained.
On 25 September 1997 the judge presiding the case was appointed to the Celje Higher Court (Višje sodišče v Celju) and the case was transferred to a new judge.
Between 6 November 1997 and 24 February 2000 the applicant lodged six preliminary written submissions and/or adduced evidence.
Between 11 February 1998 and 21 December 1999 he made seven requests that a date be set for a hearing.
Of the five hearings held between 12 October 1998 and 6 December 2000 none was adjourned at the request of the applicant.
During the proceedings the court appointed a medical expert.
At the last hearing the court decided to deliver a written judgment. The judgment, upholding the applicant’s claim in part, was served on the applicant on 26 February 2001. 8.  On 13 March 2001 the applicant appealed to the Celje Higher Court and requested the first-instance court to issue a supplement judgment. ZT cross-appealed.
On 29 March 2001 the first-instance court issued a supplement judgment.
On 30 May 2002 the Celje Higher Court dismissed both appeals.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 17 June 2002. 9.  On 30 May 2002 the applicant lodged an appeal on points of law with the Supreme Court (Vrhovno sodišče) and sought recusal of one of the judges.
On 24 February 2003 the president of the court rejected the request for a recusal of a judge.
On 30 October 2003 the court dismissed the applicant’s appeal.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 18 November 2003.