5.  The applicant was born in 1963 and lives in Stranice. 6.  On 12 November 1996 the applicant was injured in an accident at work in a lignite mine. The applicant’s employer had taken out insurance with the insurance company ZT. 7.  On 15 May 1997 the applicant instituted civil proceedings against ZT in the Celje Local Court (Okrajno sodišče v Celju) seeking damages in the amount of 764,506 tolars (approximately 3,190 euros) for the injuries sustained.
Between 10 September 1997 and 9 March 2000 the applicant made six requests that a date be set for a hearing.
Between 31 May 1999 and 12 March 2001 he lodged four preliminary written submissions and/or adduced evidence.
Of the four hearings held between 20 May 1999 and 13 March 2001 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 7 May 2001. 8.  On 15 May 2001 the applicant appealed to the Celje Higher Court (Višje sodišče v Celju).
On 5 June 2002 the court dismissed the applicant’s appeal.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 9 September 2002. 9.  On 18 September 2002 the applicant lodged an appeal on points of law with the Supreme Court (Vrhovno sodišče) and requested the withdrawal of one of the judges.
On 4 September 2003 the president of the Supreme Court rejected the request for the withdrawal of a judge.
On 6 November 2003 the Supreme Court dismissed the applicant’s appeal.
The decision was served on the applicant on 10 December 2003.