5.  The applicant was born in 1973 and lives in Celje. 6.  On 13 October 1994 the applicant was severely injured in a car accident. The perpetrator of the accident had taken out insurance with the insurance company ZT. 7.  On 2 June 1997 the applicant instituted civil proceedings against ZT in the Celje District Court (Okrožno sodišče v Celju) seeking damages in the amount of 11,306,960 Slovenian tolars (approximately 47,000 euros) for the injuries sustained.
Between 22 July 1998 and 21 November 2000 the applicant lodged seven preliminary written submissions.
He made two requests that a date be set for a hearing.
Four hearings were held between 5 October 1998 and 8 January 2001.
During the proceedings the court appointed three experts. The court also sought an additional opinion from one of the appointed experts.
At the last-mentioned hearing the court decided to deliver a written judgment. The judgment, upholding the applicant's claim in part, was served on the applicant on 9 April 2001. 8.  On 19 April 2001 the applicant appealed to the Celje Higher Court (Višje sodišče v Celju). ZT cross-appealed.
On 26 June 2002 the court upheld ZT's appeal in part and reduced the procedural costs which had been awarded.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 28 August 2002. 9.  On 20 September 2002 the applicant lodged an appeal on points of law with the Supreme Court (Vrhovno sodišče).
On 22 January 2004 the court dismissed the applicant's appeal.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 17 February 2004.