Legislation was introduced into Victorian State Parliament this week designed to make changes to the compensation available to people injured in motor vehicle accidents.
The proposed changes place a greater burden of proof on people who have suffered a psychiatric injury as a result of a transport accident. Under the new laws, people who seek compensation for pain and suffering and lost wages as a result of a psychiatric injury will have to prove that their injury has been continuous for a period of three years from the date of the accident, has had a significant impact on the ability to function and activities of daily living, and that medical treatment has been unsuccessful.
Other changes to the legislation include increases to the amount of funeral expenses and family counselling available to people who have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, as well as changes to the repayment of medical reports and legal costs.
The new laws are currently being considered and debated by the Victorian Parliament. If passed, many of the changes will take effect from 16 October 2013.
If you or someone you know have been injured in a transport accident, we invite you to speak with one of our experts on (03) 9321 9988.