October 6, 2009
New laws increasing payouts, protecting asbestos victims and recognising loss of wages for de facto partners will be introduced to parliament this week.
Attorney-General Cameron Dick will introduce the Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, which increases the maximum caps on damages for personal injuries from $250,000 to $294,500.
“These amendments ensure Queenslanders continue to receive compensation that is fair and which reflects current standards of living,” he said.
“The increase in the amount of general damages is a recognition of the pain and suffering an individual can experience as a result of a devastating personal injury.”
The amendments also ensure a de facto partner of an injured person can claim for loss of earnings, he said.
The changes will also abolish the statutory limitation period for dust-related disease claims, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and silicosis.
“The removal of the statutory limitation period for dust-relates diseases will deliver significant benefits to sufferers, by improving their access to justice and reducing the costs and stress associated with pursuing a claim,” Mr Dick said.
“This amendment will have retrospective effect to ensure it captures current cases of dust-related disease originating from exposure during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.”
The new caps on general damages will apply to injuries arising from 1 July 2010 and will be annually indexed to average weekly earnings.
© 2012 AAP
Article source: news.smh.com.au