The Transport Accident Amendment Act 2016 was enacted in mid April 2016 (see effect of changes). The Act reverses the provisions enacted in the Transport Accident Amendment Act 2013 that limited the right of families of people who die or are severely injured in transport accidents to seek compensation for psychological injury.
The requirement that claimants with psychiatric injuries needed to seek treatment for three years before they can bring a serious injury claim has also been reversed. It did not recognise that many people suffering from mental illness find it difficult to reach out for assistance. Furthermore, it was especially difficult for claimants living in rural areas who may have limited access to mental health services.
This is a victory for common sense
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