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New Qld compo laws help asbestos victims

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