LEGISLATION EXTENDS DAMAGES IN FATAL ACCIDENTS

Family members who have lost a loved one as the result of another person's wrongdoing will be able to recover damages for grief and loss of guidance, care and companionship.

The Fatal Accidents Amendment Act, 2004, recognizes that family members suffer non-economic loss when a loved one dies.

"No amount of financial compensation can make things right for a family member who has lost a loved one," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "The extension of compensation we are recommending will provide recognition of the loss suffered by family members."

Under the current legislation damages for economic loss are recoverable, including damages for the loss of future income of the deceased and for such things as funeral costs and health-care costs. The damages for grief and loss of guidance, care and companionship set out in the amendments introduced today are set at $60,000 for the spouse of a deceased person, $30,000 for a parent of a deceased child and $30,000 for a minor child of a deceased parent.

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-8606