Expectation of Life

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 62, 15 March 1938, Page 6

Expectation of Life

Promised Amendment Introduced in House FINAL JUDGMENTS UNAFFECTED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. The promised removal of the “expectation of life” clause dealing with damages recoverable by estates of Xiersous killed in accidents is effected by means of a new clause which was added to the Statutes Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives by Governor-General’s message this afternoon. The relevant clause in the Bill states that, where by virtue of the Law Reform Act, 1936, a cause of action survives for the benefit of the estate of a deceased person, the damages iccoverable for the benefit of the estate shall not include any damages for his pain or suffering, for any bodily or mental harm suffered, or for curtailment of his expectation of life. These provisions will apply whether the cause of action arose before or alter the date of the passing of the new legislation, but will not affect the rights of any person under a final judgment given by any court before that date. At the same time the deaths Ly Accidents Compensation Act is amended so that damages may be awarded lor expected pecuniary loss and for medical expenses. It is provided in any action under this Act that damages may be awarded in respect of tho amount of actual pecuniary benefit which persons lor whose action is brought might reasonably Have expected to enjoy if deceased person had not been killed, notwithstanding tho fact that they may not have been cither wholly or partially dependent on the deceased person prior to his death. Frovision is also made for damages to be awarded covering medical expenses. The amendments will apply whether the cause of action arises before or after the date when they are brought into force, but final judgments already given will not be affected.