Right to sue - ACC discussions

[FastBikeGear]

I just caught the tail end or a radio item at 3:00 pm on the ACC discussing re-introducing the right to sue. Will update shortly on this.

In teh mean time it's no suprise to find the New Zealand Business Round Table is again campaiging to reintroduce the right to sue, critising the wood house model and promoting the privatisation and opening up of ACC to competition.

http://www.nzbr.org.nz/documents/articles/1102%20ACC%20Monopoly%20an%20Idea%20Whose%20Time%2 0has%20Passed.pdf

A search on 'NZBR right to sue' brings up some interesting stuff.

[FastBikeGear]

Here's a link to the story I was trying to find

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/11/19/1245d4055fee

MPs have heard that some proposed changes to accident compensation cover may result in the reintroduction of the right to sue.

One of the primary tenets of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) system is that New Zealanders are covered for accidents and forgo the right to sue.

A select committee is hearing submissions on a bill which includes the introduction of a 6% threshold for hearing loss claims.

But the ACC Futures Coalition (http://www.accfutures.org.nz) says that means for the first time in the scheme's history an injury is being removed from cover.

Its spokesperson, Wellington lawyer Hazel Armstrong, says the move would be a field day for litigators such as herself.

ACC Minister Nick Smith says the Government is committed to a 24/7 no fault scheme.

[k2w3]

24/7 (less 6%) for the hard of hearing, it would seem.

[Ixion]

It's sort of automatic. SS317/318 say that no action for personal injury is permitted if the injury is covered by the ACC act. But, since the government are saying that hearing loss is NOT covered, then automatically the people concerned gain the right to sue. Much use it will be to them though.

[MacD]

So does it comes as any surprise that John Judge, Nick Smith's newly appointed Chair of ACC is a Business Round Table "alumnus" member?

Better start saving up for your public liability insurance now...