What is the test for a claim for damages for psychological injury?

British Columbia, Canada


The following excerpt is from Schulze v. Strain, 2010 BCSC 1516 (CanLII):

In Kotai v. Queen of the North, Mr. Justice Joyce analysed the law in detail in paragraphs 24 through 77 of his reasons. The conclusions that he expressed at paragraphs 64, 69, and 77, if accepted, would be fatal to Jan’s claim for damages for psychological injury. In the opinion of Joyce J., the law requires a plaintiff who advances a claim for psychological injury in circumstances similar to the present case, to prove that he suffered such serious psychological consequences as a result of the defendant’s negligence that they amounted to a recognized psychiatric illness. Counsel for the plaintiff submitted that I did not have to follow Joyce J’s reasoning and that I could properly conclude that proof of a recognized psychiatric illness was not an essential element of liability in the present case.

Other Questions


Is resolution of an important part of a claim against a party in a personal injury claim against the other party to the claim substantially less impact on the balance of the claim? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the range of damages for personal injury damages in a personal injury case? (British Columbia, Canada)
When there is little or no objective evidence of continuing injury in the context of a claim for damages arising from a motor vehicle accident, does the claimant have to prove that there is a continuing injury? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the test for awarding damages for psychological injuries that are not the result of physical injuries? (British Columbia, Canada)
Is there any distinction between damages for the taking of a Crown grant mineral claim which is a chattel and damages for taking a Crown Grant mineral claim that is a interest in land? (British Columbia, Canada)
In a personal injury action for damages for personal injury, is there any case law where there is little or no objective evidence of continuing injury? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does a plaintiff have an obligation to reduce their damages by reducing the damages in the context of a claim? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the test for determining whether a plaintiff can claim damages for personal injuries from a pre-existing condition? (British Columbia, Canada)
In a personal injury action, can a plaintiff recover large amounts of personal injury damages from a vocational consultant? (British Columbia, Canada)
In a personal injury claim for housekeeping services provided by a close friend, does the claim need to be reviewed carefully? (British Columbia, Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.