The applicant, a 62-year-old homemaker with a history of pre-existing depression and anxiety, was injured in a pedestrian knockdown.
She sought statutory accident benefits, including non-earner benefits, attendant care, housekeeping, prescription medication, and costs of examinations.
The arbitrator found that the accident significantly exacerbated her psychological condition, profoundly compromising her ability to engage in rewarding pre-accident activities such as babysitting, reading, and taking long walks.
Applying a qualitative approach to the non-earner benefit test, the arbitrator concluded she suffered a complete inability to carry on a normal life and awarded ongoing non-earner benefits and prescription medication costs.
Claims for attendant care and housekeeping were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
The cost of a neurological assessment was allowed, but an orthopaedic assessment was denied as it did not address accident benefits.
A claim for a special award was also dismissed.
