Dr. Richard H.C. van der Jagt

The applicant sought weekly, death, and funeral benefits on behalf of his deceased father, who was involved in two minor motor vehicle accidents in December 1992 and subsequently experienced a rapid decline in health, dying in June 1993.

The arbitrator found that while the accidents caused an initial inability to perform essential tasks, entitling the estate to weekly benefits for a limited period, they did not directly or indirectly cause the death.

Medical evidence suggested an underlying malignancy was the likely cause of the rapid deterioration and death.

Claims for death benefits, funeral expenses, and a special award were dismissed, but the applicant was awarded expenses of the arbitration.