http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb-txt/sc/17/05/2017BCSC0550.htm
This case involved a plaintiff who was injured in 3 separate motor vehicle accidents. At the time of their first accident, the plaintiff was a bank teller who was pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Services and Administration at Douglas College.
The plaintiff’s award for Future Income Losses was broken down into 2 components:
- $50,000.00 for a delay in her education and training; and
- $100,000.00 for loss of Future Earning Capacity.
The plaintiff was given these awards despite, at the time of trial, having the ability to work full time. The $50,000.00 was meant to compensate the plaintiff for any delays in her education caused by her inability to pursue career and educational goals with the same vigor had the car accidents not occurred. For example, if the plaintiff was not able to take as many courses or not pursue promotions or new opportunities, this award would compensate her.
The second part of the award, which consisted of $100,000 for Loss of Future Earning Capacity, was meant to compensate the plaintiff for future contingencies, such as time off work, early retirement, and an inability to pursue overtime. This figure of $100,000 was based loosely on her salary at the time, and she was given compensation for approximately 2 years of her current salary.
This case once again illustrates that despite uncertainty as to career paths, a young person or a students may still be entitled to compensation for future losses.
