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A note on these times of uncertainty

 

Amidst the increasing uncertainty brought about by this global pandemic, many of us are, for the first time, experiencing or know someone experiencing the feelings of anxiety and frustration brought about by being made redundant due to factors well beyond our control. Many business owners fear that the livelihood to which they have dedicated everything that they have to may not withstand these tumultuous conditions, with outgoing payments  often the only remaining constant. Individuals wonder how they will pay their rent or mortgage, afford food and other basic necessities, and remain in good spirits with no guarantee that things will get better any time in the near future. The reality is, none of us know how long this new norm will last. But one thing is clear, that this feeling of uncertainty and trepidation is shared amongst us all.

For many of us, COVID-19 is the first major crisis we are experiencing in our lifetime. The impacts of this pandemic are far reaching and have a flow on effect, not just financially but also emotionally; in our interactions, our outlook and the relationships with those around us. These feelings and challenges that so many of us are now facing are feelings that many individuals who have been injured in an accident at no fault of their own often face on a daily basis.

In this time of uncertainty, we have been fortunate to have the resounding support of the government in the form of urgent stimulus packages that have increased funds to our healthcare system, increased access to mental health services, provided financial support to individuals and business in the form of wage subsidies, welfare payments and rental assistance, interest rate reductions – just to name a few. However, those injured in accidents are not met with the same level of support in their time of crises and are all too often are met with denial of payments, denial of financial support and denial of treatment and assistance. These individuals are often forced to jump through loops and hoops every single day in order to make ends meet and find themselves left with no alterative other than to prosecute their claims to obtain their right to compensation. Even if successful, there is often a significant time delay from when these individuals are injured and required urgent support, to when they receive that support. This is why I am so motivated in my role as a compensation lawyer and why it is so important to advocate for victims of accidents who are forced into these situations at no fault of their own.

The swift support the government has provided for those of us affected by COVID-19 has alleviated some of the immediate financial concerns but it does not quell the feeling of uncertainty that continues to linger at the forefront of our thoughts. For those who have been injured in accidents these feeling of uncertainty, anxiety and frustration continue to linger and permeate other aspects of their lives until their claims are finalised and for many years after that. For some, these feelings may continue to linger indefinitely. In this time of great difficulty, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the individuals who often go unnoticed and face this reality on a daily basis.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, we will get through this difficult time together.

We are thinking of you and understand you.