A 500-page limit applies for documents lodged with most applications or replies in the Personal Injury Commission (PIC) from 25 November 2024.
The Personal Injury Commission deals with disputes about injuries sustained in motor accidents and workplaces in New South Wales.
Intent of the rule
The new rule is intended to assist the Personal Injury Commission in conducting its proceedings justly, quickly, cost effectively and with as little formality as possible.
It will focus the parties’ attention on the real issues in dispute and will ensure that the process is efficient which will reduce process trauma for claimants.
The rule will also reduce the amount of highly personal information that is filed with the Commission which in turn will assist the Commission with its approach to cyber security.
Exclusions
The 500-page limit does not apply:
For motor vehicle accident claims, in certain:
- medical review panel proceedings;
- merit review panel proceedings;
- merit review proceedings; and
- settlement approvals;
For workers compensation claims, in certain:
- expedited assessment proceedings;
- medical appeal panel proceedings;
- presidential proceedings; and
- work injury damages and related proceedings.
Additional documents
If additional documents are relevant to the real issues in dispute in a matter before the PIC, they may be able to be lodged either by consent if the proceedings relate to medical assessments, or otherwise with leave on application.
Application to lodge additional documents
Applications to lodge additional documents must be made no later than 14 days before a medical assessment, or no later than 3 working days before any conference or hearing for any other dispute type. Only one application is permissible in proceedings unless leave is granted.
Transition period
There is no transition period. The new rule applies from 25 November.
The By Lawyers Workers Compensation (NSW) and Motor Vehicle Accidents (NSW) – Accidents from 1 December 2017 publications have been updated to reflect the new rule.