B.C. trial lawyers raise concerns about compensation for Lapu Lapu tragedy victims [Video]

B.C. trial lawyers are raising concerns that the victims and surviving family members of the Lapu Lapu tragedy may never be properly compensated.

The association says that under B.C.’s no-fault insurance model, it is more difficult for victims to successfully sue for damages.

“I know that ICBC likes to talk about these no-fault benefits, how they’re enhanced, but they’re really not enhanced, at least in terms of the timing issue that they do speak of,” Ryan Kusuhara, principal of Kusuhara Law Corporation told Global News.

In an online statement, ICBC said that everyone injured in a “vehicle incident is automatically covered for 12 weeks after the crash. Pre-approved treatments include counselling, psychology, physiotherapy, kinesiology, chiropractor, registered massage therapy and acupuncture. Injured customers may be eligible for additional benefits, depending on their injuries.

“Injured customers won’t need a referral from a family physician or a nurse practitioner, or approval from ICBC to access these treatments, and they …