Advertisement

ICBC overhaul: ‘No such thing as a minor brain injury’ warns advocate

Click to play video: 'Critics cry foul over what ICBC is now classifying as ‘minor injuries’'
Critics cry foul over what ICBC is now classifying as ‘minor injuries’
WATCH: Critics cry foul over what ICBC is now classifying as 'minor injuries' – Nov 10, 2018

New changes to ICBC are being touted by B.C.’s NDP government as a way to save the money-losing insurer a billion dollars a year, but a B.C. health advocate says the new regulations will bring challenges to some head injury victims.

“We’ve come to the realization that there is no such thing as a minor brain injury” says Geoffrey Sing, chair of the British Columbia Brain Injury Association.

One of the new changes would reclassify mild concussions as minor injuries, likely capping pain and suffering awards at $5,500.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Sing says the move is overly broad given the huge range of outcomes with head injuries and concussions.

WATCH: Province unveils overhaul of ICBC

Click to play video: 'Province releases details of ICBC overhaul'
Province releases details of ICBC overhaul

He points out that major sports leagues have been going the opposite way on concussions recent years, emphasizing the seriousness of concussions and putting players on “concussion protocol” after a dangerous hit to the head.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Majority of drivers will pay less under new ICBC rates, but high risk drivers will pay substantially more

Global News has made multiple requests for an interview with Attorney General David Eby, who oversees ICBC.

He has been unavailable since the announcement was made Friday.

Sponsored content

AdChoices