Terms of Reference
Participants in this Report
Summary of Recommendations

CHAPTER 1: THE COMMUNITY LAW REFORM PROGRAM AND THIS REFERENCE
I. Introduction

A. Background to this Reference
B. Limitation Statutes - General Effect
C. The Rationale for Limitation Periods
D. Problems with the Law in Personal injury Claims

CHAPTER 2: LIMITATIONS LEGISLATION GOVERNING PERSONAL INJURY ACTIONS
I. The Historical Development of English Limitations Legislation up to 1963
II. The Current New South Wales Limitations Legislation
III. Compensation to Relatives Actions

CHAPTER 3: THE NEED FOR REFORM
I. Introduction
II. Arguments of Principle

A. The Bergfels Case
B. Latent Injury and Disease
C. Ignorance of Causation
D. Ignorance of a Worthwhile Cause of Action

CHAPTER 4: DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS SINCE 1963
I. England
II. Scotland
III. Victoria
IV. Western Australia
V. South Australia
VI. Australian Capital Territory

CHAPTER 5: OPTIONS FOR REFORM
I. Introduction
II. Options for Reform

A. Option 1 - Fixed Limitation Period with a Discovery Rule Extension
B. Option 2 - Fixed Limitation Period with a Discovery Rule Extension and a Discretionary Extension
C. Option 3 - Fixed Limitation Period with a Discretionary Extension
D. Option 4 - No Limitation Period

A. The Discovery Rule Extension
B. The Discretionary Extension

CHAPTER 7: INCIDENTAL MATTERS
I. Retrospectivity
II. Financial Impact

Appendix A - Draft Legislation

Appendix B - Table of Statutes

Appendix C - Table of Cases

Appendix D - Reports of Law Reform Commissions on Limitation of Actions for Personal Injury Claims