The Supreme Court of Queensland recently handed down its decision in Brown v Islip & Anor [2026] QSC 92, highlighting an important issue in personal injury claims: that the full impact of an injury, particularly for young people, may not become clear until years after the fact.

The plaintiff was just eight years old when she was injured in a motor vehicle accident on the Bruce Highway. Although her physical injuries resolved, she later developed PTSD that continued into her adulthood.

Over time, the condition affected her ability to attend school consistently, complete her intended ATAR pathway, continue university studies, and maintain stable employment.

While these consequences could not have been anticipated at the time of the accident, the Court accepted they had a significant impact on her future earning capacity and long-term employment opportunities.

Future Economic Loss in Personal Injury Claims

A key issue for the Court in this case was how to approach future economic loss.

The Court made it clear that calculating future economic loss in a case like this isn’t a simple comparison of current income versus what someone might have earned. Instead, it’s about how an injury affects a person’s future opportunities, including:

  • Whether they can complete education
  • The types of jobs they can pursue
  • Their ability to sustain full-time work
  • Their competitiveness in the job market
  • Ongoing disadvantages they may face in employment

In this case, the Court accepted that the plaintiff’s PTSD would continue to fluctuate and would likely limit her career options over the course of her working life. Even though she still had some capacity to study or work, her opportunities were reduced and modified, and that was enough to justify a significant award for future economic loss of $124,000.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

Too often, people take a “wait and see” approach after an accident, particularly where injuries appear minor or physical symptoms improve over time.

However, as this case demonstrates, the true impact of an injury can take years to emerge, especially for young people whose education and career paths are still developing. As the Court recognised, compensation is not only about what has already happened; it is also about lost opportunities and the long-term effect an injury may have on a person’s future.

In Queensland, strict time limits apply to personal injury and motor vehicle accident claims, so you don’t have the luxury to “wait and see”. Delaying legal action can mean losing the right to pursue compensation altogether, sometimes allowing your options to expire before the full impact of the injury is even understood. If you or a young person you know has been involved in a car accident, obtaining legal advice early can help you protect your future rights and entitlements, and help you understand how to properly investigate the potential future impacts of your injuries, ensuring you can access the compensation you deserve.

It costs nothing to speak with one of our car accident lawyers to determine whether you may have an eligible claim. Contact us today for a confidential, obligation free initial consultation.

Posted in: Latest News, Personal Injury

May 27 2026