This is a reconsideration decision. In the initial decision the LAT barred the claimant from proceeding with claims for benefits because she applied to the LAT outside of the limitation period. The LAT further determined that it lacked discretion to extend the limitation period under s. 7 of the LAT Act. The reconsideration hearing proceeded because the state of the law changed after the LAT hearing decision, when the Divisional Court determined that the LAT does have jurisdiction to extend the limitation period under s. 7 of the LAT Act. On reconsideration, Vice-Chair McGee found that the claimant had not established grounds for an extension of the limitation period. In finding that the claimant did not establish a bona fide intention to appeal, Vice-Chair McGee rejected the claimant’s argument that she was delayed in filing the LAT application due to ineffective representation by counsel and be causing she was engaging in settlement negotiations with the insurer. Vice-Chair McGee found that delays in filing the LAT application between 6 months and 10 years were significant and prejudicial to the insurer. The reconsideration was dismissed.
