Judge says victims of moose crashes can go ahead with lawsuit against province

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Victims of moose-vehicle accidents who want to sue Newfoundland and Labrador can proceed with a landmark class-action lawsuit against the province.

Justice Richard LeBlanc told the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador he supports certification of the case, although he raised some concerns.

LeBlanc wants lawyers for the victims and the province to reconsider whether the class should be restricted to victims who were treated in hospital.

The case is led by two men who were seriously injured when their vehicles struck moose on Newfoundland highways.

Government lawyers did not fight efforts to have victims of similar accidents declared a class that can sue as a group.

Lawyer Ches Crosbie says victims want compensation, moose fencing, culls and other measures to reduce incidents.

Crosbie says police records suggest there were about 800 moose-vehicle collisions or near collisions last year.