A diagnosis of a chronic and disabling psychiatric disorder can constitute a 'material fact of a decisive character' under s 31(2) of the Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (Qld), even where the plaintiff had earlier experienced symptoms of stress and drug dependency, where no treating practitioner had previously diagnosed a psychiatric condition or suggested the plaintiff's employability was in question. An order extending the limitation period should be confined to the specific cause of action for which the extension was sought and justified, and should not extend to earlier causes of action that may be statute-barred.
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