The 'affairs' referred to in s 11(3)(b) of the Limitation Act 1969 (NSW) are confined to those practical matters that lead up to and end with the institution of proceedings for the particular cause of action, not the management of a person's affairs generally. A plaintiff's competence in other areas of life (employment, education, unrelated litigation) is not decisive of whether they were substantially impeded in managing affairs relating to the specific cause of action. Medical evidence need not address the ultimate legal question posed by s 11(3)(b); the task of determining disability is a mixed question of fact and law for the judge, drawing on all evidence including lay evidence and courtroom observation. Post-traumatic stress disorder with characteristic avoidance behaviour can constitute a disability suspending the limitation period.
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