A return to alternative employment is not determinative against a worker on the question of whether pain and suffering consequences are 'serious' under s 134AB(37)(a), but will tend against such a finding in the absence of other relevant evidence. The serious injury assessment must consider the complete spectrum of possible impairments and losses, including cases that do not reach litigation, and must not be confined to comparison with a small number of decided cases. The duration of expected consequences is a relevant factor in the comparative assessment.
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