Anyone who’s ever been in a car accident would know how traumatic it can be, whether the injuries and damage sustained are minor or major. Whatever their severity, car accidents put considerable physical, financial and emotional burdens on the injured victims and their families.

Accidents are usually caused by someone else’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to seek compensation from those responsible for the accident. A free consultation injury lawyer can evaluate your case and provide a swift, genuine and comprehensive assessment that would help you to proceed further.

It’s important that anyone who is involved in an accident gets a thorough clinical evaluation immediately, however minor the injuries appear to be.

Serious injuries are those that result in profuse internal/external bleeding, head/neck/spine trauma, compound fractures etc. and require airway management and initial resuscitation followed by immediate transfer to an ER. The ER physicians recommend further investigations and also consult with specialists to determine the line of treatment to be adopted. Our top-rated accident lawyers can assist victims and their families to get the best possible medical treatment immediately.

Common Life-Threatening Injuries

Generally, the serious and catastrophic injuries seen in victims of car accidents include:

Head/Brain Injury: Blunt-force trauma, concussion, internal bleeding, skull fractures, cuts, lacerations etc.

Back/Neck Injury: Spinal-cord damage or severance, whiplash, herniated discs, spinal fractures. Paralysis and disability either short/long-term or permanent can result.

Burns: From contact or explosions can result in severe injuries, disfigurement, scarring, infections etc, requiring long-term treatment, rehabilitation and plastic-surgery.

Blunt/Penetrating injuries: Blunt-force trauma causes internal bleeding, organ and soft-tissue damage. Penetrating injuries happen either when an external object pierces the body/head or when broken bones pierce the organs internally. Both these injuries can be extremely dangerous especially when they affect the brain, as continuous bleeding and clotting can put pressure on the brain. Penetrating chest-injuries can damage heart, lungs and blood-vessels.

Laceration: Brain laceration is life-threatening or could leave the person disabled for life.

Our top Toronto personal injury lawyers can build a robust claim based on the circumstances of the case, the nature and extent of your injuries, their impact on your life and that of your family’s and the establishment of negligence and responsibility of the at-fault party.

Other Serious Injuries

Skull, rib and extremity-bone fractures are other catastrophic injuries that result from car accidents. They’re caused by blunt trauma, sudden and severe twisting and penetrating injuries. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can ensure that the injured person receives prompt and competent medical attention, diagnosis and treatment.

Dislocation of hip, knee, ankle/wrist, shoulder joints are other common and serious injuries arising from car accidents.

Symptoms for all such serious injuries include headaches, dizziness, pain, behavioral changes, verbal and cognitive problems, seizures, sleep disorders, weakness/paralysis, vaginal/rectal bleeding, nausea/vomiting, etc.

Claiming Compensation

Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Scheme provides benefits to all victims regardless of fault. However, the compensation may be inadequate to cover the costs of life-time care and treatment and our car accident lawyers can assist you to file a compensation claim that would help you to meet the costs of life-time care and treatment and compensate you for your pecuniary/non-pecuniary losses.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Have you been injured in a slip and fall accident on a city sidewalk in Ontario? These accidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from simple bruises or sprains to serious whiplash injury, brain/spinal damage, paralysis, disfigurement, disability or in catastrophic cases, even death. Elderly and special needs populations are particularly vulnerable and any such accident can have disastrous consequences on their life and health.

Accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to compensation from those responsible.

You may wonder how someone else could be responsible if you slipped or tripped and fell on a city sidewalk. But when the incident is thoroughly investigated, it would become clear that there was some negligence or lack of safety norms that led to a hazardous condition. Contact a free consultation injury lawyer without delay to seek compensation for your losses and injuries caused by the accident.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slipping and falling on icy sidewalks is common in winter. Most large cities have thousands of kilometers of pavements and winter weather means that there is the hazard of constant flash-freezing, black ice, snowdrifts and surface-damage caused by improper removal techniques.

Private property owners have a duty of care to ensure that their premises are kept safe for visitors at all times, including clearing snow, maintenance of railings, etc.

If you have been injured on public property, the municipality of that city can be held liable for your injuries. However, it’s also important to know your rights and the steps to be taken in case of accidents so that you can claim compensation due to you. Our top-rated accident lawyers can ensure that your interests are safeguarded through the entire process.

Challenges and Issues

Filing claims is a complicated and confusing process unless you’re an experienced personal injury lawyer who deals with such cases regularly. There are strict deadlines to be met, a copious and complex amount of paperwork to be completed and ensuring that your claim is submitted to the right jurisdiction/venue etc. Our top personal injury lawyers in Ontario also assist you in dealing with insurance-companies representing the municipality. They may adopt a variety of dismissive or delaying tactics to avoid pay-outs or admit their clients’ liability. Most municipalities also have limits on how much compensation you can recover.

You also need to ensure that your claim is against the right at-fault party. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can conduct investigations to determine the correct agency/person whose negligence caused your injuries. If you fell in front of a private residence/property, the municipality may not be liable for the condition of the sidewalk as this is the premises-owner’s responsibility.

That’s why it’s crucial to know how to select the best personal injury lawyers to represent you. Statistics show that nearly 75% of claims against municipalities like Ottawa are dismissed for various reasons. Most personal injury claims are settled out-of-court and with the best personal injury litigation lawyers in Ontario Canada representing you, it enhances your chances of receiving a just and fully-deserved settlement.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

If you or a dear one has been injured in a motor-vehicle accident, your entire focus would initially have been on getting medical assistance and ensuring that the injured receive the right treatment. The effects of being unable to work/generate income for long periods, or even permanently, rising medical costs and the emotional trauma that the victim and the family undergo need to be urgently addressed.

Accidents are usually the result of someone’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to compensation from those responsible for the injuries caused. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with proven expertise/knowledge in handling similar cases for best results.

Insurance and Benefits

Every driver in Canada is required to possess a valid driver’s license and have insurance coverage. Hence, in case of such mishaps, insurance is supposed to cover the expenditure. Additionally, Ontario provides statutory accident benefits to all injured victims of motor-vehicle accidents.

However, dealing with automobile insurers can often be an annoying, long-drawn-out and frustrating experience. Many of us are unfamiliar with insurance regulations and go through a stressful situation following accidents. Under such circumstances, it may be difficult to complete the paperwork within the deadlines, or it may seem highly complicated and difficult to understand. A top-rated accident lawyer can begin the paperwork without delay, as there are strict guidelines regarding time-frames, formats, accompanying documents etc. which could be difficult for people unfamiliar with them to handle correctly.

Ontario provides statutory benefits regardless of fault to all those injured in motor-vehicle accidents. The payment is made by your own insurers. Compensation can also be claimed by filing a tort claim against the at-fault party.

Dealing With Insurers

The Ontario auto-insurance system is complicated and most of us rarely deal with it unless an accident occurs. The combination of statutory benefits and allowing claims under tort is challenging even for top personal injury lawyers in Ontario as they have to keep abreast of the latest updates in regulations and current rulings in such matters. That’s why it’s important to know how to find the best accident injury lawyer to handle your case – preferably one with the knowledge/skills/expertise/experience in this sector.

The accident has to be reported within seven days, regardless of fault, otherwise the insurance company does not have to honor your claim. This report must be accompanied by the necessary information regarding the accident and the other party.

Many of us are unaware of the exact terms of our insurance policy. A free consultation injury lawyer would be able to give you a swift genuine opinion on filing a claim based on your policy.

Following this, a claims-adjuster contacts the victim. Here it’s crucial to ensure that an experienced car accident lawyer is in on all communications to make sure that your rights and interests are protected. Often, we make inadvertent statements, submissions or admissions, or provide authorizations that could be counter-productive later. An accident injury lawyer available 24×7 can ensure that your rights/interests are protected till the final settlement has been awarded.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

The devastating head-on collision that occurred near Brampton on October 10, 2016, killing four people has brought into sharp focus many important issues that concern traffic safety. The sheer scale of the tragedy that engulfed three young people, one of them a teenager, has caused shocked eye-witnesses to reflect on the fragility of human life, its impact on the families of victims and the community at large.

The accident took place late in the evening, when three young people were driving home after a family Thanksgiving dinner. Their 2016 Kia collided with a 1998 Pontiac being driven by a man in his late 40s who also lost his life. A disastrous fire that broke out following the crash prevented horrified onlookers from providing assistance.

As no survivors are alive to relate how and why the accident happened, the police and traffic authorities have to conduct thorough investigations to arrive at the necessary conclusions.

When such catastrophic accidents happen, the family-members of the deceased undergo unimaginable physical, financial and emotional trauma. In the period immediately following the fatal events, family-members are often simply too overwhelmed to think of legal/insurance matters.

However, many of these issues have to be dealt with in a timely manner. If someone dear to you goes through such a tragedy, it’s important that they contact a Brampton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Family Law Act

Ontario’s Family Law Act gives certain family-members of a person who dies in motor-vehicle collisions rights to claim compensation for wrongful death. This includes compensation for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages.

Eligible family-members include: spouse, children, grand-children, parents, grand-parents and siblings. Pecuniary damages are awarded only if the claimant was financially dependent on the deceased. However, a top-rated accident lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of each individual case and advise you accordingly.

Ontario’s Statutory Accidents Benefits Scheme also provides up to $6000 for funeral expenses.

All claims are judged on their merits, including the age and occupation of the deceased, the claimant’s mental/physical health, degree of relationship and contact, etc.

A free consultation injury lawyer would be able to advise family-members on further procedures to be followed. 

Forensic Reconstruction Experts

Accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the victims are entitled to seek compensation from those responsible. In cases like the Brampton collision, the findings of a crash reconstruction specialist are of immense value to fix liability and establish the negligence that caused the crash.

The police and independent investigators may both use forensic reconstruction experts, but police investigations focus on determining criminal liability – e.g. drunken driving, speeding, unlicensed drivers, hours-of-service violations (in case of commercial vehicles) etc.

Independent forensic experts – usually retired police officers, automotive technologists/engineers, doctors, private detectives etc –  determine the negligence to fix financial liability.

They document every single detail available at the accident-site, compile documentary/photographic/video evidence available, eye-witness testimony, statements of family-members/those who were last in contact with victims etc. These findings are finally assembled and analyzed by a multi-disciplinary team and logical conclusions are drawn to determine the exact causes of the fatality.

Top Toronto accident lawyers have the funds/resources to employ skilled forensic reconstruction experts whose valuable inputs can back your compensation claim.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Accidents are caused by someone’s fault or negligence, though we assume that they are random or chance mishaps. A spinal cord injury suffered as a result of a motor-vehicle accident is one of the most serious and devastating consequences that a victim can suffer. It is a life-altering event and leads to a complete disruption in the victim’s life-style, income, future prospects, and their physical and emotional well-being. Apart from the victim, the entire family may suffer from the repercussions of the accident and would need support. Under these circumstances, most people are focused on medical treatment and rehabilitation and feel that their insurance would cover the costs.

However, spinal cord injuries result in a life-time of care-giving and on-going medical treatment, the need for rehabilitation, modification of life-style, psychological or psychiatric counseling, medications and assistive technologies to enable the victim to regain some modicum of normalcy. Victims of motor-vehicle accidents in Ontario are entitled to statutory benefits regardless of fault. But even this coverage may be inadequate. As an injured victim, you are entitled to seek compensation from those whose fault or negligence caused the accident.

Contact our free consultation injury lawyers for an initial evaluation of your case.

Spinal Cord Injury

SCI (spinal cord injury) can result in temporary or permanent loss of functioning of the spinal cord. This results in loss of sensation, muscle function, loss autonomic functions in parts that lie below the area served by the site of injury, ranging from pain, numbness to paralysis, incontinence, loss of sexual function, etc.

It requires long term physical and medical therapy and treatments, rehabilitation treatments, retraining, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, emotional counseling etc.

Our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers can ensure that the right medical treatment and rehabilitation programs are provided.

How Much Compensation Can Be Claimed?

Each spinal cord injury case is different and the “case value” is based on the severity of the injury and the amount of disability and loss/damages suffered. Since they cause a life-time of disability and distress, the value is often high if it is handled by a top-rated accident lawyer with experience in handling similar cases.

The at-fault party’s insurance company has to make the settlement and our serious injury lawyers can represent you at all meetings and negotiations with them to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.

The final claim would include:

• Loss of income/wages
• Medical and other accident-related expenses
• Pain and suffering

In certain cases, judges may award punitive damages, but that would be based on the particular circumstances of the case.

Clients would be able to receive compensation based on a life-care plan if they are severely disabled or they can receive the compensation amount as a lump sum, staggered amount etc.

Since our experienced personal injury lawyers work on contingency-fee arrangements, our fees, court fees and medical expenses incurred by us would be deductible from the final settlement only.

Typically, SCI expenses would include:

• Independent medical expert fees
• Collision/crash specialist fees
• Life-time care planning expert fees
• Costs of interviewing/assembling witnesses
• Court expenses

When you consult the best personal injury litigation lawyers in Ontario, there are better chances of achieving satisfactory compensation.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, getting medical assistance, treatment and care would obviously be your first priority. Many of us assume that our/at-fault party’s insurance coverage would take care of all the expenses relating to hospitalization, treatment, testing, medication etc.

Ontario also provides statutory benefits to all those injured in motor-vehicle accidents, regardless of fault.

However, in many cases, the coverage may be inadequate for long-term treatments and care. In some cases, the victim and their family are emotionally traumatized and would like to ensure that the at-fault party also pays for their share in causing the accident. This could be true in the case of serious alcohol-impaired related accidents, which are particularly distressing for the victim and their families.

It’s important to meet with a free consultation injury lawyer without delay and get a genuine, swift and comprehensive assessment of your claim which would enable you to proceed further.

What Compensation Can Be Claimed?

Based on the individual circumstances, claims can be filed for:

• Economic losses: The major part of your claim would include loss of income, wages due to inability to work. This would include present and future income in the case of long-term absence.
• Medical expenses: Recovery of expenses for treatment, care, rehabilitation for serious, permanent or long-term disability, disfigurement etc.
• Pain and Suffering: There is a legal “verbal threshold” of pain and suffering that has to be met to claim this.
• Loss of care/guidance/companionship: Under Ontario’s Family Law Act (FLA) victims’ families can sue under this head.

An experienced personal injury lawyer with knowledge/expertise in handling car accident cases can provide the best assistance.

Time Limit

It’s important to know how to find the best personal injury lawyer who has handled similar cases. In Ontario, there are strict time-limits within which a personal injury claim has to be filed. Our top-rated accident lawyers keep abreast of all the latest insurance regulations and personal injury law amendments and they can advise you on the correct procedure, format, paperwork and time-limits within which to file your claim. For instance, 2015 Ontario government regulations have legislated increased the amount of deductible allowed to account for inflation. Our top toronto personal injury lawyers ensure that your claim is filed keeping all the relevant aspects in mind.

Claims By Family Members

In case of death, the family members can file a claim under FLA citing loss of guidance, care, companionship, and there is no deductible that applies to non-pecuniary claims by FLA claimants. The members who can claim are siblings, spouses, children and grandchildren of the deceased. This FLA section has also been recently amended and our experienced car accident lawyers can bring you up to speed on this.

Payment of Lawyer’s Fees

Most personal injury lawyers and law-firms work on personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. We also conduct independent investigations to collect evidence and collect robust testimony to back your claim. Our fees are not paid upfront, but only when full and satisfactory settlement of the claim has been achieved.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

When serious car accidents happen, a variety of injuries can result, ranging from minor cuts, bruises, sprains etc to severe brain/spinal damage, amputation, loss of vision, internal organ damage/bleeding, disability, disfigurement and even death.

The worst type of injuries are termed “catastrophic injuries,” and they result in permanent life-altering injuries, requiring extended or permanent care. The first priority would be to get the injured to an emergency medical-care facility and ensure that the right diagnosis and treatment are given.

Following this, it’s wise to contact an accident injury lawyer available 24×7 with experience in dealing with similar cases. This should be done without delay.

Accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the injured/their families are entitled to claim compensation for the various types of damage suffered as a result of these injuries.

What is Catastrophic Injury?

In legal terms, catastrophic injuries are those which permanently prevent an individual from performing gainful work. They’re termed catastrophic because they have far-reaching and permanent impact on not just the injured person, but also result in serious financial, physical and emotional issues for the entire family and immediate surrounding social structure. Some examples include serious head/neck/skull trauma, spinal cord injury/severance, accident-related amputations, damage to eyes, memory cognitive and communication systems, neurological damage resulting in paralysis etc.

A traumatic brain injury lawyer would be able to ensure that victims receive the best medical treatment immediately.

Legal Aspects of Catastrophic Injury

When catastrophic injuries are caused by someone’s negligence, the injured can claim compensation from those responsible for the accident. The car accident may have been caused by distracted/alcohol-impaired/reckless/aggressive driving, defective/malfunctioning parts, road/weather conditions etc. Whatever the cause, our top personal injury lawyers in Toronto can conduct independent investigations into the circumstances and identify the reason for the accident, thereby establishing liability.

The personal injury claim and the settlement provided determine the victim’s future quality of life, comfort, medical care, support and physical/financial/emotional stability. Hence, determining the value of your claim is crucial. Contact a car accident lawyer with a successful track record in handling such cases exclusively for best results.

Apart from the economic injuries, the victim and family undergo tremendous emotional trauma. If the person was an earning member, contributing to the family finances, the resultant lost present and future income/wages and high medical care costs can severely affect the entire family. Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, companionship, care, guidance etc should also be a part of your claim.

Filing For Compensation

Our free consultation injury lawyers can provide an initial, swift, comprehensive and genuine assessment of your case and advise you on the best approach to seeking the compensation you justly deserve.

It’s important to know how to find the best accident injury lawyer to represent victims of catastrophic injury. There are strict statute-of-limitations rules that govern personal injury claims. Insurance companies who make the settlement may adopt delaying/manipulative/aggressive tactics to delay/dismiss/deny/minimize your claim to reduce or avoid pay-outs.

Our experienced slip and fall injury lawyers ensure that all communication with at-fault party representatives is carefully monitored, to safeguard your interests and rights.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Most people are unaware that litigation can be time-consuming, expensive and that outcomes are difficult to predict. When accidents happen, and they’re clearly the result of someone’s fault or negligence, people may decide to immediately explore legal options and file a personal injury case against the at-fault party. However, there are several aspects that need to be looked at before finally going to court. A free consultation with car accident and personal injury lawyers can provide a swift, genuine and comprehensive evaluation of your case, based on which you may make your decision.

In fact, the legal route should perhaps be your last resort, when all else fails. Statistics show that only 10% of civil disputes actually make it to the court-room. The concept of “settlement” implies that a mutually-agreed upon solution to the dispute can be found outside the court system. This can be done with the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Personal Injury Litigation: Some Facts 

• The primary reason to settle out of court is to avoid litigation. Once the court process is initiated, issues become polarized, making compromise difficult.
• In many cases, the at-fault party is someone known, whom you may have to deal with in future. It may be a former friend/co-worker, relative, neighbor, customer etc.
• In many cases, the collateral damage that can result from lawsuits could be more than the actual worth of the compensation.
• Typical lawsuits can last in courts for upwards of two years, even if they’re only of moderate complexity. In case of workplace compensation cases, there may be an additional lengthy waiting period while Labor Departments etc prepare your case for filing.
• Settlement out-of-court may not be as high as people would like, but that being said, jury verdicts are unpredictable. If you lose a medical malpractice case as a plaintiff, you may even have to pay up all the legal costs.
• Insurance companies, even your own, have their own business interests paramount, and you may need to consult a top toronto personal injury lawyer to help you decide how to take the case forward.

Settlement vs Suing: The Pros and Cons

Settlement can be swifter than a suit, as our best personal injury litigation lawyers in Ontario, Canada can advise. However, you may not always benefit to the extent you want.

Settlements may not cover future costs if you later discover that your injuries are more serious than previously assessed and you have already signed certain waivers.

When you sue, there are chances of losing the case, or getting less than you ask for. A top personal injury lawyer in Ontario can place the options clearly before you.

Negotiation lies at the heart of settlement. Your personal injury law firm can ensure that lawyers who have handled your type of case successfully are deputed to represent you. Often, there may be certain quid pro quos in negotiation that are not money-based and evaluated better in a settlement.

Non-specific damages like pain and suffering, insult/emotional distress etc are not addressed in settlement.

If you’re suing on principle, you’d want your day in court.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

If you or a loved one gets injured in an accident at the workplace, it’s important that you keep certain guidelines in mind. Reporting work-related injuries in a professional manner ensures that there is proper documentation and that the appropriate authorities are kept informed.

This would go a long way in helping your case when it comes to claiming workers’ compensation, recovering money from insurance agencies or filing a personal injury claim against those responsible for your accident. A top-rated accident lawyer who has handled work-related injury compensation claims extensively and  successfully can be of most assistance in such circumstances.

Top Mistakes Made When Reporting

Delay in reporting: People fear that they’re being “bad employees” or “sissies” if they immediately report workplace injuries. However, it’s vital that the injury goes on record as early as possible. State penalties and labor laws would also come into force.

Delay in seeking medical help: A qualified, licensed doctor should be consulted without delay, whatever the nature of the injury and you should preserve all documents related to your visit. The injury may be minor according to you or your doctor, but your situation could deteriorate at a later date. Certain injuries may not manifest their full effects immediately. The right diagnosis and treatment have to be given.

Occupational diseases: Certain injuries like carpel tunnel, degenerative disc injury, hearing loss, repetitive stress injury, asbestos related cancer etc manifest very slowly over a long period of time. However, you need to report your symptoms as soon as you notice them and get it put on the record. Sometimes, pre-existing conditions could get aggravated by a work-related injury.

Delay in seeking legal advice: Personal injury claims/workplace compensation are governed by strict statute of limitations regulations. If you delay in consulting a personal injury lawyer, it could cost you dearly.

Incomplete facts: Often, in the confusion that follows accidents, important facts are missed. As soon as possible, write down or record everything you remember about the accident without leaving anything out, whether you consider it important or not.

Jurisdiction: People may be unsure where exactly to file the claim, especially if the injury happened in a different location. Consult a Toronto personal injury lawyer to know the correct procedures/venue for filing.

Verbal is not Good Enough: Ensure that your complaint is recorded in writing. Don’t rely on your boss remembering that you had complained about an injury six months ago. If there were witnesses, record their details too in a formal injury report and keep a copy for yourself.

Relying on the Company Doctor: No doubt they’re licensed, qualified etc, but they are not completely independent. The company would try to minimize costs by using their own empaneled physicians so our experienced top personal injury lawyers in Ontario would assist you to get another expert medical opinion to ensure that your health and interests are protected.

These are some of the common errors that people make when they suffer work-related injuries. It’s important to know how to find the best personal injury lawyer who can represent you in getting your just compensation.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

When accidents happen and people are injured, their main focus would be on getting immediate and proper medical attention. Once this has been taken care of, victims and/or their families would have to deal with other aspects like medical bills, treatment and rehabilitation, meeting household expenses, dealing with employers, loss of wages etc. At this point, it’s wise to consult a reputed personal injury law firm to explore the possibility of seeking compensation for your injuries/losses.

Accidents are caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to seek compensation from those responsible for the accident by making a personal injury claim. This can be done with the help of a top personal injury lawyer in Ontario.

Compensation claim settlements are usually paid out by insurance companies. Most of us are unfamiliar with both personal injury laws and insurance regulations. Additionally, there are frequent changes, additions, amendments etc that make the process extremely complex. Hence, to achieve the desired result, it’s important to know how to find a personal injury lawyer who has the experience and expertise in handling your type of cases.

Subrogation

Among the complicated issues that exist in insurance regulations, the subrogation rule is one that very few have even heard of. It can broadly be defined as a rule that allows one party to make payment for damages and then recover the money from the party that actually should have made the payment in the first place. “Subrogation” actually means standing in place of another. If this sounds complicated, it actually is!

An experienced car accident lawyer can explain it clearly to you and ensure that your rights are protected when the final settlement is made.

How It Functions

Auto accidents can result in a variety of losses and injuries. When the injured person decides to claim compensation from the at-fault party’s insurers, there may be delays and they may decide to claim compensation from their own insurers although the fault was not theirs. However, you need to keep your own insurers informed about it. In such a case, your own insurance company settles the claim and then takes up a subrogation claim against the at-fault party’s insurers themselves.

What You Need To Know

Subrogation is really the final end of the claims process. It may not directly affect you. In most cases, you may not even get to know about it. However, your insurers are supposed to inform you that they are pursuing a subrogation claim. There may be future consequences if your insurers decide to pursue the subrogation process even after they have made the settlement.

The best personal injury litigation lawyers in Ontario, Canada can advise you that if your insurance company pursues subrogation, it will conduct its own investigations. If the results show that you were also partially to blame in causing the accident, the amount deductible would be in proportion to your share of liability/blame.

While settling with at-fault parties’ insurers, read the fine print carefully for any waiver of subrogation clauses.  Hence, it’s wise to entrust the entire process to top-rated accident lawyers so your interests are protected.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Nothing can be more distressing than the loss of a loved one. If this was a child, the amount of grief, trauma, shock and suffering can be overwhelming not just to the parents, but in most cases to the whole family, friends, neighbors, class-mates, teachers etc. When death occurs as a result of an accident caused by someone else’s fault or negligence, emotions like anger, hurt and confusion are present too.

The loss of a child can never be gaged in monetary terms.  Nevertheless, the bereaved have a right to seek compensation from those responsible for the accident. Since our legal system has no other remedy for this situation, monetary compensation is awarded through a personal injury claim made with the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer who has dealt with similar cases before.

Damages Awarded In Case of Death

Consultation with top rated accident lawyers would inform you that under Ontario’s Family Law Act, RSO 1990, c F.3, Sec 61, spouses (including common-law spouses), parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters of the deceased person are eligible to receive compensation. They need not have been dependent on the deceased.

The estate of the deceased has no rights to claim compensation in Canada. However, top Toronto personal injury lawyers can advise you that you can make a claim for losses prior to the person’s death, especially for the pain and suffering that occurred between the time of hospitalization and death.

What Kind Of Damages Can Be Sought?

The best personal injury litigation lawyers in Ontario, Canada can evaluate the circumstances of your case and advise you about the kind of damages that you can claim. Based on each individual case, personal injury lawyers Toronto can include:

• Loss of care, guidance and companionship that the deceased would have provided
• Loss of financial contribution
• Loss of help, aid, assistance, chores, house-hold services
• Funeral, burial, cremation expenses
• Out-of-pocket expenses incurred while the deceased was still alive preceding death – hospitalization, medical treatment, travel expenses for family-members, nursing, house-keeping etc
• Loss of income

Important Cases

Claims and settlements are generally awarded according to precedent and previous rulings in similar cases. Two important Canadian cases are considered seminal in the case of child death. The first was the 2001 To vs Toronto Board of Education case in which a jury awarded the highest value for a claim of loss of care, guidance and companionship and the decision was upheld in the Court of Appeals. The other was the 2010 Fiddler vs Chiavetti case in which the jury doubled the To award, but it was reduced on appeal.

When a spouse/parent dies due to someone’s fault or negligence,  each separate family member is entitled to receive compensation based on the validity of their claim. Important rulings in Ontario include Isildar v Rideau Diving Supply (2008).

Similarly, other landmark judgments serve to act as guidelines for future cases.

Top-rated accident lawyers can ensure that bereaved persons are treated with compassion and respect, while their claims are in process.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

When accidents happen, they result in a variety of injuries. Based on the severity of the accident, the injuries may be major or minor. But in some cases, the accident may have been minor, but the resultant injuries may be very serious. In certain catastrophic collisions, the injuries are extremely severe, and the person is disabled/disfigured, permanently disabled, or the accident could result in death.

Contact a personal injury lawyer without delay to file a personal injury claim against those responsible for the accident. Ontario laws provide statutory benefits on a no-fault basis for all injured victims of accidents in the state but sometimes, the settlement amount may not cover the costs of treatment and rehabilitation. Victims or their families can file a civil claim concurrently for compensation.

Types of Compensation

As our car accident and personal injury lawyers are aware, compensation amounts are claimed under two different heads – Special and General.

Special damages include all expenditure incurred as a result of the accident that can be quantified – for instance, medical bills, treatment, ambulance-charges, therapy, also loss of income, wages, etc.

General damages are those which cannot strictly be evaluated in monetary terms – for instance, the pain and suffering that victims and families undergo, the loss of a spouse/companionship etc.

Emotional Distress

Apart from the physical injuries, accidents cause different degrees of emotional suffering. Accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, anxieties, fears, sleep-disturbances, depression, suicidal tendencies, alcohol or drug dependence, etc. Social and intimate relationships may suffer irretrievable breakdown and the family-structure could collapse.

In such cases, compensation for “pain and suffering” may be awarded. The best personal injury litigation lawyers in Ontario, Canada can advise injured victims that “pain and suffering” can be one of the factors that compel the at-fault party to settle quickly and satisfactorily out-of-court, as many juries award huge amounts of compensation on this count.

Many countries, provinces, states etc have put a limit or cap on the amount of compensation awarded under the “pain and suffering” category. In Ontario, the most that can be recovered is $350,000. There are several provisions under the Insurance Act and “threshold  injury” concept that would limit the compensation awarded for pain and suffering. A top-rated accident lawyer can assist injured victims to file an appropriate claim, at the correct jurisdiction, backed by robust evidence to back it.

Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

In certain cases, a claim of Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress  (NIED) can be brought against the at-fault party. This implies that the negligent person/s acted in such a way that they must compensate the injured person for the emotional or mental injury. NIED claims may be pursued independently or as part of other personal injury claims. In some cases, a bystander who is a close relative may suffer emotional distress as a result of witnessing the death or injury. It’s important to know how to select the best  personal injury lawyer who can advise clients on the type of claim to be filed.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

In civil law, “damages” refers to a certain amount of money awarded by a court to individuals or a body/entity/corporation who suffer injury or loss due to another’s fault, negligence or actions. Damages may be of a compensatory nature, intended to restore the injured person to the economic state they were in had the accident never happened, or they may be of a punitive nature where the intention is also to punish the defendant. In both cases, pecuniary (special) and non-pecuniary (general) damages may be awarded. Contact a top Toronto personal injury lawyer to ensure that the injured victim’s claim received the best possible settlement.

Economic Damages

When compensatory damages are sought, the injured person can claim special and general damages. An award winning car accident and personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims with computing a reasonable claim that includes these two types of damages, based on the circumstances of your case.

Special Damages: These are damages awarded for specific items that can be clearly designated in monetary terms. E.g. Financial expenditure like medical bills, ambulance and hospital bills, lost wages, costs of repairing/replacing property etc.

General Damages: include money awarded for items that cannot be strictly evaluated in monetary terms. For instance, pain and anguish, mental suffering, shortened life-span, damaged reputation, future problems caused by the injury, loss of anticipated business, companionship etc.

Special damages are based on bills, receipts, documents etc, while general damages are subjective and based on the discretion of the judge.

Medical bills and other documents should be carefully preserved and when compensation is awarded, it usually includes all the expenses that have been incurred. In certain cases, compensation may include future care costs, when the person is disabled for life.

Lost wages compensation is intended to compensate for the injured person’s inability to work due to injuries caused by the accident. It could also include future projected wages if the injuries result in permanent disability. Future wages can also be computed if the injured person’s ability to work has been reduced because of the accident.

How We Can Assist

An experienced personal injury lawyer from a personal injury law firm which handles your type of cases exclusively can help you to put together a robust claim for compensation for economic damages suffered by an injured victim. We also protect your rights.

Most motor-vehicle accident lawyers and slip and fall accident lawyers can work with accountants, medical experts and social welfare authorities to accurately assess your future needs if the injuries are catastrophic and life-altering. Creation of a life plan would help the victim and their families to plan for present and future care and make life a little more comfortable all round.

A top personal injury lawyer in Ontario can assist injured victims to correctly evaluate and claim appropriate compensation, based on the circumstances of their case.

Often, an injured victim requires assistance around the house during recovery. These expenses can be included as “household expenses” and a top-rated accident lawyer can draw up a reasonable expenditure/financial plan.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Ontario residents are entitled to two different sources of compensation if they are injured in a motor-vehicle accident, if their collision was caused even partially by another person’s fault or negligence. Contact a top personal injury lawyer in Ontario to understand these types of compensation. The first is achieved by filing a personal injury claim via civil action for damages. The other source of compensation is the Ontario no-fault statutory accident benefits scheme (SABS). Though many people wonder “Should I hire a personal injury lawyer?” it would be wise to opt for a free, initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who has the experience and expertise in handling cases similar to yours.

Negligence

The concept of negligence is one of the fundamental principles on which tort laws evolved. Accidents are not random events, but when carefully investigated, they are found to have occurred because someone at some point failed to observe due processes, exercise reasonable safety norms or deliberately ignored such processes and procedures that would ensure safety. Our award winning car accident and personal injury lawyers can assist injured victims and/or their families to put together a robust claim backed by evidence to establish liability. Personal injury law firms usually work on a contingency fee basis, which means that injured victims need not pay fees up-front. Reputed firms usually have the resources to undertake independent investigations to fix the responsibility and liability for negligence.

Contributory Negligence

This idea is another important aspect of tort laws. In accidents, while it’s possible to attribute fault or negligence clearly, in many situations, such liability may be shared by many parties. For instance, in car accidents, if the plaintiff while driving without headlights at night, was hit by an impaired driver, while the impaired driver is clearly at fault, there is a certain contribution by the plaintiff in failing to switch on headlights. Here, the concept of “contributory negligence” comes into play.

In some jurisdictions, the plaintiff’s “contribution” to the accident may completely bar them from seeking compensation, but in other jurisdictions, the percentage of contribution is assessed and the compensation awarded would be reduced to the extent of such contributory negligence.

Earlier, the concept of contributory negligence was used in civil cases, but it led to many unfair awards. In modern tort law, this concept has been replaced by the idea of “comparative negligence.” Here, it is possible to recognize that the plaintiff has a certain culpability in the accident and the liability is assigned proportionate to the amount of negligence displayed by both parties.

Knowing how to select a personal injury lawyer with specific experience/expertise in such cases would be beneficial.

How We Can Assist

Our top-rated accident lawyers provide an initial assessment of your case and assist you with the paperwork involved in making a claim. Personal injury cases are governed by strict statute-of-limitations rules and failure to meet filing deadlines could mean that chances of making claims become weak.

Compensation claims are settled by insurance companies. They may adopt a variety of tactics to avoid or reduce the compensation amount. We can ensure that your rights are safeguarded throughout the process.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Establishing fault in motor-vehicle accidents can be complicated but when an accident happens involving a borrowed vehicle, the situation becomes even more complex. Have you lent your vehicle to a friend, who unfortunately had an accident? It could hike your insurance rates considerably if you were to make a claim for repairs with your own insurance company. But would your friend’s insurance company pay for repairs to your vehicle? These and other questions can be answered by our award winning car accident and personal injury lawyers. Avail of a free consultation without delay and it can give you a better understanding of insurance regulations and personal injury laws too. Laws and regulations vary and frequently change across jurisdictions and an experienced accident injury lawyer can assist you with the procedures.

Some Possible Scenarios

There may be several possible scenarios in such situations:

• Friend drives with your permission and damage is minimal – this covers family members as well.

• Friend causes serious damage and is insured

• Friend causes serious damage but is uninsured

• Friend crashes car but has no license

• Friend has no permission from you to drive your car

• The person was not a friend and the car was stolen

In each of these situations, the important thing that every top rated personal injury lawyer in Ontario would advise you is that comprehensive or collision coverage for your vehicle follows the vehicle – hence your own policy kicks in to cover the cost of damages. Exceptions to this rule occur if the vehicle was driven by children who live with you, regular drivers of your vehicle, and if the situation is one of “negligent entrustment” when you have lent your vehicle to someone who was intoxicated, unlicensed or under suspension. Children and regular users of your vehicle should be added to your policy, otherwise your policy does not cover damages made by them.

Ontario Laws

In Ontario, if your friend, driving with your permission has special coverage under OPCF 27 (liability for driving non-owned vehicles, rent, lease etc) only then would their insurance company pay for damages caused by them, if you have signed a written contract saying you’re lending the vehicle to them.

Our top-rated accident lawyers would certainly advise you to report the accident to the insurance company within 7 days of the accident, whether it was serious or not, since they might use this as grounds for breaking your policy if someone sues you later.

If the fault was less than 25%, the vehicle-owner’s insurance rates will not go up. However, if the fault was higher, rates do increase, even if there was no damage.

If your record is relatively clean and there’s no major history of prior claims, your insurance company may not hike the premiums, but this really depends on individual situations.

Whatever the scenario, advice from an experienced car accident lawyer would ensure that your rights are protected and interests safeguarded at all times and that you are ably represented in all negotiations/communications with insurance companies.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Under certain unfortunate circumstances, the lawyer-client relationship breaks down irretrievably and the client prefers to get another personal injury lawyer to handle the case.

Clients consult award winning car accident and personal injury lawyers with certain expectations and if these are unmet, they may decide to seek other options.

Why Clients Seek Changes

Clients should carefully evaluate why they’re unhappy with their attorneys before making impulsive decisions to end the relationship. Some of the top reasons for such a break-down in the association include:

• Lack of communication – this is the most common reason for clients to seek change. Their calls are unanswered, emails, texts, messages not replied to, or they’re connected to a junior/clerk.

• Failure to provide updates – Clients are anxious about their case status, new developments, etc and when their lawyer fails to provide status updates, it leads to frustration. Obviously, lawyers deal with multiple cases simultaneously, but the lawyer’s office or a paralegal can provide updates.

• Advice from others – Friends, family, co-workers etc provide clients with well-meaning advice based on the information the client provides – this may not reflect the true picture – and hence advice may not be accurate or useful. Many clients are dissatisfied with attorneys based on such advice.

• Lack of confidence, incompetency of lawyer – clients may not be aware of the subtle and complex legal issues involved.

• Unfavorable decision by a court

• Disagreement on key issues, ethics, handling of the case, or fees

Whatever the reason, while selecting the best personal injury litigation lawyers in Ontario, Canada, to replace your existing one, make sure that due processes are followed.

Steps To Be Followed

• Check your present contract thoroughly.

• Hire a new lawyer first. Remember that your new lawyer would want to know exactly why you were dissatisfied with the previous one. However, you are the “employer” of your personal injury lawyer and have the right to terminate the relationship.

• Pay all fees and for services rendered till date.

• Previous lawyers may have a lien on against the claim based on work done/time spent, in the form of a percentage of the final settlement etc. Read your contract carefully before approaching a new lawyer who may not be willing to enter into such terms. If you’re owing fees, your lawyer has the right to withhold files, information etc till dues are settled.

• Always end the contract in writing, setting down clearly the reasons for termination. There is no need to inform the local bar association if there has been no illegal conduct. However, the court must be informed of the change if the case is pending in court.

• There are several top rated personal injury lawyers in Toronto and you can select the right one based on your needs and the complexity of your case.

Clients may lose trust or faith in a lawyer for various reasons. They have a right to fire their lawyers at any time and for any reason, and to substitute one lawyer with another in a formal, professional and methodical manner, following the prescribed format.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor-vehicle accident caused by an inadequately insured, uninsured or unidentified driver, contact a top personal injury lawyer from Ontario to advise you on the process of filing a compensation claim. Ontario’s current laws that deal with uninsured or under-insured motorists are quite complex, technical areas which require an understanding of the critical differences between these different situations. The coverage norms and regulations are confusing even to experienced top Toronto personal injury lawyers, plaintiffs and defendants. Compensation claims are covered by an insurance policy which arise out of a contract and not a tort, thus making it imperative that  your personal injury lawyer has the domain expertise in all these areas.

Uninsured or Unidentified Motorist

This is covered under Section 265 of the Insurance Act. Ontario laws entitle anyone injured in a motor-vehicle accident to claim compensation from an at-fault driver, subject to thresholds and deductibles. Additionally, statutory benefits are available regardless of fault. However, when the at-fault driver is uninsured or it’s a hit-and-run case, it’s impossible to collect insurance from the at-fault party. In such cases there is a provision under Ontario laws, to trigger your own auto policy, and if you know how to find the best accident injury lawyer, they can assist you with the entire claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Sec 265 of the Insurance Act which mandates that all insurance policies must have uninsured coverage. Hence, in such a situation, your own insurance company steps into the shoes of the uninsured or unidentified at-fault motorist and your injuries can be compensated to a maximum limit of $200,000. Another limitation is that S 2(1)(c) of Regulation 676 of the Insurance Act mandates that if the insured is entitled to recover money under third-party liability, the insurer is not liable to make any payment.

Under-insured Motorist

Ontario allows you to purchase an optional insurance cover OPCF 44R or Family Protection Coverage and it is not mandatory like S 265. If your injuries were caused by an accident involving an under-insured motorist, and if the claims and expenses are more than what the at-fault party’s insurance coverage allows, then the if OPCF coverage is available, it can be stacked over and above the $200,000 available under the mandatory S 265 coverage.

How We Can Assist

Ontario’s insurance regulations provide coverage to any “eligible claimant” – this means the insured person who has directly been injured in the accident or anyone else with a derivative cause of action related to injuries suffered by an insured person. Our experienced accident injury lawyers can assist families of those killed in accidents to file a claim.

Many injured victims may wonder, “Should I hire a personal injury lawyer?” especially when the compensation is being paid out by their own insurers. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging and their primary focus would be to minimize pay-out and contest the extent of injuries. Our top-rated accident lawyers can ensure that your rights/interests are protected at all times.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

If you or a loved one face issues regarding minimum wages and over-time pay in your work-place, you may get involved in a wage and hour dispute with your employers. Most countries have a set of laws that govern minimum wages, over-time pay, child labor etc. Employers are required to keep accurate records of details of their business, wages and working hours. Failure to comply can result in lawsuits, and contacting an employment lawyer can be of great assistance in such cases. Select a legal professional from a reputed and well-established firm with specific experience and expertise in this area of law.

What Are Wage And Hour Disputes?

Issues concerning over-time pay and minimum wages fall under this category, along several other including:

Exempt from over-time pay regulations: Some categories of employees are exempt from these laws. Employers may deliberately or unknowingly classify workers as exempt when they are not. This would be done to avoid paying them etc.

Job Responsibilities vs Title: When employees are hired, they are given a job description and title. These should be in sync with each other. Many employers base employees’ legal status on their title rather than duties, leading to disputes and conflicts.

Withholding Payments: There may be several reasons for withholding an employees dues. They may be in retaliation for incidents or behavior at the work-place, or due to certain types of discrimination.

Definition of Working Hours: Different organizations have their own mandated working hours. Disputes can occur when the standard 40-hour week pattern is violated. Some organizations don’t include meetings or business travel in their calculations, which leads to disputes. Eating times, vacations, leave of absence, etc may be covered under this category.

Special Issues: Some industries require wearing and removing of protective clothing in certain areas. The time taken in this “donning and doffing” could add up to a significant amount annually and employers fail to consider this as work time.

Filing A Claim

In Ontario, the Employees Standards Act (2000) sets the minimum standards for work-places in the province. In general, a wage and hour claim can be filed against your employer with the department of labor. The Wage and Hour department will conduct the appropriate investigations and submit a report. However, if this remedy is not acceptable to you, an experienced employment attorney can assist you to file a civil suit against your employer and seek monetary compensation.

How We Can Assist

You require the services of a employment law firm with knowledge of labor laws, experience in dealing with labor tribunals, etc. We can assist you with the right type of advice regarding wage and hour disputes. Filing these claims can be quite complex, because of the documentation and paperwork involved. We ensure that your interests are protected and rights safeguarded in such disputes, as you often find yourself facing a large and powerful corporation. Recovery of unpaid or underpaid back-wages is another issue that you need assistance with. We can also represent you in court if necessary.

If you, your family or a friend has been discriminated against, please feel free to speak to one of our employment lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist if fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.   We consult in all cites across Ontario.  Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)”

Hoverboards or self-balancing scooters have been the hottest and most yearned-after gifts for teens for a couple of years now. We’re flooded with images of celebs and other cool people using them, and they’re slated to be the individual transportation of the future. In reality, they’re one of the most risky rides, and some have even called them “explosions waiting to happen!” If you or a loved one has been injured using a hoverboard, you may need to know where to find a personal injury lawyer who can help you file a personal injury case against those responsible for your injuries. Accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to seek compensation.

What Are Hoverboards?

Hoverboards, contrary to popular images, cannot levitate! They have wheels to help them move and are in fact a type of modified skateboard, though they’re much more fun to ride. In fact, they resemble a handle-free Segway and you can control them by leaning forward or backwards or with subtle changes in posture, movements of your legs, feet, torso, etc. They have pressure-sensitive foot-rests for speed-control and steering and the hoverboard immediately begins moving as you step on to it, requiring instant alertness and balance from the rider. The vehicle is battery-operated and there is little standardization across the manufacturing industry. Hence, they’re available across many brands and price ranges. Contact a personal injury law firm to evaluate your claim if you’ve injured in an accident involving a hoverboard and assess the possibility of filing a personal injury claim under the defective product category.

Safety Concerns 

Driving/riding any vehicle carries inherent risks, but apart from these, hoverboard riding can result in many serious head/neck/spine injuries, burns, bruises, cuts, lacerations, sprains, strains, broken bones, fractures, internal organ damage etc. either from falls or from collisions with other vehicles.

Hoverboard speeds can go up to 10-12 mph, which is faster than skateboards. Ontario laws prevent people from hoverboarding on the street and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation has issued a directive that hoverboards do not meet required safety standards for on-road use and it’s illegal to ride one on a public road. Some municipalities prevent use on sidewalks and bicycle paths too and several airlines forbid bringing them on-board aircraft.

Using them on private property is legal, but risks abound.

Reports abound of hoverboards catching fire or exploding due to battery over-heating or faulty, low-quality batteries.

They have maximum-minimum weight limits and cannot be operated on inclines, and by children below 13.

Contact a top lawyer in Ontario without delay if you’ve suffered a hoverboard-related injury.

How We Can Assist

Our personal injury attorneys can conduct independent product investigations to evaluate the quality of the product, whether it was a manufacturing or design related malfunction. Fires and explosions due to cheap batteries and problems due to defective parts may involve several parties besides the retailer or manufacturer. You need to know how to find the best accident injury lawyer to help you deal with several at-fault parties and their insurance companies.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Under the implementation of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) that provides benefits to all accident victims regardless of fault in Ontario. Depending on the eligibility, victims are entitled to receive compensation from the Ontario government even if they don’t have insurance. The SABS benefits include income replacement, attendant care benefit, medical and rehabilitation benefits as applicable within certain prescribed limits.

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has recently undertaken to redefine the definition of “catastrophic impairment.”  In the case of death, funeral expenses and death benefits may be awarded. The amendments will become applicable from June 1 2016. Contact a personal injury lawyer with experience in this sector to assist you or a loved one if you have been involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident in Ontario.

Definition

Prior to the present changes, catastrophic impairment meant amputation or other impairment causing total or permanent loss of use of both arms or both legs or both arms and/or one leg. The definition also refers to brain impairment. It specified that assessments must be carried out by a physician and/or neuro-physician (in case of brain impairment).

Brain impairments are evaluated on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and subject to certain factors, catastrophic brain impairments can be classified as causing 55% or more impairment of the whole person. There are several cases that can be studied to understand how this concept has been applied in Ontario court decisions.

Another subsection of the Act deals with mental and behavioral catastrophic impairments. Such impairments are divided into five classes according to the extent of impairment in daily-living activities, social functioning, concentration and adaptation and impairment in any one of these areas was sufficient to claim benefits under SABS. A top personal injury lawyer from Ontario can assist victims suffering such impairment to get compensation from those responsible for the accident.

Reviews and Changes in the Act

However, it was being noticed that the definition of “catastrophic impairment” had been “eroded” considerably by the judiciary and the Insurance Bureau of Canada petitioned for a new and clearer definition.

Following this, an expert panel made certain amendments including:

• Using modern evaluation scales like the American Spinal Injury Classification, Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale, Global Assessment Functioning etc.

• Consulting current editions of relevant journals

• Stopping the combining of physical and psychiatric impairments

• Introduction of new designation: “Interim catastrophic impairment.”

However, these recommendations could well set the clock back by decades in terms of the definition of catastrophic impairment that had been in force till now. There is an opinion in the legal community that the adoption of these recommendations could have a detrimental impact on their ability to service their clients. It’s important to know how to find the best accident injury lawyer to assist victims in such cases.

While the legal community welcomes the expansion of the term “catastrophic impairment” legal experts from many personal injury law firms are also of the opinion that changes in the definition would not be in the best interest of Ontario consumers.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

The legal community had been concerned about the “Recommendations for Changes to the Definition of Catastrophic Impairment” report released by an expert panel set up by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

The Ontario Court of Appeals on December 23, 2011, released its decision in Kusnierz vs The Economic Mutual Insurance Company. The issue on hand was whether physical and psychological impairment are to be combined while determining if a person is “catastrophically impaired” as it relates to the “impairment of the whole person” under Section 2 (1.1) (f) of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).

This case has far-reaching implications for the issues in question. The Appeal Court also made important remarks on what determinants were to be used while making decisions concerning catastrophic impairment. Contact a top personal injury lawyer from Ontario to know more.

Kusnierz vs The Economic Mutual Insurance Company

On December 24, 2001, Robert Kusnierz was a passenger in a single-vehicle accident (a rollover) and suffered serious injuries including amputation. Subsequently, Kusnierz suffered cysts and deterioration of the amputated stump of his leg, problems arising from a poorly-fitted prosthesis and pain. He also developed clinical depression.

Kusnierz claimed accident benefits from The Economic Mutual Insurance Company. It’s important to know how to find the best accident injury lawyer in such cases.

The trial judge who interpreted and upheld the relevant sections of the SABS regulations held that behavioral and mental impairments and physical impairments could not be combined to achieve a 55% whole person impairment (which is required by SABS regulations for awarding benefits) and therefore Kusnierz’s injuries could not be classified as “catastrophic impairment.”

The case was appealed and the Ontario Court of Appeals unanimously reversed the decision of the trial judge. The court opined that the intention of the drafters of SABS was to be ‘inclusive’ and not ‘restrictive’ and the broad definition of “catastrophic impairment” includes “loss or abnormality of a psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.”

The Court of Appeal found that combining impairments was not inconsistent with the purpose of SABS and that though catastrophic designations should be rare and exceptional, following the guidelines would in fact ensure that only very few cases would meet the threshold requirement of permanence and a combined rating of 55% impairment.

Impact of The Decision

The Kusnierz case represents significant clarifications of ambiguities   of SABS. This decision confirms that accident victims no longer have to establish catastrophic impairment on the basis of either physiological or psychological impairments alone, but both categories can be combined to determine whether the victim is entitled to the protection provided by the designation of “catastrophic impairment.” 

Conclusion

The present decision represents a more expansive view of the term. It also represents the issues that occur due to the reliance on the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (1993) since the Guides are not legislative instruments and they derive from outside Ontario. Hence, there was an effort by the court to balance the shortfall of benefits with the future ability to secure additional funding in such cases of catastrophic impairment, which may require life-long medical attention and care.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Dependent adults are those who are above 18 years of age, who are unable to carry out normal activities, take care of themselves or protect their own rights due to physical or mental limitations. The term can also refer to a person between the ages of 18-64 who is in hospital for more than 24 hours. Such dependents who have been abused/neglected by a care-taker or have neglected themselves experience physical and mental injuries, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, deprivation of basic rights like food, shelter, safety, clothing, etc.

If you or a loved one is a victim of dependent adult abuse, get assistance in contacting a personal injury attorney to explore the prospect of filing a personal injury claim for compensation against those responsible for the injuries/abuse.

Types Of Dependent Adult Abuse

Though there are millions of cases of dependent adult abuse cases world-wide, most of them go unreported, mainly because the dependent person is either incapable of complaining/protesting or the fear, uncertainty, intimidation, submissive/dependent feelings cause them to remain silent, while giving more power to abusers.

Broadly speaking, dependent adult abuse may include:

• Physical abuse – rough handling, slapping, locking inside rooms etc
• Active or Passive Neglect
• Psychological or Emotional abuse – verbal or non-verbal, humiliation, threats, harassment, intimidation, etc
• Neglect
• Sexual abuse – including using trickery, threats or force to engage in sexual activity without the person’s full knowledge and consent
• Financial abuse that results in financial loss to the dependent and gain to the abuser
• Medication errors

It may not be easy to recognize signs of abuse, but if the victim is depressed, dehydrated/poorly-fed, has sudden financial problems/needs, maintains poor hygiene, social withdrawal, unexplained physical injuries, appears frightened of certain persons, etc these may be warning signs that they’re facing some kind of abuse.

How We Can Assist

Canada has specific laws against elder and dependent adult abuse, both civil and criminal. If your loved one has undergone abuse in a facility that was entrusted with their care, or they have been abused by an individual, contact our personal injury lawyers to file a personal injury claim against those responsible for the abuse. The abusers may include family members, friends, paid care-takers, staff, land-lords, nursing-home personnel, etc. in a position of trust and authority.

Our personal injury law firm can conduct independent investigations into the circumstances of the case and build a robust claim based on evidence. Compensation claims are paid out by insurance companies and they may adopt a dismissive or aggressive attitude to your claim. We can assemble documentary proof, get testimony from expert witnesses or eye-witnesses if any and ensure that liability is identified and fixed on those responsible for this abuse and help the victim to receive just compensation.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Have you or a loved one felt discriminated against or been given inequitable treatment at the workplace on the basis of your gender, race, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability or appearance etc? Contact an employment lawyer with domain expertise, skill and knowledge in this particular area of civil law to evaluate your case. You may be able to file a claim for compensation against those responsible for workplace discrimination.

What Constitutes Workplace Discrimination?

Any treatment that is disparate from the workplace norm and differential treatment based on age, political affiliation, citizenship, language abilities, marital status, medical conditions, nationality, religion, disability, color, pregnancy etc. is deemed to be discrimination. In terms of economics and business theory, it is counter-productive since it contributes to lack of respect, equal opportunities, inequalities, social unrest and violations of human rights and dignity. Often, discrimination is combined with harassment and threats of withholding of promotion, dismissal or demotion.

Employment discrimination is not always an overt or open act. Racial slurs, offensive language/humor, denial of advancement opportunities etc. and may often be concealed or subtle. Discrimination also occurs when members of racial minorities or members of protected classes (women) are treated differently from peers.

All employees have certain rights in their workplace. There may be slight differences but broadly, the world over, employees are entitled to:

• fair compensation
• privacy – this excludes e-mail and Internet usage using employer’s system
• right to be free from discrimination based on age, gender, religion, color, nationality, etc
• right not to be asked certain questions during hiring (example: family-oriented questions)
• right to safety and protection
• right to be free from harassment of all types
• whistle-blower rights

In addition, the Canadian Employment Equity Act requires proactive measures from employers to ensure that discrimination doesn’t exist. Barriers to employment of four designated groups: women, persons with disabilities, Aboriginals and visible minorities have to be demonstrated by employers by including certain positive policies like encouraging training, retention, promotion etc

The Canadian act is a federal legislation and covers all provinces including Ontario, however, its scope is limited to federally regulated employers. The Canadian Human Rights Act which is enforced along with the Employment Equity Act protects a wider range of employees.

It’s important to remember that employment equity is distinct from pay equity. In many cases, pay inequalities are imposed on certain groups like women or people with disabilities.

How We Can Assist

If you or a loved one faces discrimination in the workplace, an experienced employment attorney can represent you in filing a case against your employer. It’s important that victims maintain a journal of each event/instance. This makes it easier to discern a pattern of discrimination and provide specific examples with time and date.

We can help conduct independent investigations, gather evidence, documentary or photographic proof, eye-witness and expert testimony etc to assemble a robust claim against the at-fault party. Our law firm and legal team ensure that your rights are protected and interests safeguarded during the entire process, till full and satisfactory compensation has been received.

If you, your family or a friend has been discriminated against, please feel free to speak to one of our Employment lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist if fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.   We consult in all cites across Ontario.  Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)”

The recent devastating multi-vehicle collision in the Bovaird Drive and Great Lakes Drive area in Brampton resulted in serious injuries to a motorcyclist. The injured victim was in a critical condition and had to be airlifted to a trauma center. When such catastrophic accidents happen, contact a   Brampton motor vehicle accident lawyer without delay. Accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to compensation from those responsible for the accident. This can be achieved by filing a personal injury claim that runs parallel to any criminal case that is filed by the police.

Typical Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Injuries sustained by motorcycle riders can be extremely serious, resulting in injuries ranging from broken bones to amputation, traumatic brain injury, neck/head/spine damage, internal organ damage, bleeding, paralysis, disability or death. Apart from blows to the head, there are chances of being injured by flying glass, twisted metal, burns etc. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are common in motorcycle accidents, and they can dramatically raise hospital and medical treatment costs. They require lengthy hospitalization, specialist medical care and long-term absence from work. Rehabilitation and continuing therapy may be required. The person may have to deal with permanent immobility, loss of memory, muscle control, concentration problems, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, fears/anxiety, insomnia, etc. These factors make it difficult to get life back on track for the injured and their families. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer can ensure that victims receive the right medical treatment immediately.

Why Are Motorcycle Injuries More Serious?

Motorcycles leave the riders more exposed than if they were inside a car or truck. Bikes lack standard safety features of automobiles – airbags, seat-belts etc. and the only protection they provide is based on whether the rider wears a helmet and/or protective clothing. The size of a bike makes it difficult for drivers inside cars or trucks to notice them and the slightest touch is sufficient to throw the two-wheelers off balance. When automobile drivers change lanes, they may fail to notice bikes in their path. In multi-vehicle collisions, bike riders are the most vulnerable of all.

Most of us assume that bike riders are daredevils and risk-takers, but in fact, studies have shown that bike riders’ behavior on the road seldom causes accidents. Negligent car drivers on Ontario roads may cause more serious accidents when they collide with a bike rider in their path.  A personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling motorcycle accidents can assist injured victims and their families to get satisfactory compensation from those responsible for the accident.

How We Can Assist 

Ontario drivers are mandated to carry auto insurance with no-fault benefits. But ensuring that you receive these benefits can be challenging. Insurance companies who make claim settlements may adopt aggressive, manipulative or delaying tactics. They may attempt to dismiss your claim or minimize the extent of your injuries and the liability of the at-fault party. We represent you in all communication/negotiations with at-fault party and their representatives. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can ensure that your interests are protected and rights safeguarded while presenting a robust claim for compensation.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)

Burn injuries happen due to a variety of reasons, including explosions, chemicals, electrical shocks, hot liquids, contact with hot surfaces, fires, malfunctioning equipment etc. They are among the most painful injuries that people can experience, because most of our nerve endings lie in the shallow part of the skin and burns expose the top layers of skin, leading to acute pain.

Based on the kind of accident and depth of injury, burns may require different types of treatment and healing times, causing distress and discomfort to the victim and the family. If you or a dear one has been so injured, contact a Brampton personal injury lawyer without delay. Accidents are caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to seek compensation from those responsible.

Burn Levels or Degrees

There are three main types of burns:

• First degree – inflamed skin without blisters
• Second degree – thickened skin with blisters
• Third degree – thick skin with a whitish, leathery appearance

There are also fourth degree burns, which penetrate into the bones and tissue, usually resulting in death.

First and second degree burns may heal relatively easily, but third degree burns have high risk for complications like infections, shock, blood-loss, though all types of burns carry the risk of infections, as the broken skin allows bacteria to enter. Tetanus, hypothermia, low blood pressure, hypovolemia (low blood volume) are other dangerous aspects of burns.

Our experienced Brampton personal injury attorneys ensure that you receive the best medical treatment following a burn accident. Apart from emergency treatment, burns can result in deep scarring and disfigurement especially if it’s a third degree burn. This leads to a prolonged series of re-constructive and cosmetic surgeries, skin grafts, physiotherapy, life-long assisted care etc. Another aspect of burn injuries is that they have a severe emotional trauma component as well. The person may experience depression, phobias and fears, anxiety, sleeplessness, severe pain and suffering, suicidal thoughts etc, requiring psychiatric or psychological treatments and medications.

Types of Compensation

Our personal injury lawyers can provide injured victims and families with a swift, comprehensive and genuine assessment of their case. Based on this, you may decide on the next step forward. In general, the types of compensation that burn injured victims are entitled to would include:

• Past and future medical expenditure
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Out of pocket expenses for medication, prescriptions, co-pays, deductibles, OTC pain-killers, hot/cold packs, etc
• Travel expenses for doctors’ appointments
• Present and future lost income/wages
• Disability and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering

How We Can Assist

Our personal injury law firm can assist victims by conducting independent investigations into the circumstances of the accident. This helps to identify and fix liability correctly. Often there are multiple parties involved. We represent you in all negotiations with at-fault parties, insurers etc while keeping your best interests paramount.

Insurance companies and claims adjusters may adopt certain aggressive/manipulative tactics to compel victims into a meager settlement, minimize the extent of liability of your injury, or they may deny/dismiss claims. We can assist you by building a robust claim backed by evidence so that you receive your due compensation.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)