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)

Accidents can occur to anyone, anywhere and at any time. Some of them result in minor injuries if we’re lucky, while others could result in a life-altering experience. Severe, chronic pain, permanent disability, enormous and constant medical expenses, loss of career and quality of life, amputation, disability or even death can occur. The first priority when accidents happen is of course to get the best and most appropriate medical treatment. Once this has been taken care of, it’s crucial that you consider talking to a reputed, experienced personal injury lawyer. This is because accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence. The injured are entitled to seek compensation from those responsible for the event.

One of the most serious injuries that can occur following an accident is a herniated or bulging disc injury. It causes severe pain and affects your mobility, while resulting in chronic problems with reflexes and sensitivity.

Herniated (slipped) disc or Bulging disc 

This condition may sometimes go undiagnosed even by experienced professionals. Following an accident, the injured are examined in the ER of busy local hospitals and if there are no immediate symptoms, the patient may be declared unhurt. However, certain types of injuries appear after a time delay. In the aftermath of an accident, our adrenaline rush may mask pain and discomfort and hence we may not report them to the physicians.

The vertebral column consists of 26 bones that are protected by discs that serve to absorb shocks while we move, jump, run etc. These discs have an inner and outer layer. Injuries cause the inner layer to bulge out into the outer layer, causing herniated or bulging discs. This protrusion or bulge puts pressure on the surrounding tissues and nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, immobility, weakness etc. Pain is felt based on the location of the herniation. You may also experience pain during sneezing, coughing or sudden movements. Some people experience numbness and inability to hold objects. “Pins and Needles” or tingling sensations are also common.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys can ensure that you get a proper diagnosis and report so that your treatment can begin without delay.

Treatments 

Physicians usually refer you to specialists to confirm the diagnosis. They may begin with conservative treatments like exercise programs, supplemented by OTC medications and avoidance of heavy exertion. If these are not sufficient, they may move onto various pain management techniques, including steroid injections and medications. The last degree of treatment would be surgery to remove or replace the disc.

How We Can Assist

Our personal injury law firm can ensure that your case is thoroughly  evaluated before we give you a legal opinion and advice about filing a compensation claim. If you have suffered disability, our disability claims lawyers can assist you with the process of putting together a robust claim for compensation, backed by evidence from experts, documentary proof etc.

We can represent you in all negotiations/communications with the at-fault party, their insurers and legal representatives to ensure that your rights are safeguarded 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)

Automobile accidents or slip and fall accidents can result in a variety of injuries. Some of them are immediately visible and obvious, while others may appear after a time delay, causing severe and debilitating problems. Among these, facet joint injuries to the back may be quite abrupt, or aggravated if you already suffer from an arthritic condition. If you or a dear one experiences symptoms of facet joint injury following an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer without delay. Accidents are caused by someone’s negligence or fault. The injured are entitled to compensation from those responsible for the accident. This can be achieved by filing a personal injury claim backed by robust causative and medical evidence.

Facet Joint and Injuries

Facet joints are located in the vertebral column and serve to keep it upright and stable. They are the joints that connect the bony protrusions of each individual vertebral disc and have their own set of nerves. They guide and limit the movement of the spinal motion  segment and protect it from different types of friction and shear, rotation and flexion. Once the facet joint is injured, there could be long-term medical treatment required and chances of re-injury are also present.

Facet joint injuries are caused by a combination of injury, aging, conditions like arthritis and pressure overloading. The symptoms  include sudden onset of lower back pain, points of tenderness along the spine, difficulties in bending/twisting, especially backward movements, pain while sitting or riding in a vehicle, neck pain radiating into the shoulders and head, headaches located at skull-base or ears, ringing in the ears, curvature of spine, creaking or grinding sounds during movement, numbness/weakness in legs etc.

Treatments include prescription medications, pain-killers, Botox, destroying certain target nerves, removal of the entire joint, spinal injections of cortisone, physical therapy, gentle exercises, ice-packs, ultra-sound or electro-stimulation, massage, and surgical intervention. Our personal injury attorneys can ensure that injured victims receive the right medical treatment.

Rear-End Collisions and Facet Joint Injury

Certain types of impact injuries sustained in automobile accidents can cause facet joint injuries. Chronic neck pain associated with whiplash injury may be due to facet joint injuries. Such injuries are most commonly found following rear-ending collisions, as whiplash injuries are also usually the result of such accidents. Motor-cycle crashes can also cause facet joint injury.

Compensation

As an injured victim, consult an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury law firm with expertise in dealing with this particular type of case. Your compensation claim can be made for:

• Medical expenses
• Treatment and rehabilitation
• Drugs and medications
• Home-based care
• Physical therapy and continued hospitalization
• Loss of income and wages – present and future
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological or psychiatric treatment
• Disability if any

In some cases, facet joint injury can lead to long or short term disability. Our disability claims lawyers can assist you with filing for compensation for the expenses associated with such conditions. We assist you in dealing with insurance companies, at-fault parties and can represent you in court if required.

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)

With your dream cruise-ship vacation planned well ahead, you’re probably looking forward to a wonderful holiday exploring various exotic destinations. The last thing on your mind is an accident or injury that could transform your long-awaited getaway into a nightmare trip. However, accidents can and do happen. Most of these are avoidable and preventable and almost all are caused by someone’s fault or negligence. As an injured victim, you’re entitled to seek compensation from those responsible for your injuries.

If you or a dear one has been injured in a cruise-ship accident, contact a reputed, experienced and knowledgeable personal injury law firm with particular expertise in similar cases.

Types of Injuries

These would include different types of :

• Slip and Fall or trip and fall
• Medical malpractice
• Passenger disappearance
• Sexual assault
• Food poisoning
• Wounds, cuts, lacerations, burns, bruises
• Fractures, concussions
• Head neck and spinal injury
• Amputation
• Toxic substance inhalation
• Swimming, diving and drowning accidents
• Adventure sports accidents
• Electrocution
• Accidents caused due to drinking
• Falling debris

Most of these accidents are caused by poor maintenance, negligence, violation of safety norms, not providing enough information or warnings, improperly trained staff, negligent security etc.

Challenges in Personal Injury Claims in Cruise-ship Accidents

Injuries that occur on land are resolved through the law of torts but cruise-ship accidents pose certain difficulties, since these vessels are often governed by maritime or admiralty laws. Injured passengers have to file for damages in the location indicated at the back of their tickets, though it may not be where the accident happened or their home state.

In many cases, cruise-ships are not registered in your country, but may be registered in countries like Panama or the Bahamas for tax-saving purposes. In such cases, maritime laws apply, under which the carrier is held responsible only if they had previous knowledge of the hazards.

Another issue is the cruise-ship ticket. There are certain terms and conditions printed on its back, which most of us don’t pay much attention to. However these terms may include limited liability waivers, an option to select the forum or venue for filing claims, and notice-requirement clauses. The statute of limitations for filing claims may also be printed here.

Determining negligence can also be challenging. There may be multiple parties involved. However, our experienced personal injury attorneys can conduct independent investigations to unravel the chain of liability so that the responsibility is firmly and finally fixed.

How We Can Assist

Our personal injury lawyers and disability claims lawyers can make a swift and comprehensive assessment of your claim and advise you on its merits. We can assist you in dealing with the cruise-ship company, insurance agents and other representatives of the at-fault party/parties. We can also co-ordinate with lawyers/law-firms from other countries if required and ensure that your rights and interests are safeguarded. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but some of them do go to trial, especially if it’s a class action suit with several plaintiffs involved. We can ensure that you get adequate representation to get the best possible outcome.

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)

“Food poisoning” or food-borne diseases are caused by eating something that’s spoiled or contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, micro-organisms etc and their toxins. The symptoms range from mild intestinal problems and upset stomach to bloody diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. It may affect just one person or a group after consuming the contaminated food. If you or a dear one has been the victim of food poisoning, contact a personal injury lawyer to explore the possibility of filing a personal injury claim for compensation against those responsible for the circumstances that caused your illness. Food poisoning is usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence and violation of hygiene and food-safety norms during storage, preparation, cooking or serving of food.

Challenges Posed in Proving Food Poisoning

Eating something and falling ill immediately afterwards may convince you that it was the food that caused it, but it could be difficult to prove which particular ingredient or dish caused the illness.

• It’s also difficult to pinpoint what particular violation of safety or hygiene caused the breeding of bacteria/virus/micro-organism.

• There may be multiple agencies involved such as raw ingredients producer, transportation, storage facilities, restaurant-owners, grocery-store/supermarket owners, wait-staff, etc.

• If there has been a time lapse following consuming a food and your illness, this could pose difficulties in proving causation.

• You may have a case of stomach flu

• It could be something you ate before or afterwards

• Even if you have evidence in the form of leftovers/doggy-bags, it’s still difficult to prove whether contamination was present or occurred after it entered your refrigerator.

Most people suffer for a few days and are back to their daily routine following a visit to a doctor. However, if you have suffered serious illness that requires hospitalization, loss of income/wages, pain and suffering etc, it could be worthwhile to file a personal injury claim with the help of a personal injury attorney. You would have a strong claim if you’re not the only one affected. In such cases, class action suits have worked better to deliver compensation to those affected by food poisoning.

How We Can Assist

Food poisoning cases are categorized under the defective product liability classification in personal injury law. Going by this, your claim would be treated under these heads:

Strict product liability: Many states/provinces may have these laws in which case our personal injury lawyers only have to prove that you consumed a product that was contaminated and the contamination caused your illness.

Negligence: If the defendants acted negligently while producing, distributing or supplying the product, and this caused the contamination that resulted in food poisoning.

Breach of Warranty: Minimum standards or implied warranties are imposed on most food products. Additionally express guarantees on packaging provide further reassurances. Violation of these constitutes breach of warranty.

The experienced legal team at our personal injury law firm can evaluate your case and advise you on the best way forward. We can represent you in all negotiations/communications with at-fault parties and insurance agencies to ensure that your rights 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)

Children in Ontario and across Canada have perhaps one of the best starts in life, growing up with a range of opportunities and facilities. However, in some unfortunate circumstances, accidents may happen, endangering the health and life of the child. If your child has been injured in an automobile accident in a child car seat related injury, contact an experienced car accident lawyer who has specific expertise and experience in this area of law.

Accidents are usually caused by another person’s fault or negligence. A personal injury attorney can assist injured victims and their families to file a personal injury claim for compensation.

Child Car Seat Safety

Motor-vehicle collisions are a major cause of child death in Canada. According to 2006 statistics, 16% of fatalities and 19% of injuries are caused by traffic collisions. Child car seats when used correctly can reduce risk of fatalities by 90% and injuries by 75%. There is insufficient awareness/knowledge about age and weight criteria for child car seat use, seat selection and graduation to age-appropriate seats. Using physical markers such as size/weight are more important than using age as a determinant while selecting the seat. Use of special seats for infants and toddlers, booster seats, seat-belts for older children etc are all regulated.

Children with special needs require slightly different configurations. Seating position is also important. Many products are available in the market that claim to enhance child car seat safety, but not all of them are useful or regulated. Car seats also have an expiry date.

When accidents happen and your child has been injured because of a defective or unsuitable child car seat, consult an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer to begin the process of filing a personal injury claim.

Causes

• Not using the correct seat based on size/weight of the child
• Premature graduation
• Insufficient tightening of seat/harness
• Chest-clip not at armpit level
• Incorrect anchoring of tethering straps
• Placement of rear-facing seat in front of airbag
• Incorrect angle
• Failure to use locking clip
• Using second-hand products
• Design/manufacturing flaws
• Not registering for product-warnings or recalls
• Bulky winter clothing suffocating child

Types of Injuries

Rollover crashes are almost always fatal to child passengers. Other types of motor-vehicle collisions cause a variety of injuries including wounds, cuts, lacerations and bruises. Airbag burns, impact injuries, broken/fractured bones, contusions, head, thoracic and spinal injuries are some of the common injuries suffered by both restrained and unrestrained children in car accidents. The abdomen, face and limbs are other vulnerable areas. The child may experience severe psychological and emotional disturbances following an accident. Our personal injury law firm can assist you with getting the best medical attention for your injured child.

How We Can Assist 

Injury outcomes in children can be much worse than those in adults. Head injuries in children can lead to long-term neuro-psychological problems, disability or other kinds of disturbances. Injuries to the language areas of the brain may become apparent only when the child starts schooling. Our disability claims lawyer can assist parents to receive compensation from those responsible for the accident.

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)

A horrific and most tragic accident that occurred in January, 2016 claimed the life of a respected senior citizen and former CEO of a construction firm. The victim who was driving on Highway 400 near King City, Ontario, was killed when the wheel of a fully-loaded truck became detached and flew through his car’s windscreen. Such freak accidents have been on the rise since 2010 and last year saw a spike in them with nearly 130 such accidents causing grievous injuries to innocent victims. Contact a personal injury lawyer without delay if you have been injured/a dear one has been killed  by a flying or detached truck wheel to file a claim of wrongful death.

Accidents are caused by someone’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to seek compensation from those responsible. The Highway 400 accident led to a concerted effort on the part of the provincial government to conduct thorough safety checks on trucks, especially the proper installation and maintenance of wheels.

Causes of Detached Wheels in Trucks 

We share our highways with giant 18-wheelers, trucks, trailers, pick-up trucks etc. traveling with loads often at high speeds. When a wheel becomes detached from one of these, the resulting accident can be catastrophic. Sometimes a flying bolt or nut can crash into the windshield of a passing vehicle and cause a devastating accident because of the speed at which the loose part is traveling. Survivors may be severely and permanently disabled. In general, such accidents are the direct result of poor maintenance and negligence of safety norms and procedures.

Wheels usually get detached due to:

• Loosening or breaking of studs/bolts
• Insufficient or over tightening
• Faulty or defective parts
• Use of incorrect or badly fitting fastenings
• Poor maintenance
• Failure to use the proper specialized fittings to cut costs
• Lack of regular inspection

As shown, these are simple and routine checks that would hardly take a few minutes each day to ensure that the tires and wheels are in good condition and properly fastened. Our disability claims lawyers can ensure that those responsible are identified and held liable.

Who is Responsible? 

Such accidents can be extremely challenging for investigators, since there are multiple parties involved. Unraveling the chain of liability can be difficult even for experienced personal injury attorneys. However, law firms like ours have the resources to conduct independent investigations into the circumstances of the mishap and fix the liability correctly.

In general one or more of these persons can be held liable:

• The owner of the truck or vehicle
• The maintenance company (if it was being maintained by a contractor)
• The manufacturer of the defective bolt, nut etc which came loose
• The truck or vehicle manufacturer

How We Can Assist

Our injury lawyers provide an initial, genuine evaluation of your case. Based on this, you can take your claim forward with our assistance. Since our personal injury law firm handles such cases exclusively, they can help you deal with insurance companies and the at-fault parties while keeping your interests and rights paramount.

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)

Buses are mass-transport vehicles that can cause much more damage than single passenger vehicles when accidents happen. Many more people in large cities use public transport to commute to work or to move around the city because they’re cheaper, faster and much more convenient to use. If you or a dear one has been injured in a bus accident, contact a personal injury lawyer without delay, to explore the possibility of getting compensation. Accidents are usually caused by another person’s/agency’s fault or negligence and the injured are entitled to receive compensation from those responsible for the accident.

School Bus Accidents 

Apart from public transportation buses, school bus accidents also cause tremendous damage to their young passengers or to pedestrians/other motorists on the road if they’re driven rashly or the safety norms are not rigorously followed. Ontario licensing regulations are very strict for school bus drivers and they must meet certain important requirements and undergo specific training to operate such vehicles. If your child was injured in a school bus accident, our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can assist you in filing a personal injury claim against those responsible for the accident.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents

Like most other motor vehicle accidents, the accidents sustained in a mishap involving a bus would range from simple cuts, bruises, lacerations or sprains to serious wounds, broken bones, fractures, head/neck/back injury, dislocation of joints, loss of vision/hearing, amputation, nerve damage, internal bleeding, paralysis, permanent disability or death. Certain injuries may appear simple initially, but their full effect may be experienced after a time gap. Sometimes, chronic pain, fibromyalgia or certain types of disability can manifest much later. Apart from collision related injuries, a great number of injuries occur as a result of acceleration or deceleration while boarding or exiting the bus. Another important aspect is the psychological and emotional factor – many accident victims suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, etc. All these short and long term issues require appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Children who have been involved in school bus accidents may sustain more severe injuries, with long-term effects. They also require specialized care. Our 24×7 injury lawyers can assist you to get the best medical advice and treatment immediately.

How We Can Assist 

Bus accidents are usually caused by faulty or inadequate training, operator error, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, distractions like cellphone use, defective vehicles or parts, improper maintenance or violations in load-carrying or other safety norms. While looking for a personal injury lawyer, ensure that you select one who has specific knowledge, experience and expertise in handling such cases. This ensures a more satisfactory outcome to your claim.

Insurance benefits are available to all Ontario residents who have been involved in automobile accidents if you have motor-vehicle insurance or are covered by another person with such insurance. This can compensate you for medical/rehabilitation benefits, income replacement, pain and suffering, etc. If you do not have insurance, our serious injury lawyers can file a compensation claim against the city or the transport corporation.

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)

Though work-place safety has shown tremendous improvement in Ontario in recent years, statistics recorded up to 2008 reveal that nearly a million people have made occupational injury claims in Canada. Approximately three work-place fatalities per day have occurred during this period. Going by these figures, it becomes apparent that a range of injuries may occur in work-places due to the fault or negligence of those responsible for the safety and well-being of workers on the premises. If you or a dear one has been injured in such an accident, talk to a free consultation injury lawyer immediately to get clarity on the merits of your claim.

Most Common Work-place Injuries

Even if you’re working in an office cubicle, work-place injuries can and do happen. Though employers are required to maintain proper safety norms and workers are expected to follow them, injuries like sprains, repetitive motion injury, burns, electrocution, injuries caused by falling objects or debris, lifting, moving or loading, crushing/entanglement by machines or work-vehicle accidents, etc. Such injuries may result in a plethora of problems, both short/long-term. Generally, work-place injuries include:

• Back/Head/Neck injuries
• Slip/Trip accidents
• Falls from heights
• Over-exertion
• Highway accidents
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Assault/violent attacks including by police
• Wet/slippery floors
• Walking-into injuries (into glass doors, walls etc)
• Occupational deafness
• Occupational asthma
• Dermatitis
• Repetitive strain injury including carpal tunnel syndrome

and many others, including certain illnesses and diseases. Most of these are preventable and avoidable and almost all work-place accidents are caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Violation of mandatory norms, failure to post proper warnings, employing unlicensed/inexperienced personnel etc are some of the “deliberate” ways in which accidents happen. Back/Hernia injuries and those caused by exposure to toxic substances are also common.  If you have been injured in your workplace, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Claims are awarded on the basis of the breadth and depth of information provided, backed by relevant documentation and evidence, proof that the accident was related to the employee’s work wherever the location, and not caused solely by the willful misconduct of the employee. Our personal injury lawyers can help put together a robust case.

How We Can Assist

Ontario was the first province to adopt a system of provincial responsibility for work-place injuries. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board provides compensation for workplace injuries. Hence employees’ rights to sue for work-place accidents are severely restricted. Our experienced personal injury lawyers ensure that a robust claim is put together in a timely fashion, that fulfills all the requisite criteria for Workers Compensation. All employers are required to register and be part of the provincial workers’ compensation and insurance system which finally awards the compensation.

Our personal injury lawyers can advise you about the time-lines mandated for filing a claim to ensure that the paperwork is filed in time. In certain cases, our serious injury lawyers can assist victims if they discover additional or further disability or requirement for treatment – in such cases, the claim can be reopened.

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)

Injuries sustained while traveling by bus, train, subway or other forms of public transportation may affect the lives of the injured in various ways. These facilities for mass transit of the public may fail or malfunction due to the fault or negligence of those who are responsible for their maintenance, adherence to safety norms and providing the right information to passengers. These “common carriers” are managed by private individuals or the government authorities who have a duty of care to those who use them. The injured are entitled to compensation. If you have been injured in an accident involving public transportation, contact a personal injury attorney immediately.

Mass Transportation

Any form of transportation that’s used by the public to commute, go to work, travel to designated destinations, to sporting events, etc has to obtain the necessary license to do so and passengers may pay a fee for the facility. Common carriers include:

• Taxis
• Buses (including school-buses and tour-buses)
• Ferries
• Planes
• Subways/Metros
• Trolleys and trams
• Escalators/Elevators in public places
• Limousines
• Moving walkways
• Shuttles
• Cable-cars
• Cruise/tour-boats
• Trains

and many more.

There are very strict regulations in most countries that govern the use and maintenance of public transportation, hence those responsible for them are compelled by rule of law to follow all regulations. If you have been injured in an accident involving public transportation, find a personal injury attorney with specific experience and a successful track-record in dealing with such cases.

Duties and Obligations of Common Carrier Operators

Common carriers have a higher degree of responsibility towards passengers since they offer services in return for a fee. These include ensuring that entry/exit points are safe, clear and with good lighting. Health and safety of passengers should be ensured, with adequate warning signs and security personnel. Only licensed, trained and qualified persons should operate the vehicles. Maintenance of vehicles and ensuring that they are free of design and manufacturing flaws is another area of responsibility. Our free consultation injury lawyers can provide a swift and genuine assessment of your claim and advise you on the way forward.

Injuries sustained may include sprains, cuts/lacerations, burns, amputation, fractures, concussion, spine/brain injury, paralysis, CO2 poisoning or death. Such incidents put an enormous physical, financial, social and emotional burden on the victim and the family. 

How We Can Assist

Our immediate injury lawyer available 24×7 can provide advice on medical investigations and treatment, represent victims in all communication with the at-fault party, ensure that victim rights and interests are safeguarded and conduct independent investigations to gather relevant evidence. This may include expert and/or eyewitness testimony, scientific data/evidence, documentary/photographic/visual data, etc. Such cases are governed by strict statute-of-limitations guidelines and we can ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. There may be multiple agencies involved and our experienced personal injury lawyers can help to fix  the liability clearly on the relevant parties. Most personal injury cases are settled outside court through negotiations in which we can assist. We can also represent victims in court if required to ensure that they receive their due.

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)

Being injured or suffering from the adverse effects/reactions from dangerous drugs in Canada is more common than we imagine. Thousands of people are badly affected in spite of the country’s rigorous screening and testing regulations. However, carelessness or deliberately flouting safety norms and processes can result in serious consequences for consumers. If you or a dear one has been injured by a dangerous drug caused by someone’s fault or negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to explore your legal options that would allow you to get your due compensation.

Responsibility of Drug Companies

Drugs are meant to heal, cure or protect people and modern-day drugs cover almost every known human ailment. They have enabled human beings to improve life-quality and extend the life-span. However, drug companies are usually for-profit corporations whose primary goal is profitability. There are several excellent and strict regulations that have to be followed in drug manufacture, retail, prescription and consumption. All drug manufacturers in this country are required to run certain specified tests and trials before submitting their products to the Food and Drug Administration authorities. They’re required to specify all the potential side-effects, warnings etc. so that consumers are kept informed. However, due to negligence or deliberate oversight, with a view to increase profitability and the market-share, drug companies may cut corners and fail in their duty. If you have suffered injury due to a defective or dangerous drug, find a personal injury lawyer with experience in this area of civil law to represent you.

Why Some Drugs Cause Harm

As our experienced personal injury lawyers are aware, drug defects fall under different categories:

• Manufacturing error
• Inadequate labeling or literature provided to consumers on use, side-effects and dosage
• Design flaws
• Inadequate testing
• Deliberate fudging of clinical trial results to get FDA approval
• Medical malpractice
• Failure to monitor adverse reactions
• Failure to warn about correct usage and storage

Sometimes the drug administration authorities may recall a drug and consumers are entitled to file personal injury claims if they have consumed the dangerous or defective drug. A free consultation injury lawyer can advise you on the next step forward to achieve the compensation due to you.

How We Can Assist 

Drug manufacturers have a duty of care towards consumers but in many cases, assemblers, distributors and suppliers are held equally responsible for defective or dangerous drug issues. If you have been injured by the use of such a product, a 24×7 personal injury lawyer with experience in this area of law would be the best person to advise you on the way forward. Our serious injury lawyers can represent you in all dealings with the drug-companies, their insurers and legal representatives. We assist you to put together a robust claim, backed by evidence, scientific research and expert witnesses. In some cases, a mass tort action may be necessary. Most personal injury claims are settled out-of-court, but if required, we can represent you in court as well to ensure that you receive full and 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)

Auto accidents result in a plethora of injuries and different types of damage, short-term and long-term consequences and invariably, they impact the regular pattern of life. Nerve damage is a particularly serious type of injury that affects not only the victim but also tends to put stresses and strains of different types on the entire family or even the community as a whole. When such traumatic events take place, filing personal injury claims with assistance from a car accident lawyer who has experience in this area of law can be of immense help in receiving compensation that’s due to victims.

Nerve Damage Facts

An important aspect of nerve damage is that the accident need not be particularly severe to cause it. Whiplash can be caused even in low-impact crashes. Crash-specialists opine that in severe crashes, the body of the vehicle absorbs much of the impact, but in low-impact accidents, the human body may take on the entire force of this stress. Another fact to remember is that nerve damage may not be immediately apparent. Pain may be felt only days after the event and unless a thorough neurological exam is conducted, nerve damage may remain undiagnosed, leading to complications. Injuries may crush the surrounding bones, or the nerves themselves may be crushed, severed, stretched or compressed or become detached from the spinal cord. The nerve may be pinched between two sections of bone.

Symptoms 

Nerves control movement, communication and sensation, and they also help us to interface with the outside world by receiving and transmitting information. Any damage to them would affect these faculties, leading to a diminished quality of life. A personal injury lawyer can help victims to undergo the right kind of tests and assessments for early intervention so that the extent of injury can be gaged and treatment begun.

Often the symptoms may include vague feelings of numbness, or a burning sensation and

• Weakness
• Muscle atrophy
• Twitching
• Complete or partial paralysis
• Skin sensitivity
• Problems with spatial awareness
• Irritability
• Loss of bowel control, mobility, etc.

Contact a neurologist immediately or request help from a traumatic brain injury lawyer to get a thorough check-up done. Such nerve damage may result from compression and concussion in auto accidents, or from impact with hard surfaces, stretched nerves as in whiplash injuries, severed or cut nerves due to deep lacerations or amputation.

How We Can Assist

Nerve damage is a very serious problem that requires treatment from highly-trained, experienced specialists in the field. Hence medical and rehabilitation costs can be enormous and long-drawn-out. Victims and their families suffer huge expenses and they are entitled to compensation from those responsible for the accident. Contact a personal injury lawyer to begin the process. This is important because such cases are governed by strict rules concerning time-limits, venue, etc. and your insurance company or the other party’s may not be of assistance in such cases. Most personal injury claims are settled out of court through negotiations and our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers can provide the required information and assistance.

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)

One of the most traumatic injuries that anyone can suffer in a car accident is that of loss of a limb or body part. Amputation injuries can be life-threatening in themselves, as they result in crushed body tissues, fractured/cracked bones, severe shock, infections, pain and blood-loss. Such severe injuries result in life-long disability and disfigurement. Sometimes the severed body part may remain partially attached and if the right medical treatment is provided immediately, the limb can be saved.

Traumatic amputations are caused by a catastrophic accident either in a motor-vehicle collision, in a work-place injury involving heavy machinery, use of power tools and farming equipment, slip and fall accidents, sports or leisure related accidents on boats etc. or bicycle/motor cycle accidents. The important thing to note about amputation injuries is that they are caused by sudden events and occur outside a hospital setting. In many cases, the limb may be so severely damaged that it needs to be surgically amputated. In some cases, the amputation may involve smaller parts like toes, fingers, ears, nose etc while in other cases, arms, legs, hands, feet etc are amputated. There are three types of amputation injuries: Crush, Guillotine and Avulsion. Each of these has different causes and outcomes.

Victims of amputations require immediate and long-term care and rehabilitation. They may not be able to return to work for a long time, and then they may be unable to continue doing the work they had been doing prior to the accident. This causes loss of income. The cost of medical care can escalate dramatically at each stage of recovery and it’s important that the victim receives compensation that covers the entire costs of care.

How We Can Assist

Our experienced personal injury lawyers can assist amputation injury victims and their families at every stage of their recovery and quest for compensation. Our free consultation injury lawyers can provide you with a swift, genuine and comprehensive assessment of the merits of your claim.

Compensation can be sought for:

• Medical costs
• Pain and Suffering
• Lost income
• Rehabilitation including prosthetic limb
• Pain and suffering
• Home/vehicle modifications

There are strict limitations within which the claim for compensation has to be filed. There is an enormous amount of paperwork that has to be submitted and most lay persons can feel overwhelmed by it. Our serious injury lawyers who specialize in such cases are well-versed with the procedures.

Another issue that faces amputation injury victims and their families is that they may assume that the insurance company coverage that they have would be adequate to meet all costs. However, based on your individual policy, this may not be adequate. Insurance companies typically attempt to delay pay-outs, or they may try to minimize the extent of injury, dismiss or deny your claims. This puts additional stress on the family as the medical and rehabilitation costs spiral. If the accident victim was the sole earning member of the family, this could cause even more distress. Our car accident lawyers can assist you in all negotiations with the insurers and the at-fault party’s representatives.

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)