Accidents can have a devastating impact on everyone involved in them, whether they’re drivers, co-passengers, pedestrians or other road-users who have been directly or indirectly harmed or injured in the event. The first priority is, naturally, to ensure that the injured are given emergency medical treatment and that their lives are safe-guarded by qualified and experienced medical professionals. The police and traffic authorities have a duty to investigate the accident and file a report citing their findings. Concurrently, insurance companies representing all parties involved must also conduct their investigations and assess the damages that have to be paid out.

It’s a sad truth, but accidents are rarely random events. They’re caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Those who have been injured are entitled to compensation from those responsible for the accident and you need to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Putting a valid claim together is a job for experienced personal injury lawyer who works with a team of specialists. These would include car-crash specialists, engineers, product designers, medical experts, eye-witnesses etc. One of these could include a forensic psychiatrist whose inputs can be valuable while calculating the mental and emotional damage suffered by the accident victim, especially when they experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What is Forensic Psychiatry?

This branch of criminal psychiatry bridges the gap between law and psychiatry. Forensic psychiatrists work with courts to certify a witness’s competency and mental state to stand trial or they are often called as witnesses in civil cases as expert witnesses to provide an opinion on a specific issue. They supply an independent opinion used in forming a final judgment, or to determine the extent of damages when two parties are in dispute and undertake a process of negotiated settlement. They can also provide an assessment of the individual’s state of mind when the event in question happened and whether there was deliberate intent or not in causing the accident or crime. Forensic psychiatrists have the specialized knowledge and experience to clarify issues raised by the legal system.

They can testify in cases of medical malpractice, conduct an evaluation of the informed consent process, evaluate and testify in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder to determine the extent of emotional harm caused to victims of catastrophic events. Other services provided by them include witness evaluation and preparation, jury selection, client management and establishing credibility of witnesses.

There is a considerable amount of work being done in Ontario and British Columbia that involves forensic psychiatry in the field of risk management, where it is used to provide structured professional judgments about a person’s behavior, attitudes, impulsiveness, family/social ties, etc.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers can use these evaluations to establish the chain of responsibility in personal injury cases.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder 

When people are exposed to traumatic events, they may suffer a variety of distressing symptoms that prevent them from functioning normally. These include physical, emotional, cognitive and mental symptoms, differing from person to person. PTSD is generally diagnosed if it arises within six months of an intensely traumatic event.

Symptoms include:

• Intrusive, distressing memories of the event
• Vivid flashbacks
• Intense distress when reminded of the event
• Intense physical reactions like increased heartbeat, nausea, muscular tension, breathing difficulties, sweating etc
• Avoidance of places, people and other reminders
• Inability to talk about or remember details connected with the event
• Loss of interest and feelings of detachment
• Sleep disorders
• Irritability
• Concentration problems
• Intense guilt/self-blame/survivor guilt
• Depression
• Dependence on alcohol/drugs/religion
• Suicidal thoughts

In children PTSD manifests in regressive behaviors like thumb-sucking, loss of toilet control, acting out, expressing themselves in role-play, drawings etc, aggression, somber moods etc.

PTSD is one syndrome that has had greatest impact on the law, since it posits the concept of external events having an effect on the internal state of mind.

Role of Forensic Psychiatrists in PTSD

It is the job of forensic psychiatrists to conduct tests, interviews and examinations to evaluate the person who has suffered injury and conclude whether they are suffering from PTSD. The risk of feigned or false PTSD is ever present and insurance companies of the at-fault party would attempt to deny, dismiss or minimize claims of PTSD. Our car accident lawyers are well-versed with these processes and can ensure that the victim’s interests are safe-guarded.

Our immediate injury lawyers available 24×7 can enlist the services of a reputed, experienced, qualified forensic psychiatrist to provide the necessary professional opinion when you/a loved one experience symptoms of PTSD following a traumatic 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.TM (416 931 5015)

Whiplash injuries are common in automobile accidents, especially when it’s a rear-end collision. The forces that act on your vehicle when it’s hit from behind cause the body to move back and forth in a whiplash sequence that results in injury to the neck, spine, shoulders, etc. Often whiplash injury goes undetected in the initial stages but its effects are felt by the person later and can result in severe pain, loss of mobility, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision etc. based on the severity of the injury. Another common side-effect of whiplash is the TMJ (temperomandibular joint) disorder caused by damage to this joint in the face/head. If you or a loved one has suffered injury in an accident, immediate medical attention is crucial. Following this, ensure that you contact a Mississauga personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that you can claim compensation from those responsible for the accident.

The Temperomandibular Joint 

This joint connects and articulates the mandible or jawbone to the upper temporal bone of the cranium which is part of the skull. It consists of six main components which include bone, ligaments, muscles, fibrocartilagenous tissue, nerves and blood supply. The function of this joint is to assist jaw movements while eating, speaking, opening and closing the mouth, yawning, moving the jaw horizontally to the right and left etc. Only the mandible moves during jaw movements. This joint functions like a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone and skull. The movable bones in the joint are covered with cartilage/tissue to ensure smooth movement without friction.

Signs and Symptoms

Following an accident if you or a loved one experiences these or similar symptoms, it could be attributed to whiplash related TMJ disorder:

• Pain and tenderness on palpation of the area
• Clicking sound when opening/closing mouth or chewing
• Light sensitivity
• Depression
• Difficulty in jaw movement especially stiffness upon waking in the mornings
• Headaches
• Toothache not related to the teeth/Locking of jaw
• Neck or Shoulder pain
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Pain or Pressure in the Eyes

Our experienced Mississauga personal injury attorneys can ensure that you receive a thorough check-up after an accident, especially if you have symptoms of whiplash injury.

TMJ Disorders – Types and Causes 

Though TMJ disorders are often treated even by specialists as a single syndrome, in fact there are many variations and types that occur. It is a neuro-muscular, musculoskeletal and rheumatological disorder, with symptoms that include facial pain, burning mouth syndrome, functional pain while doing certain activities like chewing or speaking. Some physicians have explored the psychogenic aspects of TMJ and compared it to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome etc. It also includes certain types of headaches, chronic neck and back pain etc. The symptoms are progressive if the problem is undiagnosed and untreated.

Most of these disorders arise from damage or malfunctioning of any of the components of the joints, caused either by injury or infection. The exact cause of many TMJ disorders is poorly understood, but it is speculated that the most common cause is connected with whiplash injury. Other factors include genetic factors, degenerative joint disease, bruxism (grinding of teeth during sleep or while awake), excessive gum chewing, nail-biting, eating too many hard foods, hormonal factors (women are more prone to TMJ) and trauma to the area.

TMJ as with all closed head injuries, is typically missed or ignored and hence there may be a delay in diagnosing it. It can be diagnosed by physical examination, MRI scan and X-rays. MRI is the most reliable way to diagnose TMJ disorders as a report by the Radiological Society of North America has demonstrated and it also establishes the connection between whiplash injury and TMJ disorders, as our traumatic injury lawyers are well aware of.

Treatment includes gentle massage of the area, hot or cold treatments, mouth guards, physiotherapy to the jaw area, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, stress management etc and surgery as a last resort.

How We Can Assist

Victims of accidents who develop TMJ disorders are often faced with insurance companies who do not recognize it as a valid ground for claiming compensation. They typically attempt to deny/dismiss your claim. Our car accident lawyers can assemble the right kind of medical experts who can demonstrate the connection between whiplash and TMJ disorders. Our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can also help to gather enough published data by medical professionals to shore up your claim. A Mississauga serious injury lawyer can represent you in all negotiations and communications with the at-fault party so that your rights are protected and interests safe-guarded.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

Perhaps you and your family are the kind who loves to pack their bags at a moment’s notice and love to take off to explore the beautiful landscape of Canada or a foreign country. Or perhaps you’re a tourist in this lovely land, exploring its unique treasures that include fabulous national parks, museums, wonderful cities, cultural and historic monuments and sites, etc.

Whatever your travel profile, one of the things that many people fail to understand is the importance of taking travel insurance. People assume that their credit card insurance, home-owner’s insurance or domestic health package would cover them wherever they go. Canadians have provincial health insurance or government health insurance policies which are valid from province to province but it may not pay for all medical expenses incurred outside the province.

If you or a loved one suffers illness or accident, mishaps or other losses outside your home country or province, you would have to face inconvenience and hardship. You may have to incur major medical expenditure especially in countries like the United States where medical costs/hospitalization are very high. Contact a Mississauga personal injury attorney if your accident has been caused by someone else, since you are entitled claim compensation.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Insurance that’s tailored around travel and covers medical expenditure, loss of luggage, flight cancellation, compulsory quarantine, accidental death, injury or disability, hijacking, travel delays due to bad weather, stolen or damaged baggage, overseas funerals, legal expenses, trip cancellation by the organizers, repatriation of remains of a deceased person etc. are all covered under travel insurance policies.

Though travel insurance may never have to be claimed, it’s wiser to have coverage while traveling in case the unexpected happens. This helps you to meet these unforeseen expenses while you are in an unfamiliar location. Some of the instances where travel insurance coverage is beneficial include:

• When you’re carrying expensive items or important documents
• Undertaking risky or adventurous activities like mountaineering, rafting, sailing, diving, etc.
• Traveling to locations where there are dangerous illnesses/epidemics
• Traveling to countries with unstable political climate
• Traveling with children or seniors
• If you have a known serious medical condition such as a heart problem

Keeping these factors in mind, if you’re planning to drive or hike through different parts of the world, travel insurance comes in handy if you’re involved in accidents or robbery. In such situations, it’s a good plan to find a Mississauga personal injury attorney who can advise you about your rights.

Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are the same. They are tailored to people’s requirements and needs. For normal holidays with friends and family that includes flights and hotel bookings, a low-cost travel policy would suffice. If however, there are issues which could suddenly flare up, then a policy that covers family emergencies would be ideal.

Travel policies also depend on frequency of travel. For a one-off trip, you can take a policy that covers just this one travel, but frequent travelers, business travelers and people who work in jobs that involve constant travel require annual coverage.

You can customize your travel insurance policy based on the destination/s to which you’re likely to travel. These policies are designed to be in sync with the facilities and financial nature of the countries that you’re traveling to.

Some policies are related to specific events, like accidents, flight accidents, car or vehicle rental, etc. and may be clubbed with medical insurance.

Medical insurance policies are different from the standard travel policy packages offered by insurance companies and they cost more. Additionally, some types of packages may not cover all types of medical treatment. Try to select a policy that provides global coverage for all kinds of eventualities like lost or delayed luggage, canceled trips etc as well as medical expenses. Look for benefits that are as close to the ones you receive at home.

Many insurance companies offer discounts and special deals. Study these carefully before choosing one of them, since they may not be as economical as a regular package. Our free consultation injury lawyers can help you understand your insurance plan.

How We Can Assist

Our experienced Mississauga personal injury lawyers can assist you if you suffer harm or injury as a tourist while traveling. Our accident injury attorneys available 24×7 can evaluate your claim and provide you with a genuine and swift assessment of your case. We can ensure that all communication with insurance companies is done by our Mississauga injury lawyers available round the clock, who are well-versed in insurance rules and regulations.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

The Province of Ontario has a government run health insurance plan that covers the Canadian province of Ontario called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. Known colloquially as the OHIP, this plan is funded by taxpayers in the province and the Canadian government. It covers people who have their primary or permanent home in Ontario and gives them free access to emergency, preventive care and medical services that come under the OHIP.  As a person who has suffered harm or injury, if you wish to know about your OHIP coverage, contact a personal injury attorney who has specialized in this area of insurance law. All those who are under the OHIP scheme, including babies and children, must carry their health cards at all times and they have to be shown at the time of availing services.

Facts To Be Noted

To qualify for OHIP, people from outside Canada eligible for OHIP include those who are:

• In the process of acquiring Canadian citizenship should have submitted an application for permanent residence in Canada and received confirmation that they meet the eligibility requirements.

• Protected persons or refugees.

• Foreign workers who hold work-permits for at least six months.

• Spouses, same-sex partners, dependents.

• Live-in care-givers.

• Federal seasonal agricultural workers.

• Temporary residence permit holder.

There are several more categories and the government website would provide more information regarding this. Another source of information would be our free consultation injury lawyers, who are well-versed in this area.

OHIP Coverage Outside Ontario 

Permanent Ontario residents are eligible for OHIP even if they’re outside of the province.

OHIP policy holders are entitled to receive free basic health care in all parts of Canada. However, in provinces like Quebec, services must be paid for. You can claim reimbursement when you return to Ontario, but the amount reimbursed will be only what a similar service would have cost in Ontario.

OHIP provides for only limited health service expenditure while traveling outside Ontario. These services are assumed to be those of an emergency nature which arose outside Ontario when the person was traveling, working or attending an educational institution. Certain types of non-emergency medical care is also covered if it was recommended by a practicing Ontario physician. These services may have to be approved prior to commencement.

OHIP Coverage Outside Canada

For those OHIP policy holders traveling outside Canada, the same rule applies. The Out Of Country (OOC) Emergency Services are for travelers and is to be availed of when faced with an unexpected medical situation while traveling outside Canada. This coverage provides only limited funding. You/your insurance company would have to pay the expenses up front and claim reimbursement from OHIP later when you return to Ontario.

Ontarians can stay away for a maximum of 212 days to retain their OHIP coverage. This is designed to include those who are outside Canada on:

• Educational programs
• Work, including missionary work
• Holiday

Though OHIP coverage is available, Ontario residents traveling out of the country are encouraged to get private insurance as well. This is because certain types of services are not covered: For instance, ambulance services or medical services that could have been planned and availed of in Ontario prior to or after your travel. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident or hazardous situation while traveling outside Canada, which has been caused by another person, find a personal injury lawyer who can advise you about your claim for compensation.

Ontario residents are also eligible for Prior Approved OOC health services. These are elective services which are not urgent in nature. The person must seek and receive prior approval from OHIP and the ministry before undertaking such services, otherwise you will have to bear the entire cost yourself.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers can advise you that OHIP coverage is not available for treatments that are deemed medically unnecessary, not conducted in a licensed medical facility, experimental or non-conventional treatments, treatment for conditions that arose in Canada and transportation costs. Hence, private coverage while traveling outside Canada is essential.

How We Can Assist

Our 24×7 personal injury attorneys can assist victims of accidents etc to claim compensation both under the OHIP and private insurance policies. There are strict limitations during which claims must be submitted. OHIP claims must be submitted within 12 months of the service being rendered. A fully itemized bill listing all services and documents relating to the expenditure have to be submitted. Our serious injury lawyers can assist you with the paperwork and negotiations with the insurers.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

The lower part of the trunk between the abdomen and thighs, and the skeletal system associated with it, are known as the pelvis. There are several important structures present here. Severe harm or injury to this region can result in a fracturing of the bony structures and it can have very serious consequences, including a threat to life. In general, hip and pelvic fractures are common in old age or people with osteoporosis, following low-energy, low impact blows or falls. In younger people, hip and pelvic fractures are commonly caused by traumatic auto accidents, assaults, sports injuries etc. If you or a loved one suffers a hip or pelvic fracture, the topmost priority is to seek immediate expert medical help, as swift and specialized treatment is essential. Following this, victims can seek compensation from the person/s responsible for the accident and they should contact a Bolton personal injury lawyer without delay.

Structure of the Pelvis

The human pelvis consists of several large and small bones connected in a structure that includes the pelvic girdle, hips and the pelvic portion of the spine.

The bones here include the ilium, ischium and the pubic bones which are structured into the pubic ring which meets in front at the pubic symphysis and at the sacrum in the back. Together, this structure protects the internal organs, mainly the digestive, excretory and reproductive organs, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. It also enables movement and locomotion.

The location where the pelvis meets the upper end of the thigh bone forms the hip joint, and this region is known as the acetabellum.

Causes

Though fractures in this region generally cause loss of movement and severe pain, some types of low-energy impact fractures often go undetected.

In general, hip and pelvic fractures are classified as unstable and stable fractures, caused by high-energy blunt trauma and low-energy impact. High-energy blunt trauma fractures are the most severe, difficult to treat and require surgery and long-term hospitalization. Low-energy impact fractures may be due to slip and fall or sporting injuries. These may not require surgery, but need to be monitored closely to ensure proper healing.

Typically, hip and pelvic fractures are caused by motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian collisions, sports injuries, low-energy slip and fall, motor-cycle collisions or a fall from height.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor-vehicle collision, it’s important that you get checked for hip and pelvic fracture too, since sometimes the symptoms may not immediately present. Find a Bolton personal injury lawyer who can ensure that you get a thorough check-up.

Risks 

Apart from the severe pain and suffering, hip and pelvic fractures carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. A major portion of deaths following motor-vehicle accidents occur due to complications following severe damage to the hip and pelvic regions, in spite of hospitalization and treatment. Internal bleeding may become uncontrollable, embolisms are common and there is severe damage to internal organs, circulation and nerves and high risk of infection. Complete recovery can take years and the person may be permanently disabled, or have a limp. Sexual and reproductive dysfunction may also occur. Women, small made people, and children suffer worse damage. It is crucial that emergency treatment is provided and our Bolton accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can ensure that victims are stabilized as quickly as possible.

Common Types of Hip and Pelvic Fracture

High-energy Unstable: 

• Open book or sprung pelvis fracture
• Lateral compression or windswept pelvis
• Bucket handle fracture or vertical shear
• Combination of the above – a combined and very complex mechanical fracture, involving very severe forces

Low-energy Stable: 

• Pubic fracture
• Acetabellum fracture
• Iliac wing fracture
• Avulsion fracture

The unstable, major fractures present symptoms immediately and are obvious to physical examination, confirmed by X-rays, CT scans, etc. Pain and shock are severe, with inability to move. People with pelvic fractures are known to walk away from the scene of an accident, but this should not mislead physicians. A thorough check-up must be done of all accident victims. Low-impact fractures are painful and debilitating, but the risk of internal bleeding is less, and loss of function is not obvious. These should also be treated correctly. Acetabellar fractures are harder to treat, since this region is not easy to access. Get a legal opinion from our free consultation Bolton injury lawyers immediately.

A Bolton traumatic injury lawyer can assist victims/families to file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for the accident. If death or disability occur, our Bolton car accident lawyers can help relatives to get compensation for wrongful death or disability 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.TM (416 931 5015)

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident and suffered a pelvic fracture, you require immediate treatment, surgery and hospitalization for a long period. After care at home is also required till the bones completely heal in the right configuration. Once the medical treatment is ongoing, it’s crucial to contact a Toronto personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to begin working on your compensation claim. Victims of accidents are entitled to statutory benefits from the state regardless of fault and they can also file a personal injury claim against the person/s or agencies responsible for the accident.

Biomechanical Aspects

While studying serious accidents, structure/function of human body structure, engineering and function of biological systems are important. Not much is known about forces that produce pelvic fractures. But when damage occurs to this structure and bones are fractured, the person is at a high risk of internal bleeding, nerve injury and organ damage. Movement is restricted/impossible, with severe pain and discomfort. Bowel movements/urination is difficult. There is also a high risk of peritonitis/infections.

Women/children/smaller-made people are at higher risk.

Pelvic fractures in car accidents may be caused by:

• Seat-belt restrictions/malfunction
• Lateral crushing in side-swipe collisions
• Lack of airbag deployment
• Damage to front of car injuring driver and front-seat passenger

Car crash specialists use pelvic fracture incidence as a marker of the severity of the crash. In side-swipes, lateral compressive injuries occur, while in frontal crashes, indirect shear injuries are common. Side impacts are much more severe and can produce very severe injuries at lower velocity.

Treatments

Traditionally patients were treated non-surgically and recommended prolonged recumbency till the broken bones fused naturally. Mobility is gradually increased as the fracture heals, to avoid stiffness and loss of movement. This is because most pelvic fractures are relatively stable and caused due to low-energy impact. Low-energy impact fractures are mostly seen among the elderly or those with osteoporosis as a result of slip and fall accidents.

Pelvic fractures caused in motor vehicle accidents are highly unstable since this is a high-energy impact. Complications like hemorrhage, internal bleeding and multiple organ failure, serious infections and sepsis, severe injuries to central nervous system, etc. occur and multi-disciplinary treatment is required. Surgery is required in pelvic fractures that result from auto accidents and sports injuries. A large number of young people and teenagers fall into this group. The surgeon usually inserts an external “fixator” to stabilize the pelvic region. This device has long screws inserted into the bone on either side of the body and it is connected to a frame outside the body. Plates and screws may also have to be inserted if there is extensive damage to the bone. Healing is based on the individual case.

Long term hospitalization, medications, pain-killers, physiotherapy, counseling, assistive devices etc may be required. People may continue to walk with a limp after the fracture has healed, because of concurrent damage to the muscles and tissues as well. Some of the long term problems could be chronic pain, impaired mobility, sexual and reproductive dysfunction, damage to nerves and organs.

Our Toronto accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can ensure that you receive the best medical treatment for pelvic fractures.

How We Can Assist 

If you or a loved one has suffered a pelvic fracture following a catastrophic auto accident, our Toronto personal injury lawyers can assist you with filing your compensation case. In the immediate hours following the accident, people are extremely confused, in severe pain or even unconscious. Their loved ones are equally vulnerable, being anxious and traumatized by the incident. In such a situation, it’s possible that they could make statements, give authorizations or permissions, sign documents etc that could adversely affect the compensation case later. Our free consultation Toronto injury lawyers can advise you about your rights.

Our serious injury lawyers ensure that all communication with the at-fault party and their insurers is monitored carefully and that the victim’s interests are protected. One of the issues facing personal injury claims is that they must be filed within a specified time limit and our experienced Toronto personal injury lawyers are well-versed with all the necessary procedures. Additionally, well-established firms like ours have the resources to ensure that a complete and robust case is put together. This would include expert testimony from car crash specialists, engineers, road and traffic authorities, medical experts etc. We can access police and municipal records, contact eye-witnesses and collect photographic and documentary evidence.

Our Toronto car accident lawyers can represent you at trial if the case goes to 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.TM (416 931 5015)

Several cities in Canada, including Toronto and Ottawa in Ontario, are considered to be among the most “walkable” cities in the world, with good access to public transportation and an attractive ambiance. However, one of the problems that pedestrians and bicyclists anywhere in the world face is that of being hit by a truck or motor vehicle regardless of how careful they are. Accidents can and do happen and they’re usually caused by the carelessness or fault of someone. As an accident victim, a pedestrian or bicyclist is entitled to seek compensation from those responsible for the accident. Once the medical emergency has been taken care of, it’s important that the victim or their family contact a Mississauga personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Pedestrians/Bicyclists at Higher Risk

These road users are at the most risk in collisions, since they are completely unprotected and the impact is directly on to the body. Pedestrians who were seriously injured in accidents with trucks are between the ages of 16-60, but people older than 60 are most likely to be killed. Survival rate is slim and if the person does live, there are severe injuries, disability and loss of function. Traumatic head and spinal injuries are common. The thorax and lower extremities are injured in a “run-over” (vehicle driven over the body of the victim.)

Bicyclists are injured in accidents involving lane changes, poor visibility, rural roads, side-swipes etc. Though bicyclists do wear helmets and protective gear, a truck accident is much too severe for these to be really effective. Run-over accidents usually have fatal consequences for bicyclists.

Small cars, motor-cycles, pedestrians and bicycles very close to the truck can’t be seen. Truck design does not allow the truck driver to have a complete view of the road from his cabin and there are several blind spots. Truck drivers cannot clearly see a cyclist riding alongside or directly in front/rear and is unable to gauge their actions. The most dangerous aspect of this is that when the truck is turning, the driver cannot see what the cyclist or pedestrian is doing. Another danger spot is at intersections, when right turning trucks cannot spot pedestrians/cyclists on their right. Trucks have a very large turning circle ratio and the unwary cyclist or pedestrian who’s too close to the truck may find that its rear may swing into them as the vehicle turns.

Trucks backing up may also not see a cyclist or pedestrian behind them. The size difference between the truck and the pedestrian/bicycle is the main cause of the severity of injuries.

Who’s At Fault? 

The most common types of trucks involved in accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists are:

• Commercial trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Delivery vehicles

All vehicles are supposed to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Motor-vehicle drivers have a duty of care to be aware of all road users and be alert to their movements, however erratic or unexpected. It is the responsibility of the motor-vehicle driver to exercise due care since he/she is in charge of a vehicle that can inflict serious damage on impact.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian/bicyclist in a truck accident, a serious injury lawyer can advise you or your relatives about a compensation claim.

In case of death, a wrongful death suit can be brought against the at-fault party with the help of our Mississauga accident injury lawyers available 24×7.

In some cases, the pedestrian/bicyclist may be partially at fault – they were not crossing at the cross-walk or running across the road, changed lanes suddenly or were too close to a turning truck. In such cases, as our Mississauga free consultation injury lawyers can advise, you can still make a claim though it may be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

How We Can Assist 

The first priority following a truck accident is to get the best medical treatment if the victim is still alive. In case of death, the eligible relatives of the victim are entitled to seek compensation for wrongful death, funeral expenses, loss of income/wages, loss of companionship, pain and suffering etc. For survivors, our experienced Mississauga personal injury lawyers can begin working on the compensation case immediately. Disability, long term medical treatment and hospitalization, future care, rehabilitation, loss of wages, pain and suffering etc are some of the grounds on which our Mississauga traumatic brain injury lawyers can base your claim. A comprehensive life-care plan has to be drawn up to take care of your life-long physical/emotional needs and improve the quality of your life.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

According to WHO (World Health Organization) studies, motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in people aged 24 and younger. However for every death there are almost hundreds of people who survive accidents but are seriously injured or disabled for life. This can be a life-altering situation for survivors and their families. Apart from the physical pain and suffering, there are emotional, financial and social consequences which have an irreversible impact on victims and their families. There are enormous legal, insurance and mental health costs, along with the burden put on the state in the form of statutory benefits and the load on the health care system.

Motor vehicle accidents are usually the result of the fault or negligence of a person/s or agency. Victims of accidents are entitled to claim compensation for their injuries and losses from those responsible for the accident in a civil personal injury suit. Once the medical needs are taken care of, accident victims/their family members should contact a Mississauga personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Quality of Life

We all use the term “quality of life” without really thinking about what it implies. Originally, it was a term that health care professionals used, but today, it has acquired a global meaning that covers social, economic, financial and psychological aspects. It has also acquired a legal connotation as our Mississauga serious injury lawyers are aware.

Today, with advances in medical science and technology, we’re able to increase the “quantity of life” but how we use this increased life span and what happens to us during this are questions that concern the concept of “quality of life.”

This idea is a fluid, dynamic one, which changes with events like accidents, or with job-loss, relationships, monetary and social status, health, geographic location etc. It also encompasses emotions and states of mind like satisfaction, contentment, peace and happiness. Factors like physical and psychological health can cause fluctuations in the quality of life of an individual within moments and very dramatically. Other variables like personal independence, family, education, wealth, social environment, career, religious beliefs, facilities like transportation and access to public health services, security benefits, housing, employment etc also contribute to the over-all sense of well-being.

There are several objective measures available to gauge the quality of life, such as the Human Development Index, the World Happiness Report, Happy Planet Index, Physical Quality of Life Index and Quality of Living Reports etc.

For accident victims who have been seriously injured, each one of these factors could be affected, leading to a complete deterioration and absence of any quality in their lives. The process of rebuilding and reworking this concept to suit the new parameters can take years or even a life-time. Hence, they require the maximum support and early intervention can help. Find a Mississauga personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following a catastrophic accident to begin working out a life care plan to ensure that the victim’s quality of life is preserved. 

How We Can Assist 

Though the damage resulting from catastrophic accidents cannot be measured in monetary or non-monetary terms, it is possible to make life as comfortable, livable and stress-free as possible, with the right medication, assistive technology, prosthetics, transportation and mobility facilities like wheelchairs, rehabilitation, retraining and re-education. Another issue is that of on-going or life-time care, medical costs and cost of living for the victim and family. Statutory benefits and insurance coverage may not provide all these. Our experienced Mississauga personal injury lawyers can help put together a life care plan with the help of medical experts, vocational/occupational therapists, social workers, financial professionals and psychological counselors.

Compensation payments are made by the at-fault party’s insurers and typically, they would attempt to delay the process. This can be stressful and frustrating to a severely injured person and their family since medical bills and care costs keep escalating. Disability means the victim is out of work and there is no income. Hence, a swift settlement is required. However, many insurers attempt to provide a quick but meager settlement that would not cover all your expenses – both current and future. Insurers may also try to minimize the extent of injuries, dismiss or deny your claims. Our Mississauga traumatic brain injury lawyers can represent you in all negotiations and also put together a robust claim. They can also represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

While looking for a Mississauga personal injury lawyer, victims/families can also consider whether the lawyer/law-firm can work closely with support organizations in your area that could help improve the quality of life in terms of social, psychological and emotional networking and help.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury that results in life-long disability, one of the major challenges that you and your family would face is that of making an estimate of your current and future medical costs and other needs. According to Ontario’s Highway Act, regardless of who is at fault, anyone who is injured in a motor vehicle accident is entitled to statutory accident benefits. However these may not be adequate to cover your future needs as a person with disability if you’ve suffered traumatic injuries like brain or spinal damage. Accidents are caused by the fault or negligence of another person and as a victim you are entitled to seek compensation in a civil lawsuit. In both cases, you need the advice and assistance of an experienced Mississauga personal injury lawyer. Apart from the physical injuries, victims of catastrophic injuries also suffer emotional trauma and require counseling and support.

Medical costs escalate with time and as newer facilities and therapies are discovered. The costs of hospitalization, medication and care are rising every day, so it’s obvious that they will cost a lot more in the future than they do today. Additionally, the condition of victims of serious injuries may deteriorate in time and their needs may increase. These costs have to be budgeted for and that’s why a life care plan must be chalked out to take care of these contingencies.

Many people are unaware of the need for such a plan or of anticipating the future needs of the injured victim. They may need professional care or admission to a nursing home if family members are unable to take care of them. Pain and suffering increase along with depression. There is loss of income, lack of enjoyment of life and deprivation of social needs.

Apart from accident victims, future needs of others who may require life care planning include those with claims of injury due to:

• Medical malpractice
• Workplace injury
• Catastrophic injury
• Car/Motor vehicle accidents

Future Needs Assessment Report

Our Mississauga critical injury lawyers have extensive experience in this area. We consult with medical experts to establish current and future needs of the person with disability and put it in financial terms. The onset of disability may result in a particular type of medical requirements, while its progress in time leads to further and higher medical needs.

Mississauga serious injury lawyers can assist victims to put together a future needs assessment report with the help of past and present medical reviews and functional status on the basis of medical records, medical opinions of health-care experts and the assessment of care-givers and family members.

A comprehensive future needs assessment report should include expenses that the person would have to incur during an entire life-time for the following:

• Medication
• Hospitalization
• Therapeutic services
• Rehabilitation
• Re-hospitalization either as in or out patient
• Attendants, care-givers, personal support
• Assistive technology and equipment
• Modifications to home
• Transportation or modifications to vehicle
• House maintenance and housekeeping
• Vocational and educational training

For instance, a typical future needs report for physiotherapy, counseling and occupational therapy would include transportation to and fro, current cost of each unit, a recurring future cost and the total cost over a life time. The exact computation on which these costs are based is also provided.

Such information would be provided for all the heads mentioned above. Taken together, this forms the complete report.

How We Can Assist You 

Our Mississauga free consultation injury lawyers can set the process in motion by providing you with a comprehensive, genuine, swift evaluation of your case. Based on this, victims can make a claim for compensation from the at-fault party. This must be done within the stipulated time-frame, which could vary from place to place. Personal injury laws may also be subject to changes and only an experienced legal professional keeps themselves regularly updated on such information.

Creating the right plan for your individual needs requires great expertise, time and planning. It should be focused on the client and the family and yet be objective. Medical assessments must be done by a qualified physician with access to the latest information regarding this particular condition. Nutritionists and social/psychological support for future needs is provided by inputs from specialists in the field. A future needs assessment report can be compiled as soon as you contact a Mississauga personal injury lawyer, since they have the resources to ensure that the most comprehensive and complete report is presented.

Our Mississauga accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can represent victims in all communications and negotiations with the insurance company and ensure that your rights and interests are safeguarded.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

The border between the United States and Canada, referred to as the International Boundary, is famous for being the longest border in the world between two countries. It is also the longest militarily undefended border in the world, though civil restrictions and regulations are in place. There are several important bridge and tunnel crossings which traverse farmlands, prairies, maritime areas etc between the two countries. The most popular and famous one is the Rainbow Bridge across the Niagara Falls across the states of Ontario in Canada and New York in the US. Thousands of tourists from almost every country in the world gather here and given the holiday atmosphere and the relaxed attitude of people, accidents can and do happen.

Given the close relationship and proximity between the two countries, there is a constant movement of people, vehicles, goods etc across the border for trade, tourism, business, state, social and economic reasons. However, the legal systems of both countries are distinct and separate and in case of a mishap or accident, a personal injury lawyer in the country where the incident occurred should be contacted immediately.

If you’re an American tourist injured/harmed in an accident in Ontario, or any other place in Canada, then you should be represented by a local Ontarian or Canadian personal injury lawyer to claim compensation.

Cross border accidents involving Canadian tourists in the US would require them to be represented by local American personal injury lawyers.

Ontario Highway Traffic Act

Trucks, buses, cars and all manner of vehicles travel constantly across the border and accidents are bound to happen on Ontario roads. One of the difficulties that travelers/tourists driving in Ontario face is that under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act Section 193 (1) the driver is presumed to be at fault if a pedestrian is injured by them in an accident. This is something that many people from outside the country need help with, and Singh Barristers’ experienced personal injury lawyers, who are well-versed with these laws can certainly be of great assistance.

Other Kinds of Cross border Accidents 

As business travelers/tourists in Canada, if you or a loved one is injured/harmed in an accident in this country, you are entitled to compensation. The kinds of accidents that may happen to you here would include:

• Slip and Fall
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Amusement Park, Resort, Hotel, Restaurant, Pub Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Animal Attacks, Dog Bites
• Medical Malpractice and many more.

How We Can Assist

It’s crucial that victims of accidents or mishaps in Canada contact a personal injury lawyer or firm that can represent them in both countries or has arrangements with a firm in the other country. Tourists/travelers involved in an accident in another country, like victims of accidents everywhere, are usually in a state of shock, confusion, grief, fear or anxiety. In such a vulnerable state, they may make statements, provide access to their private information or sign documents which could adversely affect their personal injury claim later. Our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can come to your assistance immediately and represent you in all communication with the at-fault party and insurers. We can provide a swift, comprehensive and genuine assessment of your case. Being local professionals, we have the knowledge, expertise and experience with the local laws and procedures. In personal injury cases, it’s vital that claims are filed within the stipulated time-frame. Your case requires timely filing of paperwork and submissions.

Our free consultation injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, and no fees have to be paid up front, but only when the case is completely and satisfactorily settled. We can also assist you with getting the best medical treatment if necessary, since as a tourist you may not be familiar with the local facilities. Some clients may prefer to return to their own countries for medical treatment. American cases could be specially complicated given the high cost of medical treatment in the United States. Further, our personal injury and serious injury lawyers can speak a variety of international languages making communication easy.

We can continue working on your case after you return to your home country. This would include gathering photographic/documentary evidence, assembling eye-witnesses and experts and accessing police and medical records to ensure that your case is strong and robust enough to provide you with the maximum possible compensation as swiftly and easily as possible. We keep you regularly updated via the latest technology even after you return to your home country.

At Singh Barristers, we aim to provide the best possible assistance to visitors to our country and ensure that their rights are protected and interests safeguarded.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

A recent catastrophic accident in Vaughan resulted in the death of three young children and their grandfather when their minivan was T-boned by a Range Rover driven by a person who was driving under the influence of alcohol. The crash also seriously injured two women who were also in the minivan and they have been hospitalized in a critical condition. There was also another vehicle involved in the crash, but fortunately no one was injured from that vehicle. The impaired driver was alone in his car.

Drunk driving or impaired driving is operating a vehicle (includes snowmobiles, trucks, boats, off-road vehicles etc besides cars), after consuming an intoxicating substance like alcohol or drugs. The effect of these substances can seriously impair a person’s ability to drive safely and this poses a hazard not just for the impaired driver but also for all other road users. It is considered a crime under Canadian Law and invokes a range of penalties. If you or a loved one falls victim to a crash caused by an impaired driver, you are entitled to seek compensation under civil law as well. In case someone is killed, the close relatives can do so. Find a personal injury attorney immediately who can assist you with filing a claim.

Impaired Driving and Car Crashes

Though people feel confident that they’ve just had one small drink, or a couple of glasses of wine, even the slightest amount of alcohol can alter the brain chemistry. Additionally, how fast one drinks, whether you’re a man or woman, age, body-weight, whether you’ve eaten or not and the person’s own bodily reactions.

Ontario laws mandate that as of 2009, if a person’s blood alcohol level (BAC) between 0.05-0.08, this is known as the ‘warn range.’ Penalties include short/long term license suspension, fines, interlock devices, remedial programs, etc. if convicted for impaired driving.

Apart from alcohol, drugs can also impair driving. These would include certain types of prescription drugs too, which may cause drowsiness or mood alteration. The term DUI (driving under influence) is not used in Canadian law, instead, it is known as “impaired driving” “impaired operation” or “impaired care or control.” 

How We Can Assist

Ontario has some of the toughest federal criminal laws in the world when it comes to impaired driving. When serious injuries or death occurs, the criminal laws are applicable, but tort laws can be simultaneously invoked by victims’ relatives to ensure that the family is compensated for its loss.

If a loved one is killed in a car crash that was caused by someone’s impaired driving, it’s important that a medical professional is notified immediately, to declare the cause of death. The police would also have to be informed and they must conduct investigations and file a police report. It’s crucial that the relatives of a person killed in a fatal car crash call an accident injury lawyer available 24×7 and set the legal process in motion immediately.

When such catastrophic accidents happen, people are devastated, many others may be critically injured and they may be in a state of confusion. In this vulnerable situation, they may make admissions, provide written statements or authorizations to access confidential data of the victim etc all of which would compromise the personal injury case at a later stage.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers can ensure that victims’ rights are protected and their interests are safe-guarded. In case of death, criminal charges will be filed, but the family of the deceased have no recourse or financial assistance to cope with the huge financial burden that falls on them following the death of a loved one. Pain and suffering also lasts for the entire life-time of survivors. Funeral expenses, loss of income/wages, companionship and household assistance that the deceased provided can be compensated in monetary terms to make life slightly more comfortable.

Find a personal injury attorney who has specific experience in dealing with cases exactly like yours so that they can bring this expertise to bear while filing your claims. Most of them accept cases on a contingency basis which means that no fees need to be paid up-front. They also offer free consultation, legal advice and assistance.

Personal injury claims must be filed within a specified time limit beyond which they will not be entertained. Our serious injury lawyers are well-versed with the statutes of limitations across different locations and other personal injury laws which are subject to change from time to time. Ensure that all paperwork is completed in time with the help of a Toronto personal injury lawyer.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

With the holidays fast approaching and the weather conditions deteriorating by the day, this is not just the season of goodwill and cheer, but also of tragic motor vehicle accidents. Traffic accidents involving multiple vehicles can have catastrophic results and equally devastating effects on the victims. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a multiple car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.

Causes of Multiple Car Accidents

Though the term “accident” is used to describe these unfortunate events, they are usually caused by the fault or negligence of someone. As our experienced personal injury lawyers can tell you, multiple car accidents are no exception. Vehicles traveling at high speed may not be under the full charge of the drivers and a minor mishap can result in them spinning out of control, with devastating effects on other vehicles in front, side and rear, pedestrians and property. As with single car accidents, multiple car accidents are generally due to:

• Driver under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Distractions like cellphone use or texting, eating, talking, grooming, loud music, chatting
• Driving too close to the vehicle in front on freeways
• Adverse weather conditions, black ice, snow, sleet, rain
• Poor visibility
• Unfamiliar roads
• Poor road maintenance
• Defective vehicle parts
• Tire blow-outs
• Driver fatigue
• Reckless, negligent driving, red-light running
• Road rage
• Wrong lane change, wrong turns, exits, entry into ramp
• Ignoring or missing warning signs
• Over-speeding
• Animal/Human obstruction on the road
• Life-style/personality/age of driver (depression, inexperienced, teenage or senior driver etc)

Multiple Car Crashes

These accidents, also referred to as multi-vehicle/car collisions, pile-ups or chain reaction crashes, can involve several vehicles and according to traffic experts, they are probably the worst kind of motor-vehicle collisions that occur on high speed freeways and expressways. Some of them have involved hundreds of vehicles, resulting in untold damage to life, limb and property. If the vehicle in front suddenly spins out of control or halts, the drivers behind would obviously crash into it, setting off a chain reaction.

With so many vehicles seriously damaged, it’s inevitable that serious injuries occur. There may be a large mass of totaled vehicles, crumpled beyond recognition and chances of survival are rare. Cars may hit each other multiple times, passengers may be thrown out, fires may break-out and if it happens in a tunnel, toxic fumes may cause death too. Structural damage to bridges and roads cause more hazards.

What To Do

If you’re involved in a multi-vehicle accident:

• Call for emergency medical help immediately
• Turn on your hazard lights if possible
• Keep your seat-belt on
• Never get out of your vehicle immediately unless there’s a fire risk – the accident may not have ended and you could get hit again by an out of control vehicle
• Contact the police and wait till they arrive if you’re not seriously injured
• Make a note of all that you remember about the accident, however minor the details are
• Try to remember the sequence of events
• Talk to witnesses and get their contact details
• Try to get as many photographs on your phone of the accident, position of vehicles etc
• Contact or find a 24×7 injury lawyer

Establishing Fault in Multiple Car Crashes 

Though accidents are clearly caused by someone’s fault or negligence, the task of establishing fault in multiple car crashes is particularly complicated, as our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 are aware of. There are a number of vehicles involved, most of them have rear-ended each other. Typically, one who rear-ends the car in front is always at fault, but in multi-vehicle crashes, there are several who rear-ended each other because they were in turn crashed into. There are also hundreds of different versions of the crash, each supplied by those involved, witnesses and the police. However, the police report would be the most reliable and it’s important to access it quickly to begin the process of filing a personal injury claim. 

We Can Assist

Our experienced car accident lawyers can assist you with unraveling the complex scenario, access important police and medical records, assemble expert testimony from car crash specialists and collect documentary or photographic evidence and ensure that your rights are safe-guarded. Our serious injury lawyers can put together a robust claim for:

• Past/future medical expenses
• Lost past/present/future earning capacity/income
• Impairment/Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of use of property
• Amputation
• Loss of care/guidance/consortium in case of death
• Bystander emotional injury
• Exemplary damages
• Attorney fees/Court costs

Ensure that you contact a specialist multi-vehicle crash lawyer immediately.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

The holiday season’s almost here and with it comes a wave of frenzied shopping! We’re all anxious about getting our Christmas lists done, many of us have travel plans, it’s the time when nearly every store-front screams “Sale!” The streets are congested with people and vehicles and when you manage to find a parking spot, you’re ready to breathe a sigh of relief, right? Wrong! If you think the parking lot is a safe place, statistics reveal that this is an equally hazardous place for people and vehicles.

Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

Few of us realize that parking lots are actually one big pedestrian zone, with potential hazards from multiple sources. Vehicles move in all directions: forward, backwards, turning, reversing, stopping and in a host of unpredictable ways. Walkers have to be aware that a vehicle could suddenly emerge from behind or in front of them, and though drivers usually travel slowly inside a lot while they’re entering and looking for a space, they tend to speed on their way out. Additionally, if the exit is a busy traffic lane, they may suddenly slow down. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a parking lot accident, our free consultation injury lawyers can assist you with filing a claim for damages.

Such accidents are almost the same as road accidents. Some, like opening a door on to another vehicle or a pedestrian, may be more common in parking lots.

Causes include:

• Driver distraction like cellphone use
• Over speeding on main pathways
• Backing into an approaching vehicle or feeder lane
• Backing into pedestrians or shopping carts
• Reckless and negligent driving
• Inexperienced drivers
• Poor lighting
• Over-crowded lot, with multiple obstacles, shopping carts, goods, children and elders
• Exiting into/from a main thoroughfare outside carelessly
• Back-overs in which passengers who have just alighted are hit by their own car driver

In most cases, in case of accidentally hitting a parked car, the person responsible for the accident is required to leave a note with their contact information, otherwise the case is treated as a hit and run. Our 24×7 injury attorneys can conduct their own investigations, examine CCTV footage or speak to eyewitnesses and ensure that the driver at fault can be identified. All drivers have a duty of care to drive as carefully in a parking lot as they would on the highway. When you contact a personal injury lawyer, they can ensure that your rights as a victim are safeguarded.

Challenges of Enforcing Parking Lot Safety

One of the main issues with parking lots is that most of them are privately owned, which means that it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the premises.  Government agencies can enforce DUI, driving without valid documents/licenses, hit and run violations.

Parking lots are busy places, especially during the day. Tired and distracted shoppers, hyperactive kids, teens distracted while on the phone/texting, abandoned shopping carts and a host of other hazards lurk.

Many accidents are just fender-benders but you’re entitled to compensation and our car accident lawyers can assist.

What To Do

• If someone is injured, get medical help immediately.

• If the other driver does not stop, it will be treated as a hit and run case.

• Get as much information about the at-fault party as possible. Names, address and contact telephone numbers apart, make a note of the car’s make, color and model. Get the license plate number and take photos of the vehicles’ position when the crash happened.

• The police need to be informed, however minor the collision. It may look as if no one’s hurt or the damage is minimal, but this situation could change. You may discover that there is indeed a more serious injury that requires more medical attention than you first assumed. The damage to your vehicle could be greater than what it appears to be on the surface and your garage can give you a better assessment. In many cases, the police may not actually come to the spot, but may make a file noting. This would be sufficient for insurance and medical claims.

• Inform your insurance company and contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can be of assistance immediately.

• Never chase or confront a driver. You could end up with worse injuries, if he/she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Ensure that you don’t make inadvertent statements like “Oh I just didn’t see you,” or “I’m so sorry, this is my fault.” Such statements may be used as admissions of fault and could weaken your own case for compensation later.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

A “hit and run” accident occurs when  the driver of a vehicle intentionally leaves the scene of an accident without identifying themselves, stopping to offer help, rendering aid to the injured or providing contact and insurance information. If damage has been caused to another person’s property or vehicle in the absence of the owners, the obligation still remains on the driver to leave a note providing contact information. Almost all countries and jurisdictions consider this to be a crime. In the early days of the automobile, road conditions were poor, people wore goggles and driving gear that made them difficult to identify and vehicles did not have license plates. However, today, no driver can leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information or waiting for the authorities to arrive. This is a violation of the  law. Our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can assist you immediately. Your insurance company has to compensate you for damages, medical expenses and rehabilitation.

When You Are the Victim of a Hit and Run

Our free consultation injury lawyers can advise you on the steps to be taken. Whether the damage caused was minor or serious, as the victim of a hit and run, the rage and confusion that one feels could prevent one from thinking on one’s feet. But even if there are no witnesses, poor visibility and the other car was too fast to note down the license number, there are still certain things that you can do to ensure that your insurance company compensates you for the damages. If you are injured, call for medical help immediately. Otherwise:

• Stay calm
• Try to remember as many details as you can – the make, color, model of the vehicle
• Note any distinguishing features like bumper stickers, decals etc
• Anything you remember about the driver and other passengers regarding age, sex, race etc
• Check if there are traffic cameras nearby
• Note down whatever part of the license number you remember
• If there are witnesses, talk to them and note down the details they remember
• Get contact information of witnesses
• If your car was legally parked and was hit, check if there is CCTV camera footage or eyewitnesses
• Take photographs of the damage and injuries
• Contact a 24×7 personal injury lawyer immediately

The next priority is to inform the police. Since a hit and run is a serious criminal offense, it needs to be reported immediately so that there is a possibility of stopping the driver. If you are not injured and if you were driving at the time, ensure that you move your vehicle to safety and wait patiently for the police to arrive. Find a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so that they can advise you correctly.

Finally, it is your duty to also inform your insurance company about the accident. This should be done after a police report has been filed and only then will your insurers take your claim. Hit and run accidents are handled by your own insurance company as there is no other party that can be cited.

What Not To Do

• Never chase, obstruct or try to confront the other driver
• If you’re not injured, don’t block traffic, move your vehicle to the side after taking photos
• Never try to settle with the other driver if you’re able to catch them

People usually flee accident scenes because they are not insured or they don’t have the proper valid licenses. This is why it is obligatory on every driver’s part to keep a current license and insurance policy.

Insurance Claims

In most cases, the hit and run accident is treated as being caused by an uninsured motorist. Our car accident lawyers  can ensure that if your policy has coverage for damage by uninsured motorist, your insurer will have to make a pay-out. Typically, they may delay, deny or minimize your claims, try to reduce the extent of damage etc. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can assist you with filing your claims on time and in the proper format, backed by strong evidence.

If You Have Caused An Accident

In some cases, you may be the person responsible for the accident. In such a case, you have not only a moral but also a legal duty to remain at the scene of the accident and render all possible assistance to those who are injured. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime if the accident seriously injures or kills someone. Apart from criminal liabilities, you could also face civil action.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

As the victim or the plaintiff in a personal injury case, it is in your interest to seek the maximum possible compensation for the losses that you have suffered as a result of the  negligence of another. The defense on its part would stringently oppose or seek to reduce such claims.  Final settlement seeks to balance the two views. However, apart from this, there is a lesser known element of tort law that all plaintiffs must inform themselves about. This is the plaintiff’s duty to mitigate. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can advise their clients about these and other aspects of their case.

What is the Duty to Mitigate?

The defendant in a personal injury cases or the persons/agencies alleged to be at fault have a duty to observe the rules, act reasonably and follow safety norms. However, the plaintiff also has a duty to avoid incurring further damages by acting in a reasonable manner. For instance, in a slip and fall accident, if the plaintiff refuses medical treatment, but later sues for damages because he/she has lost the function of a limb, then this is deemed by the court to be a failure to mitigate. Plaintiffs thus have an “obligation to reduce damages,” but no obligation to choose cheaper treatment.  The treatment chosen should be the most effective and reasonably priced one available. They should act promptly, in good faith and take reasonable steps to reduce their losses.

What is reasonable and cost-effective can be debated on merits during negotiations or trial.

The defendant must prove the plaintiffs failure to mitigate in that:

• There were steps the plaintiff could have taken to reduce the loss
• The plaintiff failed to take them
• It was reasonable for the plaintiff to have taken such steps promptly
• The extent to which losses would have been reduced if such action had been taken
• They engaged in risky behavior which increased loss

Duties of the Plaintiff

Our free consultation injury lawyers can advise victims or their relatives to take immediate and appropriate steps to reduce their pain and suffering, seek medical attention, exercise due diligence and ordinary care to ensure that they select proper hospitals, doctors and treatment. Once they recover, they should take all necessary steps to continue working. If they have been dismissed from their jobs due to long absence/hospitalization, they should seek alternate employment. If they are unable, due to disability, to continue doing the work they previously did, they need to take reasonable steps to secure other employment to reduce their financial burden. Our serious injury lawyers can ensure that the plaintiff’s duty to mitigate obligations are reasonably fulfilled and recorded.

Refusing/Disregarding Treatment

A controversial area in tort law that our accident injury lawyers, available 24×7 can advise about, is the plaintiff’s or their relatives’ attitude towards medical treatment. When multiple surgeries are required, the victim may refuse further treatment. They may choose alternative or non-conventional treatments. This could result in further deterioration of the person’s condition. Under such circumstances, the plaintiff cannot claim compensation for the more serious consequences.

Some plaintiffs have an over-riding fear of surgery and may want reassurance that the operation would be 100% successful, which is obviously impossible to give. The judge may decide to investigate whether this fear existed prior to the accident or not.

The injured have a duty to accept treatment that is recommended by a qualified medical practitioner, in good faith, and one that has a good record of success.

In the case of non-routine surgery and treatment, the plaintiff is not obliged to undergo such procedures especially if it is hazardous or has known risks but the question arises about whether such treatment would have brought the person back to normal.

The Thin Skull Argument

Our 24×7 injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge to ensure that all victims of accident/injury receive the best and most appropriate medical treatment. It is a well-established proposition in tort law that the defendant must take the plaintiff as they find them – which means, whatever the previous history or condition, the damages suffered should be compensated for. This is the famous “thin skull argument” that states that even if the plaintiff had a skull as thin as an eggshell, if they are injured they would suffer extremely grave consequences as compared to others, and the defendant is responsible for this greater harm.

The duty to mitigate and other complexities can be best explained by  a personal injury lawyer from our firm.

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.TM (416 931 5015)

Peel police were called in on a hit-and-run accident that involved a cyclist in Brampton. They arrived at the crime scene early in the morning to identify the victim who was allegedly struck  down by a driver who did not stop. The cyclist died in the incident which happened between 5:50am and 5:55am on Thursday morning.

The victim cyclist was identified as Hardeep Singh Pahra, 30 who was married with two children. He was a recent immigrant to Canada and was riding his bike to work when he was hit by an unknown vehicle on Steeles Avenue that is on the west of Albion Road.

Constable Dave Elson commented that the area is very popular with morning commuters who use that stretch of road to work. He appealed for witnesses to step forward to shed further light on this incident between 5:45am and 6:00am. He added that it is crucial for the public to assist in this matter in helping the police locate the driver who was responsible for the mishap. The public is requested to call the police in the investigations.

Legal Assistance on Road Accidents

Brampton residents could always call on Singh Barristers for professional help in filing insurance claims.   Our personal injury lawyers are who are well versed with hit and run avcidents.  Our 24/7 car accident lawyers are experienced in handling such cases in Ontario to bring the responsible parties to justice while assisting the personally injured or beneficiaries of the deceased to make the necessary claims from insurance companies and other relevant parties.

Losing a loved one in a road accident is devastating especially in hit-and-run accidents. Our wrongful death lawyer  would assist in bringing the responsible party to justice and assisting the families of the deceased.

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.

Being involved in an accident brings about a host of emotions that could cause the drivers and passengers to be confused and lose their memory some time until they are able to recollect their composure.  Many issues run through the mind which may trigger panic and anxiety from police reports to insurance claims.

It is a fact that car insurance rates tend to spike after an insurance claim on accidents which do not augur well with drivers. Insurance premiums are expected to increase with drivers who are found at fault in an accident unless no claims are submitted and the drivers make personal repairs.

Actions to be taken at the Accident Scene

There may be quite a bit of confusion once an accident happens. Tempers may fly and panic may set in amongst drivers and passengers regardless of who is at fault. There may be a lot of finger pointing and denials, but more important and relevant actions must be taken immediately at the scene of the accident.

A cool head and temper is vital to perform the necessary in an accident to allow the following processes to be activated smoothly even before the police arrive. Panicky drivers may wish to speak to a car accident injury lawyer immediately to obtain legal advice before making statements to the police or insurance company.

Drivers involved in a car accident must remember the following points in executing the right steps of action for their own benefit:

1) It is crucial not to admit fault or discuss it at the scene

2) Quickly record the facts for further investigation by relevant authorities

3) Take sufficient photos of the damage to all involved parties from all angles

4) Secure names of involved parties in the accident with their contact information

5) Take down contact details and statements  from witnesses

6) Make a police report

7) Contact a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer from our firm.

Determining Fault by Insurance Companies

Drivers who want to make an insurance claim to cover the damage inflicted through an accident would require their insurance company to be notified for approving the claim. However, the claim process may be lengthy and tedious with a long investigation with:

• Statements from drivers and passengers
• Statements from available witnesses
• Checking out photographs of the accident at the scene if available
• Assessing the damage on the vehicles and individuals
• Consider all road rules and posted signs around the accident scene

These stringent steps of investigation converge to determine fault and the cause of the accident from the collated data and information. Insurance companies in Ontario tend to apply the province’s Fault Determination Rules in determining fault in an accident.

Singh Barristers have lawyers who are well versed with these rules to help accident victims file their insurance claim.  If drivers with an accident claim need a personal injury lawyer to assist them, call our 24/7 Injury Hotline to arrange a free consultation.

Some road accidents could be caused by all involved drivers where respective insurance companies may agree on shared fault determination for their respective clients. Hence, the damage cost could be borne equally by all insurance companies or in various ranges depending on the degree of fault determined by the insurance adjusters. Our car accident lawyer will carefully review the facts and circumstances of the accident and will be able to give an opinion on liability.

Some insurance companies may exercise a no-fault insurance policy where the insurance company concurs to the claim regardless of who is at fault in the accident.  However, drivers may find their renewal premiums higher unless they seek out competitive insurance offers in the market.

Disagreeing With Insurance Company’s Fault Determination Decision

It is the driver’s right to disagree with the insurance company’s fault determination as written in the insurance contract; the driver could submit an appeal against the insurance company’s decision.

Our free consultation injury lawyer who is skilled in car accidents and insurance claims would help the driver in the appeal process with supporting evidence and documents that would not make the driver liable for the damages incurred from the accident. We have experienced personal injury lawyers who are familiar in understanding and applying these fault determination rules.

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.

A scary but true fact is that of all cases diagnosed world-wide, the rate of mis-diagnosis is 40%. This means that if you’ve been to a doctor, it’s only six times out of ten that your problem has been diagnosed correctly! It could be a case of mis-diagnosis or of missed diagnosis – both these are failures to diagnose illness, injury or medical condition.

Yet, in spite of these statistics, studies have shown that of all the reasons leading to claims of medical malpractice, the Number One reason for malpractice suits against doctors is that of failure to diagnose the problem or a delay in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis. The most common instances where this is alleged to have happened is in cases of cancer, heart attacks and meningitis (in children) and the most common outcome has been tragically, death. You will need the services of a reputed, experienced, knowledgeable team that includes a Richmond Hill personal injury lawyer (or one that’s local to your area across Ontario) to ensure that you get the maximum compensation.

Diagnosis

In simple terms, diagnosis is a process of arriving at a reason that explains the patient’s symptoms. It is performed by any health-care professional as the first line of treatment and successful treatment or management depends on accurate diagnosis. It is conducted by physicians, therapists, medical specialists, optometrist, scientists involved in health-care, dentists, nurses, nursing assistants, etc. The word comes from the Greek terms that mean “to know through” and the process involves a range of techniques. These range from physical examinations, investigating the patient’s history, testing of body fluids and emissions, chemical tests, other tests like scans, X-rays, imaging, etc.

The biggest challenge in diagnosis is that symptoms are often non-specific and common to many conditions/illnesses. Hence, a process of differential diagnosis is conducted, wherein a few options are considered and then eliminated according to the doctor’s experience and skills and constitutes a medical opinion, based on available facts. Though it may not cover other areas like causes and prevention, it provides useful leads to managing both these. In most cases, it is considered provisional and subject to change.

In ideal terms, a diagnosis should be a professional, objective and completely fact-based report. In reality, it is influenced by several other factors like ethics, power, financial status, doctor-patient relationship, communication, available resources, test results, knowledge and skill, experience, training etc.

Errors in Diagnosis

Medical statistics report that every person may experience at least one diagnostic error in their life-time and if they’re lucky, this could be for a minor issue. However, mis-diagnosis or failure to diagnose a severe condition can result in tragedy. They usually occur when the symptoms are not sufficiently conclusive, the doctor fails to take all options into consideration, too much or too little significance is given to any one aspect of diagnosis or the condition is extremely rare. If you or a loved one has been the victim of such a failure to diagnose, consult our 24×7 injury lawyers for a free evaluation of your claims.

In general, the lack of diagnosis may result in several issues:

• The doctor may become dismissive of your symptoms and attribute it to your own psychological problems or hypochondriac nature
• Doctors may give a false label or a “trash-can diagnosis” just to satisfy the patient
• The symptoms may worsen till you get a correct diagnosis
• You may receive symptomatic treatment which doesn’t address the underlying problem.

A personal injury lawyer can conduct their own investigations and establish the facts.

Failure to Diagnose – the Legal Perspective

As a patient, you consult a doctor with the full expectation that they would be able to correctly diagnose your problem and provide a plan for the right treatment. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a failure to diagnose, find a personal injury lawyer immediately, who has the skill and experience in the area of medical malpractice law. They would be able to assess your case, provide a genuine and practical evaluation of your claims, and assist you with the process of filing a suit for compensation.

Our free consultation injury lawyers can assist you with filing the claim in the stipulated time, along with gathering evidence, arranging for expert testimony and providing you with representation at all stages of the case. You require expert help from our experienced personal injury lawyers in dealing with insurers, hospital administrators and top-class legal minds that a large and financially strong institution can muster.

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.

Broken bones are painful with a long time to heal properly. It is even more challenging with a broken wrist which could have stemmed from an unfortunate slip and fall incident. Such personal injury could be accorded favorable financial compensations if substantial proof could be garnered for a personal injury litigation which our Barrie personal injury lawyer or Kitchener personal injury lawyer could take on readily.

Wrist Injuries that could be Compensated

The wrist is a crucial part of the human anatomy with eight carpal bones and ligaments that are instrumental in hand movements. Many individuals take the wrist movements for granted until the wrist becomes injured.

Severe wrist injuries could stem from slips and falls which could have been avoided if proper measures of safety have been implemented by responsible parties. Hence, our dedicated team of serious injury lawyer professionals is on hand to assist in the legal process of making the necessary compensation claims from the responsible parties or insurance companies.

Wrist injuries are also common from motor vehicle accidents with fractured wrists being a common outcry. It is possible to fracture any of the eight bones forming the wrist and facilitating wrist movements while the ulna and radius arm bones may be adversely impacted. A broken wrist could be caused by

• Traumatic slips and falls
• Intentional violence
• Third party negligence
• Auto accidents
• Defective products
• Workplace incidences

As an established legal firm specializing in personal injuries, we are ready to assist with our skilled accident injury lawyer available 24×7 to file a legal case for compensations for:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Daily inconveniences
• Physiotherapist and recovery treatments
• Recuperation expenses

Broken Wrist Symptoms and Treatments

Pain is a very common symptom of broken wrists, which could be discomforting or excruciating. Other symptoms include:

• Bruising
• Deformity of hand and arm
• Inability to move the fingers
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Tenderness

This type of traumatic hand injury should be medically treated as soon as possible as a delay could lead to decreased hand and wrist strengths for gripping and carrying functions. Wrist fractures could also bring on arthritis later in life.

Light wrist injuries could normally be handled by patients with simple home remedies that include:

• Elevating the injured wrist on something that is above the heart level to ease pain and swelling in the first couple of days
• Put an ice pack on the injured wrist for 15-20 minutes in every 2-3 hours for 2-3 days
• Taking standard painkillers from the local pharmacy or drugstores to ease swelling and pain

However, it is best to consult pain specialists or broken bone experts for a clearer diagnosis and treatment as many drugs have side effects that may worsen the patient’s health.

A broken wrist could be treated through:

• Cast or splint setting of misaligned or displaced bones between wrist and hand
• Surgery to realign severe fractures or bone displacement
• Prescription pain medication
• Physical therapy designed to improve wrist movement and strength

Broken wrists patients are wise to consult the right medical experts on healing their injured wrist quickly as it may take months to heal from a broken wrist, especially if it is a serious injury stemming from a car accident. Patients may want to find a personal injury lawyer to assist them through the complex legal process of making claims to a quicker and total healing of their wrist injury.

Our car accident lawyer is skilled and experienced in securing the right evidences to seek favorable compensations that would cover the whole duration of recovery to avoid unnecessary financial burdens on the patient. Our trained and qualified lawyers have the right medical connections to understand each different case of personal injury to collate the best of evidences for a satisfactory legal outcome.

Seek the Best in Legal Compensations

We are confident of assisting patients of broken wrists in claiming their rightful financial compensations to cover all medical expenses and therapies for a full recovery of their wrist and return to their vibrant normal lifestyle before the incident.

Our law firm is reputed in the market with a strong proven record in securing the best of financial compensations for personal injuries such as broken wrists. Our 24×7 injury lawyer is on the phone for an emergency call by patients with broken wrists to file the legal processes in procuring favorable compensations accorded in and outside the courtroom.

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.

A summer day in Toronto can find temperatures soaring to 31C but you could perceive and feel the heat as much higher. A Canadian concept first proposed in 1965, known as the “humidex” has been cited by Environment Canada as one that combines humidity and temperature and assesses them according to how they feel to the average person. It’s a comfort-threshold that varies from person to person. This summer’s humidex advisory for Toronto puts the scales close to a sweltering 39C and people are looking forward to cooling off with air-conditioning, whether it’s in their cars, homes or workplaces.

However, a recent class action lawsuit filed by plaintiffs in the US claims that auto giant Toyota was aware of the defects in a particular model that led to the system becoming a breeding ground for mold, giving off foul odors etc that could pose potential health hazards. In spite of knowing this, the company did nothing to fix the problem. This falls under Defective Products liability and if you’re the victim of such a product, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. 

Car Air-conditioning Problems

Most people are unaware that their car air-conditioning systems are a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. As the car gets older, or if the the air-conditioning system is not used very often, it provides a fertile area for bacteria, fungi, mold, micro-organisms, insects etc. Refrigerant gases pass into the evaporator, heat absorption from drivers and passengers takes place and condensation occurs. Usually this occurs behind the door panel or dashboard, causing bacteria to proliferate, foul odors that trigger headaches, flu symptoms and a feeling of malaise known as the “sick car syndrome.” Micro-organisms that cause respiratory problems are commonly found in car air-conditioning systems. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you to identify the exact cause of your ill-health.

Defective Products Liability in Canada and Car Air-conditioning Systems

Personal injury lawyers for the plaintiffs allege that the manufacturer was fully aware that this model has a defect in the heating and ventilating systems but failed to disclose this defect to purchasers or leasers of the vehicle.

Product liability has become much more widespread today, as the global market expands. Defects can occur at any stage during manufacturing, storage and distribution. Canadian manufacturers are liable to their clients not just in breach of contract, but also in tort since they may have breached or violated the duty of care owed to customers with regard to consumer goods. Distributors are similarly liable, since they cannot blindly back the claims of the manufacturer and must take prudent steps to conduct their own research into a product before taking up distributorship.

Defective product liability claims hinge on the following factors:

• Manufacturing Defects
• Design Defects
• Failure to warn users about these

Canadian law does not consider “strict liability” with regard to product defects and the cause of action is limited to tort of negligence. Federal regulations strictly mandate that defects and incidents of serious injury caused by products have to reported. Jury trials are quite rare and it’s usually a single judge that hears such a case. Punitive damages are generally not available and general damages for “pain and suffering” and non-pecuniary losses are capped even in severe cases to $340, 000.

The “duty to warn” is a continuous one and applies to products at the manufacturing stage and also defects that may arise later.

The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act passed in 2011 imposes certain duties on those who manufacture, import or sell consumer products in Canada. All parties in the distribution and manufacturing chain must be recorded and preserved for a period of seven years.

This act is enforced through fines and penalties including criminal convictions.

How We Can Assist

If you or a loved one develops health problems directly caused by a defective air-conditioning system in your car, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. “How do I find a personal injury lawyer?”  is a question that most victims of such defective products face. Personal recommendations are ideal, or you could consult local bar association directories and search through some of the law-firm/lawyers’ websites on-line.

Product liability claims require extensive and intensive research on a multi-disciplinary level. In the case of defective air-conditioning systems, the case has to be backed by the expert testimony of medical, engineering and automobile experts. Specialized information from bacteriologists, microbiologists etc would strengthen your case further. Our Kitchener personal injury lawyer can ensure that a strong case is assembled so that you receive maximum 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.

The recent case of a Brampton man who was arrested following a fatal crash on Highway 403 has brought the issue of impaired driving sharply into focus. This was an extremely serious accident, which killed one person and critically injured another. The impaired driver faces charges of causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death, possessing a controlled substance, driving over the alcohol limit causing death and bodily harm among other charges.

Impaired Driving Facts and Information

When a person who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating substance operates a vehicle this is known as impaired driving. The vehicle may be a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, snow-mobile or off-road vehicles. Alcohol/drugs reduce one’s ability to concentrate, vision, alertness, reaction time and judgment. It also makes a person sleepy, disconnected from reality which is why there is a feeling of over-confidence and there is a tendency to break rules.

An impaired driver may ignore warnings of friends and family and become aggressive if prevented from doing what he/she wants. Apart from endangering their own lives, impaired drivers are a risk to other vehicle drivers, pedestrians, road users and property in their path. The victim in such circumstances is the innocent driver or pedestrian who suffers injury/death following a vehicle crash.

Ontario Impaired Driving Penalties

Ontario has extremely harsh regulations and penalties for impaired driving and is reputed to have one of the strictest drinking and driving laws in North America. In addition to the criminal code penalties, the Ontario Highway Traffic Act imposes its own set of penalties based on previous such records. These include remedial measures, assessment, educational and treatment programs and installation of Ignition Interlock Device even for first time offenders. All these are subject to the different conditions which the impaired driver is considered eligible for.

Different laws apply for learner drivers and experienced ones. Even if the vehicle is stationary, the driver may be charged if the BAC level is confirmed. Apart from alcohol, taking certain prescription drugs may also affect your driving ability hence you should be aware of the side-effects of any drugs you take before driving, even if they are over-the-counter ones. Illegal substances consumed before driving can lead to impaired driving charges. If someone else drives your vehicle while drunk, it could be ignition locked, so you must be careful about lending your vehicle.

The Zero BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) law mandates that drivers cannot have any level of alcohol in their blood if they’re operating a vehicle, regardless of whether they’re novice drivers or drivers above/below 21.

Penalties include immediate license suspension on the spot for 24 for any BAC above 0. If convicted, the driver must pay $60 – 500 fine with 30 day suspension. In case you’re a novice driver caught with any BAC above 0, your license is canceled with immediate effect and you’ll have to take all tests and go through the licensing procedure again.

If you are the Victim in an Impaired Driver Crash

You may be an innocent victim of a drunken driver crash as it happened in the Brampton case, as a driver or an unwary pedestrian. In a split second, your entire life and that of your family’s could change for ever. Impaired driving can cause minor, major or fatal injuries and have to be thoroughly assessed in personal injury litigation. These include:

• Broken bones/fractures
• Brain/spinal cord injury/trauma
• Organ damage
• Muscle, skin and ligament damage
• Concussion
• Internal bleeding
• Severe wounds
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of sensory ability
• Death

In all these cases, you are entitled to compensation as Ontario laws are very strict and designed to protect victims. Our personal injury lawyers have wide-ranging experience, skill and knowledge in this area of law and if you’re a victim of such an unfortunate incident, you should contact our law firm as early as possible.

How We Can Help

Our free consultation injury lawyers can begin by making a thorough assessment of all aspects of your case and giving you a genuine, honest appraisal regarding the kind of claims you can make.  This area of law is quite complex and there may be several different charges that need to be filed, as in the Brampton case. You may require the services of specialists like catastrophic injury lawyers who can put together a strong case to get you the maximum possible benefits that are due to you and your loved ones. In case of death, the next of kin can file charges and get legal representation to safeguard their rights.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured by a drunk driver 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.

With nearly a quarter of the population of Canada being diagnosed as suffering from obesity and illnesses due to a sedentary life-style, the government has been actively promoting cycling and walking for both leisure and commuting. Ontario is fortunate enough to have extensive areas that are suitable for cycling, which include highways, roads, paths and lanes in and across cities and for many citizens, cycling has become a part of their lives.

Cycling and Safety

Though cycling is considered to be good for health and is being encouraged by government and health authorities, it is also quite a risky activity and road safety has become a world-wide concern. Cyclists are nearly eight times more vulnerable and likely to become injured than motor vehicle users and the accidents are usually of a serious nature. Cycling deaths are very common especially when the accident occurred at night-time, the cyclist was not wearing protective gear or the road conditions were not optimal. However, when safety concerns are taken care of, more people can take to this activity.

In 2012, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario published a Cycling Deaths Review which was an extensive and intensive study of safety and cycling in the province. The review also looked at the types of safeguards required to make cycling safe- adoption of a “complete streets” approach, awareness and education, the use of helmets/protective gear, truck side-guards, designated cycling tracks, one-meter passing rules, etc. and the political and practical ramifications of these.

How Accidents are Caused

There could be a number of reasons why cycling accidents happen. Among them are:

• Day of the week
• Time of day
• Age and sex
• Time of year
• Light and visibility conditions
• Road conditions
• Cyclist’s contributory actions
• Distractions
• Alcohol/drugs
• Inexperienced driver
• Negligence of other parties

Legal Aspects of Cycling Death

Cycling accidents can result in serious injuries since they are usually caused by a direct hit by a larger vehicle. Serious trauma to the limbs, torso, brain, spine and face/head can result in life-changing situations. Fractures, internal bleeding and broken bones could also be of a serious nature. When a cycling death occurs, it can have a devastating effect on the social circle of the victim.

If you or the victim of a cycling accident does not have personal insurance, it is possible to claim benefits from the insurance company of the other driver’s insurance company. Cyclists are entitled to the same benefits as passengers involved in a car accidents are eligible for. Both mandatory benefits and a tort claim can be sought in Ontario under the Statutory Accidents Benefits Schedule (SBAS). Cyclists can also claim benefits from their auto insurance company even if they weren’t using their cars at the time of the accident. If neither party has insurance, claims can be made from the Motor Vehicles Accident Claims (MVAC) fund administered by the provincial government.

Benefits

Cyclists injured in an accident can claim a range of benefits. These include:

• Income replacement
• Medical benefits not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
• Rehabilitation
• Care-giver
• Long-term and future medical expenditure
• Non-earner
• Attendant care
• Visitor expenditure
• Home care and modification
• Housekeeping
• Home Maintenance

Claims can also be filed by our long term disability claims lawyer under the Family Law Act under some of these heads:

• Loss of guidance, care and companionship
• Value of nursing by family member
• Loss of income and prospects
• Housekeeping by family member
• Reasonable expenses on behalf of the injured

In case of cycling death, the family can also claim

• Loss of guidance/care/companionship
• Loss of shared or family income
• Loss of the household value of the person
• Loss of Handy-man services that the person provided
• Funeral/burial/death-related expenses

How Our Accident Attorney Can Help

Our firm offers the services of a no-obligation, free consultation injury lawyer who can study all aspects of your case and provide you with a genuine appraisal of your claim. Further, we can assist you with the paperwork, filing your claim within the right time-frame and examine the circumstances of the accident thoroughly to back your claim.

As personal injury attorneys who understand the local conditions, we are able to conduct our own independent investigation into the circumstances of your case. We have the resources to put together a strong case which consists of expert testimony, photographic and documentary evidence, eye-witnesses if any. When death occurs, our accident attorney can assist surviving family members by providing them with legal representation so that their rights are safeguarded and that they receive the maximum favorable 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.

Ontario parents are always concerned about the safety of their children, even in school as accidents in schools are possible, although most school managements would do their best to keep schools safe. However, accidents may happen in schools, especially in science laboratories or slippery walkways.

Rough play and carelessness could also trigger accidents and injuries within the school compounds. The Ontario law is concerned about the total safety of all students during their time in school and insists that school administrators and teachers are responsible for the welfare and safety of students while teaching happens. Accidents and injuries must be minimized to the best of their abilities as part of their social responsibility towards students, parents and the nation.

School Liability over Student Injury

Any injury inflicted on a student within the school compound raises a host of questions and worries. Parents and school management need to identify the source of liability for possible medical bills incurred.

The Ontario courts oblige school administrators and teachers to provide sufficient protection from accidental injuries to students under their care as their legal duty. Students must be protected from:

• Foreseeable harm
• Potential injury
• Undesired death
• Assault

Hence, schools are obliged to:

• Provide a safe environment for students
• Repair or eliminate potentially harmful conditions
• Supervise students in all possibly dangerous events and activities
• Maintain school transportations in good condition and fitting road transport requirements
• Ensure sufficient overseers and medical personnel for organizing extracurricular activities

If any student gets hurt within the school compound, the school is deemed to have failed in its responsibility to protect its students. The Ontario law would find the school negligent and liable for the student’s injuries and damages in other areas such as:

• Medical bills
• Chiropractic and therapy bills
• Medications
• Crutches or slings
• Hospital parking lot fees
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional stress and trauma

In loco parentis legal doctrine

Ontario adopts the “in loco parentis” legal doctrine where this Latin term of “in place of parents” is applied to school administrators and teachers who are obligated to exercise the responsibility of the parent while in school. This responsibility covers the school and teachers liability for any accidents or injuries sustained by the students under their supervision.

The Ontario court would weigh every school accident separately to determine the cause and degree of school liability while bringing on board the “prudent teacher doctrine”. This doctrine determines if the supervising teacher has acted prudently to avoid the injury inflicted the student in that situation.

The court judge would decide:

1) If the school activated a proper plan of supervision and protection that is comprehensive enough to cover students

2) If the teacher-in-charge had exercised reasonable care and wisdom to avoid injury to the student

3) If the accident was foreseeable and avoidable

The school could be found negligent in many areas within its compound to inflict potential harm and danger to its students. Parents of the injured child could file a lawsuit against the school or teacher responsible for the harm inflicted on the student. Students in the school must not be exposed to dangerous conditions whether at play or study. Negligence is easily adopted by the school without assigned supervisors on students at different areas and activities that could cause injury and harm on students such as:

• Classrooms
• Playground
• Parking lots
• Toilets
• Changing rooms
• Laboratories
• Walkways/corridors
• Stairs
• Hall

School administrators and teachers are obliged to exercise prudence to ensure the safety of students while under their care or supervision.

Legal Assistance in Accident Liabilities at School

Many parents in Ontario do not know their rights as responsible parents towards the safety of their child in school. They are also fearful of causing bad relations with the school, which may not be favorable to their still schooling child if an accident is blown up. However, every parent has the right to activate personal injury litigation on the school for the injuries their child suffered at school.

We have the best of slip and fall lawyer services to assist in filing personal injury cases on behalf of the parents and injured student against the school on alleged negligence. Our free consultation injury lawyer offers parents the opportunity to understand and exercise their rights in protecting their child through personal injury litigation for injuries their child experienced in school. Our injury lawyer is well versed with accidents and injuries of students in schools to procure a favorable outcome of the case.

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.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are an exciting and fun way of traveling through different areas of the country, unhampered by concerns about off-roading, bad roads etc. They’re also known as quad bikes, quads, three or four wheelers and are extremely popular among people who enjoy challenging experiences. They’ve gained a lot of popularity with first-time users and experienced riders, who have their own sporting events, clubs and groups of like-minded people.

ATVs are usually small single-driver or dual-driver vehicles, meant for recreational use in areas which have no roads, dirt tracks, mountainous territory, marshy areas etc. Originally built with three wheels, today’s ATV usually has four wheels. The large-sized tires are kept under low pressure to traverse different terrains. They have very deep tread/grooves designed to travel comfortably across muddy and rocky areas. The rider is usually seated above the engine though some ATVs have side-seating.

Though theoretically more safe than motorcycles because of their four wheel stability, ATVs are not street-legal in many countries. They’re prone to roll-over accidents, rendering them more dangerous than four-wheelers, since ATVs don’t offer that level of protection.

ATV Accident Injuries

ATV accidents account for a huge percentage of patients who visit ER rooms across the country. Fatal injuries can result in death, while serious trauma to the head, neck, spine, limbs, internal organs and skin can take place in ATV accidents.

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Neck and spine dislocation
• Head and face trauma
• Burns
• Abrasion
• Concussion
• Fractures
• Bruising
• Lacerations
• Brain trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage

Preventing ATV Injuries

Get to know your vehicle before taking it out. Many accidents are caused by inexperienced drivers who are not familiar with how to handle the vehicle. Most manufacturers offer ATV education and riding classes in which they make the drivers aware of the risks and proper handling of the vehicle.

Rider inexperience is a leading cause of accidents and a new rider should initially learn the ropes under the guidance of more experienced riders.

ATVs perform poorly on paved roads, as they’re meant for rough terrain. Never take your bike out on city streets. Most ATVs are designed for single riders and double-riding on a vehicle not meant for two is risky.

Television and films often depict exciting sequences involving ATVs. This may spur inexperienced riders to try the same stunts without realizing that it takes long hours to practice to perform them. Dangerous stunts and maneuvers are meant to be performed by experts and not a newbie who has just got the bike.

State laws and ordinances mandate what kind of terrain is designated for use by ATV riders. Knowing local conditions, geographical and climatic conditions and riding in a controlled environment can mitigate risks. Operating the vehicle in unfamiliar regions, poor light and in bad weather is certainly asking for trouble, however experienced a rider one is.

Lending one’s ATV to an inexperienced rider can lead to fatal accidents for which one becomes liable. ATVs are typically considered as “toys” or leisure vehicles operated by young adults who may lack physical, intellectual and emotional maturity to operate them. They may not always respect property rights, road signs and warnings. Children under 14 should never operate an ATV, though in reality they can and often do. Some manufacturers offer a “transitional vehicle” for this age group which puts them at risk if operated without proper education and supervision. Many ATV deaths and injuries occur during the summer and in the school holidays. Children should never ride vehicles not meant for their height, weight and size.

Protective gear like helmets, goggles, gloves, knee and ankle pads should be compulsorily worn while riding.

Another leading cause of ATV accidents is unscientific modifications to the vehicle by amateurs. 

How We Can Assist

If you or a loved one is involved in an ATV accident, immediate medical attention is the first priority. You also need proper legal representation as quickly as possible to safeguard your rights.  In such cases, our personal injury lawyers can conduct their own investigations, gather testimony from experts and witnesses and put documentary/photographic evidence together to make a strong claim for compensation.

Our free consultation injury lawyer can give you a genuine assessment of your claim. In case of death, our wrongful death attorney can help you with the paperwork. We can provide the services of a no win no fee lawyer and ensure that your rights are protected and you receive maximum 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.

What are Airbags?

Airbags are essential life-saving safety devices in your vehicle. They have saved many lives when the vehicle has been involved in an accident. It is a restraint system that is designed to supplement the conventional seat belt. The complete airbag system consists of an Electronic Control Unit which is the diagnostic unit, crash-sensors and the airbag unit consisting of folded bags and inflators. Newer vehicles also have an airbag deactivation system. The bag itself is located in the steering-wheel pad and/or instrumentation panel. Driver and passengers have separate airbags and the driver’s bag is a little smaller due to space constraints. It basically provides a softer cushioning between the human body and the hard parts of the vehicle. 

How they work 

When a sudden deceleration occurs, the sensors activate the airbag system. The inflators are activated by a mechanical switch. A mixture of sodium azide and potassium nitrate is created resulting in the production of nitrogen gas which fills up the bags.

Airbag Defects

Though airbags can save your life, a defective or malfunctioning airbag can pose a hazard in itself. Some common malfunctions are:

• Excessive force of deployment due to single-force inflators
• Faulty crash-sensor which inflates when not required/doesn’t inflate when required
• Faulty design: Horizontal instead of Vertical direction of deployment
• Faulty/non-functioning tethers
• Inadequate testing on range of dummies
• Outdated technology

Common Airbag Injuries 

When the airbag fails to deploy, or deploys in a faulty manner, deploys unnecessarily or too early/late, it becomes an extremely dangerous device to have inside a moving vehicle. Children, senior citizens, heavier people, people of shorter stature etc are especially vulnerable. Injuries usually occur to the head, face and upper torso. Traumatic injuries to arms and chest are common.

It’s a tragic fact that airbag injuries are more common than people think. Automobile manufacturers across the world, manufacturing a range of vehicles, have been compelled to recall millions of vehicles due to faulty airbags. There are instances where an airbag has deployed simply because the vehicle went into a pothole.

Some of the common airbag injuries that result from such malfunction are:

• Broken bones
• Fracture/dislocation of skull, facial bones, neck, torso
• Brain injury
• Spinal/Neck injury
• Rib-cage injury
• Blindness
• Hearing loss
• Facial injuries
• Decapitation
• Asthma and respiratory problems
• Contact burns due to friction
• Burns due to melting of fabrics
• Burns due to hot gases 

What to Do in Case of Airbag Injury

Manufacturers are required to fulfill safety commitments to their customers. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a faulty/malfunctioning airbag, you’re entitled to compensation.  Our law firm in Ontario can certainly assist you to seek maximum compensation in case of airbag injury. Our well-qualified, experienced and skilled defective products lawyers can conduct their own independent investigation, garner expert testimony and witnesses, get the proper technical and medical data and put together a strong case for you.

A matter of extreme importance is the fixing of liability or responsibility for a defective product. Our personal injury lawyers work as a part of a legal team and look at all aspects of an airbag injury case. In general, the vehicle manufacturer is liable, even if they have not manufactured the airbag themselves. However, since they have installed the product in a vehicle made by them and which they intended to sell to the customer, they are liable. Another issue could be that the vehicle itself has defective ancillary parts which resulted in the airbag malfunction. If it was a specific component that resulted in malfunction, the manufacturer of that component is also liable along with the auto manufacturer.

Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer

Our firm offers the services of a free consultation injury lawyer who can look at the details of your case and provide genuine advice about the possible outcome of your case. Insurance companies may be quite willing to settle small claims, but for serious injuries, only an experienced attorney can determine your rights, provide the right legal representation/advice, safeguard your interests and also look into long-term compensation issues.

Airbag injuries may result in:

• Long-term medical/care-giver expenses
• Loss of career/income
• Psychological pain and trauma
• Serious physical disability/injury
• Loss of mobility
• Lost prospects

Insurance companies may delay payment of compensation, deny claims, contest items or offer partial payments. Delays could result in the statute of limitations running out, which insurers take advantage of. Our lawyers can negotiate with insurers and also take the case to trial to ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation for airbag injury.

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.