Researchers Develop “Holy Grail” Concussion Test

Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have published research in the Metabolics Journal showing a very promising blood test to identify whether someone has sustained a concussion. The researchers tested a series of blood samples, measuring 174 metabolites, molecules that are produced or involved in cell metabolism. Rather than trying to identify changes in individual metabolites, they looked at the picture as a whole. …

Could this Reality Show Make Ontario Roads Safer?

Heavy Rescue 401 poster comp

On January 3, 2017 the Discovery Channel debuted Heavy Rescue: 401, a reality show that follows emergency rescue and recovery towing operators on Ontario’s 400-series highways. The show follows on the heels of Highway Thru Hell, a highly successful program filmed in the British Columbia interior which finished its fifth season in 2016. The program is a pleasure to watch. Tow operators compete to be …

Protecting Our Elderly from Harm: Long-Term Vision Needed in Long-Term Care

Long-Term Care Resident

Elizabeth Wettlaufer, a former registered nurse practicing in Ontario for over 21 years at several long-term care homes has been formally charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of 8 elderly residents. The alleged serial murders occurred between August 2007 and August 2014 through the suspected administering of an insulin overdose. Police have not ruled out other murder victims but investigations are ongoing. Seven of …

RIDE Program Begins Seasonal Crackdown on Impaired Motorists

RIDE check blurry night

The holiday season is here, which means the return of festive spirit, quality time with friends and family, and unfortunately… increased numbers of impaired drivers. The latest Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) program launched on November 24 in anticipation of the holiday season. By December, the random spot check initiative led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) had already resulted in over 100 impaired driving charges. Whether this year’s …

How will my health records be used in a trial?

Doctor gesticulates over printed health records

Personal injury litigation begins with the collection and sharing of all your health records with the lawyers and parties involved in your action. This article will explain some of the ways your health records will be used by the lawyers at trial.

Stretching the Limitation Period in Ontario

stretching a limitation period requires more than a broken clock

A couple of recent cases from our Court of Appeal confirm that a limitation period can be stretched beyond the usual two years, but only if it would not be appropriate for a plaintiff to start the legal action earlier. In Ontario, the Limitation Act, 2002 governs the time limits for when a legal action needs to be filed. In most cases the usual rule is that a civil action must be filed within two years of when the event occurred. However, the two-year time frame will not start until the claim is “discovered”.