Ontario Trial Lawyers Association

Transition to the LAT

The LAT is set to begin receiving applications for SABS disputes on April 1. OTLA is addressing significant concerns about the transition, specifically an insured’s ability to access the new dispute resolution process.

Government needs to turn its attention to plight of victims

doctor reviews clipboard

Today, OTLA called on the Ontario Government to establish a commission to conduct a public inquiry to examine the current state of independent medical assessments of injured auto accident victims. After years of changes designed to placate the insurance industry, the government needs to turn its attention to the plight of victims. The appointment today of a new auto insurance advisor – David Marshall – presents the opportunity to …

The Bencher Election Voting Guide is now available

OTLA urges all members to vote for candidates that oppose implementation of ABS as proposed by the Law Society. The time to vote for the next Law Society Benchers draws near. In order to ensure that eligible lawyers are well-equipped when voting opens in April, OTLA has prepared a Voting Guide, complete with a list of candidates who oppose the implementation of Alternative Business Structures. OTLA …

Medical malpractice in the media: the Toronto Star

In November 2013, OTLA submitted recommendations on the Draft Transparency Principles, proposed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). In the submission, OTLA expressed the importance of patient safety: “OTLA feels that the overriding concern in establishing and applying these transparency principles must be, first and foremost, the protection of the public and disclosure of information, not the protection of the physician’s privacy.” …

Get home safely this holiday season with Operation Red Nose

OTLA is proud to once again be the provincial sponsor for Operation Red Nose, a designated driving program running throughout the holiday season in 10 communities across Ontario. “We are very excited once again to be a part of Operation Red Nose,” said Laura Hillyer, chair of OTLA’s Public Relations committee. Ms. Hillyer was on hand at the November 18 launch of Operation Red Nose …

Too many children at risk of injury from playground equipment: mandatory standards needed

A lack of mandatory standards for children’s playground equipment, inadequate playground surfacing and poor maintenance all add up to a recipe for disaster. According to this article from CBC News, more than 28,000 children are injured every year on playgrounds across Canada. The health benefits of playing and physical activity are important, but the risks of serious injury need to be addressed. Organizations like injury …