Should people with auto insurance be excluded from juries in car crash trials? OTLA Director Kris Bonn argues that jurors familiar with car insurance might decide to reduce the victim’s award, in order to keep premiums from becoming more expensive. How is that fair to Ontario’s vulnerable and injured?
What is an Occupational Therapist?
Most people who are injured in an accident instinctively know that they should immediately seek out the closest emergency department or a doctor. If injuries do not require hospitalization, then they are commonly referred to physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, or another practitioner of physical therapy. Many people do not know that a registered occupational therapist can be exceedingly helpful to their recovery, rehabilitation, and quality …
Ontario insurers continue to profit from victims of arson
A string of disturbing cases has highlighted a troubling trend of injustice for Ontario homeowners who are victims of arson. While homeowners rely on insurance to protect us when we are victims of a wrongful act – like arson – insurers continue to take advantage of consumers by placing exclusions in their policies that prevent just compensation.
It’s Time to Abolish the Pain and Suffering “Cap”
Back in 1978, the Supreme Court of Canada set an upper limit or “cap” on pain and suffering damages in Andrews v. Grand & Toy Alberta Ltd. J.A. Andrews was only 21 when he was rendered quadriplegic from a motor vehicle collision. The Court wrote that “It is difficult to conceive of a person of his age losing more than Andrews has lost.” He was ultimately awarded $100,000 …
How do Personal Injury Cases Work?
If you have been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a right to seek compensation by way of a personal injury lawsuit. How do I bring a claim? Your lawyer will draft the document that starts the lawsuit, which is called the “Statement of Claim”. The Statement of Claim includes: The date(s) of the accident/injury; How the accident occurred; …
Bill 103: Another Slap in the Face for Injured Victims
On March 8, 2017, Ontario MPP Mike Colle introduced Private Member’s Bill 103, An Act to amend the Law Society Act and the Solicitors Act with respect to matters related to personal injury claims and client agreements in legislature. Bill 103 set out a number of prohibitive measures including the capping contingency fee agreements at 15% of the award, banning referral fees in personal injury …
