Give and Take: Auto Insurance Premiums Drop at Expense of Ontario’s Injured and Vulnerable

Written by Ontario Trial Lawyers Association / Accident Benefits / May 16, 2016
Signs at Rally for Fair Insurance Benefits

OTLA President-Elect Adam Wagman recently appeared with Jerry Agar on Newstalk 1010, Scott Thompson of AM900 CHML, and also with Tom Hayes on Global News to speak about concerns with Ontario’s new auto insurance rules. On June 1, 2016, in an effort to reduce insurance premiums in Ontario, the Provincial government has mandated changes to accident benefits. These changes include a $1 million dollar reduction …

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Facebook Defamation Case Sets New Standard for Social Media Commentary

Written by Roelf Swart / Association News / May 12, 2016
Laptop Computer: Among other uses, a vehicle for online Defamation

While social media has quickly become a popular and efficient way to keep in touch, it can be dangerous to forget the public nature of this technology. Facebook and Twitter users are often bolder behind a screen, making statements that they would never say in person. Defamatory statements can spread swiftly across and among social networks, exponentially increasing the likelihood of false information damaging the …

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Better Reporting of Medical Errors Could Save Lives

Written by Barbara MacFarlane / Medical Malpractice / May 11, 2016
Medical Error may be 3rd leading cause of death in the US

Medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer, according to a recent study published by Drs. Makary and Daniel at Johns Hopkins University. It is estimated at least 251,454 Americans die due to medical errors every year. The study goes on to say that medical error leading to patient death is under-recognized in many other …

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The End of Limitation Periods for Ontario Sexual Abuse Cases

Written by Loretta Merritt / Personal Injury / May 05, 2016
Hammer breaking a clock with text: The End of Limitation Periods for Ontario Sexual Abuse Cases

New legislation has removed time limits for suing for sexual assault, domestic violence or child abuse. On March 9, 2016, Bill 132 Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment) 2015 received Royal Assent which is the last step in making it a law. Bill 132 is the legislative action plan arising from the Government’s report It’s Never Ok: …

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Police explore effectiveness of controversial “Textalyzer” device to combat distracted driving

Written by Guest Author / New technology / April 28, 2016
phone sits on car seat with broken glass

Decades of effort by groups in government, police, and lobbying organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) has caused a dramatic decline in the rate of deaths caused by impaired driving since the 1980s. However the recent trend towards widespread use of mobile devices behind the wheel means that distracted driving is quickly becoming a more deadly issue. In addition to drinking, drivers …

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2016 Helmets on Kids campaign kicks off in Toronto

Written by Michelle Jorge / Association News, Safety / April 22, 2016

By law, it is mandatory for every cyclist under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, while those who are under 16 need to have a parent or guardian make sure they are wearing them. Helmets have been proven to greatly reduce the risk of brain and head injuries, preventing concussions and potentially even death. Studies have shown that helmet use reduces head injury …

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