Ontario Trial Lawyers Association Blog

The Dispute Resolution System (DRS) Review: Are the recommendations in the public interest?

Written by Michael Giordano / Association News, Automobile, Insurance / March 07, 2014

Since its release on February 18, 2014, the final report on the Ontario Automobile Insurance Dispute Resolution System (DRS) has been a topic of interest. This is no surprise as each of the report’s 28 recommendations will be considered by the provincial government when contemplating legislative changes that may affect the DRS structure and operation. Any changes to the DRS should be of particular interest …

Report recommends overhaul of Ontario’s auto insurance dispute resolution system

Written by Erin Ellis / Association News / February 25, 2014

A final report regarding the Ontario automobile insurance dispute resolution system (DRS) was issued on February 18, 2014. This report contains a list of 28 recommendations to transform Ontario’s DRS with the goal that it will operate fairly, efficiently and effectively. A review of the Ontario automobile insurance DRS was first announced in the 2012 Ontario Budget. On August 23, 2013, the Ontario Minister of Finance, Charles …

Minor Injury Guideline is not just holding up—it appears to be gaining strength

Written by Angela Comella / Automobile, Insurance, Personal Injury / February 20, 2014

Willie Handler is a familiar name to anyone working with auto insurance regulations. He has left the public sector, joined the private sector as a consultant and he now maintains a blog called Ontario Auto Insurance Topics. He recently posted an article titled HCAI Data Confirms Ontario’s Minor Injury Guideline is Holding Up in response to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) Health Claims Database …

Ice and snow on private properties: Know your responsibilities

Written by Kris Bonn / Insurance / February 12, 2014

Snow, snow and more snow! This winter has been one for the ages. As a property owner you just finish clearing snow from your walkway/entrance and you are out there again trying to keep walkways as clear as possible. At some point you may just give up and let the snow and ice accumulate. But if you are a property owner that could be risky. …

Insurance problems distorted: New Insurance Bureau advertising campaign launched

Written by Frank McNally / Automobile, Insurance / January 31, 2014

Last week, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) took out full page ads with a big statement—“Criminals Next Exit”—and titled “Ontario to crack down on The Car Accident Business”. The gist of the ad, which is similar to campaigns previously run by the IBC, is that the main reason insurance premiums have not decreased is that fraud continues to be a systemic problem. This is …

Got salt? This winter, it might not be enough

Written by Laura Hillyer / Automobile, Safety / January 22, 2014

The term “global warming” may seem like a misnomer when the temperature has been dipping to -20 C or lower. But whether you call it a cold snap, a polar vortex or climate change, let’s face it—we Canadians are getting some extreme cold this winter. This deep chill is creating slick conditions for Ontario motorists. And if you think that applying more salt to the …