Personal Injury Questions (FAQ’s)
These are the most commonly asked personal injury questions (FAQ’s) received from our Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers.
How much does it cost to hire DEVRY SMITH FRANK LLP?
Does “no fault” mean I can’t sue if I have been in a car Accident?
Should I speak to the adjuster from the Insurance Company?
How do I earn an income if I cannot work due to my Accident?
What is a “LIMITATION PERIOD”?
Can the Insurance Company access my FACEBOOK?
What should I bring to the initial consultation with a lawyer at DEVRY SMITH & FRANK?
Should I sue?
You Should Sue If…
There are a number of situations in which an injured person has the right to sue for damages, some of which are listed below (click on heading for more information).
- Car Accidents
- Uninsured or Unidentified Driver Car Accidents
- Accident Benefits Claims
- Disability Claims
- Occupier’s Liability Claims (Slip and Fall Accidents)
- Dog Bites
- Sexual Abuse
- Assaults
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
- Food Poisoning
- Products Liability
What is my claim worth?
Your Claim Is Worth…
In most cases, you are entitled to be compensated for all injuries, losses and damages which you suffer as a result of an injury or accident. Damages are generally divided into a number of categories:
i. General Damages
General damages include compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. There is a limit imposed by the Supreme Court of Canada, currently in the approximate amount of $326,529.00.
In car accident claims, there are no general damages unless the claim meets a “threshold” (permanent and serious impairment or disfigurement). In addition, an injured person’s general damages are reduced by a deductible established by law under the Insurance Act.
For more information on how much your claim for pain and suffering is worth
ii. Loss of Income
You are entitled to be compensated for any income which you have lost as a result of the accident, as well as any income which you may lose in the future. You are also entitled to damages for any reduction in your income earning ability or ability to compete in the labour market.
iii. Other Pecuniary Losses
These are typically your “out of pocket” losses, which include travel expenses, housekeeping or home maintenance expenses, past or future care costs, etc. In some cases, medical expenses not otherwise covered by OHIP or any insurance policy can be recovered.
iv. Family Law Act Claims
Usually, an injured person’s family members also suffer from the accident indirectly. Under Ontario law, family members of an injured person are entitled to claim compensation for their losses that they have suffered as a result of the injuries sustained by the injured relative. These losses include any expenses incurred on behalf of the injured person and compensation for the loss of the care, guidance and companionship which would have been provided by the injured relative in the absence of the accident.
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Does “no fault” mean I can’t sue if I have been in a car Accident?
“No fault” doesn’t mean you can’t sue if you’ve been in a car accident.
“No fault” benefits are, by law, included in every automobile insurance policy available in Ontario. An injured party can obtain compensation if they have been injured in an accident. The nature and amount of this compensation is determined by regulations known as the “Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule”. In order to claim these benefits, it is important to enlist the services of a legal professional to guide you through the process and protect your rights. Our law clerks and lawyers are experts in this process.
Even in the “no-fault” system of Ontario, if you have sustained a “serious permanent impairment” of an important physical, mental or psychological function as a result of the accident, you may be able to sue the at fault driver.
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Should I speak to the adjuster from the Insurance Company?
Don’t speak to the adjuster from the insurance company.
Although you may speak to the adjuster, it is not recommended and we will do that for you instead, if we are retained. When you consult with us, we will advise you as to your rights and options and we will help you understand your insurance policy and its terms. You may have different options available to you such as suing the other driver or you may be eligible for income replacement benefits and short-term disability. Your DSF legal representative will negotiate with your insurance company to provide you with the best possible coverage for your particular needs.
A lawyer with expertise in personal injury will be better able to advise you of the benefits you are entitled to receive through your insurance company. You could be at a great disadvantage by dealing solely with an insurance adjuster.
As employees of insurance companies, adjusters may not necessarily point out or protect your rights to privacy, compensation, treatment and other important issues affecting you in the short term and in the future. Our lawyers and clerks are experts in filing and processing claims with the insurer and in suing other insurers Your lawyer will also provide significant guidance and preparation in establishing your claim.
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How do I earn an income if I cannot work due to my Accident?
You may be entitled to an Income Replacement Benefit or Disability Benefit if you cannot work.
By consulting a lawyer in the area of personal injury, you will be informed of the different options available to you such as accident benefits, short-term disability and long-term disability and other benefits available to you by law.
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What is a “LIMITATION PERIOD”?
A limitation period is a legal time limit that forces you to sue within a specific period of time following the incident that caused your injury. Failure to do so will preclude you from suing or filing to recover compensation.
The specific limitation periods for different matters range from several years to merely a number of months. There are situations where the standard one or two year limitations do not apply. It is wise to consult a lawyer in order to determine the applicable limitation period under the circumstances of each case.
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Am I being watched?
There is a phrase: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not watching you”. Insurance companies regularly conduct investigations such as video surveillance, interviewing neighbours and employers, and on-line searches (e.g., “FaceBook”). The information you show the world about your daily activities (photos, hobbies, comments, etc.) will be used against you in this litigation.
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Can the Insurance Company access my FACEBOOK?
Insurance adjusters and defence counsel in personal injury and disability claims are conducting searches of FaceBook profiles to discover the plaintiff’s FaceBook account with increasing regularity. Recently, CBC aired a report about a disability insurer who stopped paying benefits, on the basis of FaceBook photos which they relied on as evidence that the claimant was no longer depressed and capable of working. The Courts have held that FaceBook photos and descriptions of activities are not private and therefore available to be used against you in your claim.
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How long does an action take?
A claim can take months or years to resolve.
Typically, a personal injury or disability claim can settle within months or years, depending on the extent of the disability, the time it takes for your condition to reach a plateau, the prognosis from treating doctors or experts, the age of the injured party, and the complexity of the litigation and number of parties involved. Devry, Smith & Frank approaches all claims in an aggressive manner, pushing it faster towards resolution. The sooner our Personal Injury Team is involved, the quicker the resolution.
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What should I bring to the initial consultation with a lawyer at DEVRY SMITH FRANK LLP?
Please bring the following documents to your free consultation:
- Police motor vehicle accident report
- Doctors’ reports
- Driver’s licence
- Detailed description of how accident happened
- Social Insurance Card
- Health Card
- Pink insurance declaration certificate
- Any photographs of the scene
- X-Ray results
- List of prescribed medication
- List of treating physicians and specialists
- Pay stubs
- A list of your out-of-pocket expenses
Our law offices are conveniently located in the Lawrence and Don Mills area of Toronto and we have plenty of free parking.
For further information or assistance with personal injury questions, please contact one of the Toronto personal injury lawyers listed on the left by clicking on their name.
