Winter Slip & Fall Accidents on Private Property – Changes to Ontario Laws
Slip and falls due to snow and ice are common accidents for Canadians in the winter. They can cause serious injuries and can limit someone’s ability to work, live their lives as they normally would, and cause significant pain.
The property owner, tenant, or employed snow removal contractor who failed to properly clear the snow or ice may be “at fault”. If you are someone who was injured, you have the right to bring a claim to be compensated. However, a new law may throw a wrench in many injured person’s plans.
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How Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and COVID-19 Pandemic Could Lead to a Short Term Disability or Long Term Disability Claim
Every year, people across the country are affected by SAD. Since March 2020, Canadians have also had to cope with the additional stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health has an incredible impact on one’s ability to work and could cause an employee to make a short term disability claim or long term disability claim.
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COVID-19: DISABILITY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE PANDEMIC
Ontarians and indeed all Canadians are learning to live life impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. New workplace procedures and the challenges of working from home are two major changes, and many people have been temporarily laid-off or lost their jobs entirely. A claim for Disability insurance benefits may be appropriate in certain circumstances.
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COVID-19: Elder Care Concerns During The Pandemic
A large portion of Ontario’s elderly and terminally ill live in nursing homes and other extended care facilities. These vulnerable populations and their families are dependent on the homes for critical aid and support.
Read MoreClass Actions – Example Claims
Class actions are appropriate when a group of people have similar potential claims. What may be too small a claim, if pursued by one person, may be a very large claim if pursued by a group of people. There is almost no claim that is too small if it can be the start of a class action. Examples of successful class actions are:
Steps in a Lawsuit
First, we will open a Court file by preparing and issuing a document called a “Statement of Claim”. This must be served on the party you are suing, who will normally take it to his or her insurance company. The insurance company will then retain a lawyer to defend the case. That lawyer will respond by filing a “Statement of Defence”.
Examination for Discovery – What is it?
An examination for discovery is usually held in an office located downtown, in or near the Court House of the Judicial District where an action is commenced, or where the person resides.
It is an informal hearing which takes place before the lawyers for all parties and a reporter who takes down your evidence. Prior to the examination you will be required to take an Oath or affirm that the statements that you make will be the truth.
Loss of Capacity For Work
A personal injury may cause a person to be off work for a period of time. After a return to work, it may be that the injured person’s ability to perform the pre-accident work is not affected. Despite returning to work there may be a loss of work capacity that should be recognized.
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