Injuries
Can Occur at Anytime, in Anyplace
In Toronto, injuries are sustained daily,
through accident, negligence or violence. First and foremost, you should ensure
that medical attention is received and that, if necessary, emergency personnel
such as ambulance and police are at the scene. Secondly, you should consult
with a personal injury lawyer.
Besides motor vehicle accidents, personal
injuries can be caused by a wide range of other situations, including, but not
limited, to:
- A slip and
fall on a wet stairwell or icy sidewalk
- Working out at
a gym
- Participating
in a team sport
- Being struck
by a falling or moving object
- Using
equipment or an appliance that turns out to be defective
- Medical,
dental or pharmacy error
- Physical
assault and violence
There are only two things in common with
all of the above: (1) the injury was unexpected; and (2) a personal injury
lawyer can help.
Wavers
and the Uninsured
Gyms and workout studios require members to
sign a waver. You might also be asked to sign a waver when participating in a
team sport. If you are injured, do not assume that a signed waver prevents you
from seeking the advice of a personal injury lawyer. If the injury was
sustained during the playing of a sport or physical activity, there may still
be avenues for compensation.
Conversely, if you were a pedestrian and
struck by a vehicle operated by an uninsured driver, you still have recourse.
What
a Personal Injury Lawyer Does
- Provides you
with a free consultation
- Advises you on
your legal options and rights
- Fills and
files any requisite forms within mandated timelines
- Gathers
support documentation should medical evidence be required
- Negotiates a favourablesettlement
- Argues on your
behalf should the matter go to trial court
What
a Personal Injury Lawyer Does Not Do
As a result of your accident, your finances
may be in duress and you might worry about how to pay for top-notch legal
representation. Will you need to pay a
retainer or a deposit in advance? When it comes to personal injury, the answer
is no. Most personal injury lawyers, who are both established and respected in
their field, receive payment when a settlement is reached. This, called a Contingency
Fee, is determined and agreed upon before any proceedings are initiated.
Time
Is of the Essence
Different injuries and sources of injuries
have different statutes of limitations. Timelines differ according to the
accident and the type of compensation being sought. Once that cut-off period
has been passed, denial of claim is an all too real possibility.
As soon as an injury has occurred, consult
a personal injury lawyer. Speaking directly to your Insurer may not provide you
with the most thorough advice. In fact, even when speaking informally with an
adjuster, a file in your name is started, and the notes that the adjuster makes
can affect future claims.
When an accident will occur is uncertain,
if not, random. The only certainty is that an advocate representing you and
your rights is the way in which to reach the best settlement possible. If you
suffer an injury in Toronto, do not hesitate to consult with a personal injury
lawyer.