In 2009, statistics Canada noted that the annual cost of personal injuries on Canadian society amounts to 19.8 billion dollars. That is an astounding figure to take in, and even more astounding is that 20 per cent of these injuries typically involve transportation issues of some kind. This suggests that many personal injuries could be avoided, whether on the part of city planners, drivers, or simply people walking down the street. The financial cost is real, and that is why considering whether or not you have cause to pursue a personal injury lawsuit is becoming increasingly important.
How do you know when to pursue a personal injury lawsuit?
A personal injury can strike at any time, and it can be difficult to establish a plan of action because of this. The nature of a personal injury is that it is unexpected, and typically victims are left strategizing what they should do after the fact. You should pursue a personal injury lawsuit if you have experienced a change of lifestyle, a loss, or a debilitating accident due to an accident where you were not at fault. A personal injury may not occur at the most convenient of times, but that doesn’t mean you should put off pursuing legal action until later. If your injury has changed your life in some way, you should be seeking counsel immediately.
What are the types of damages in a personal injury lawsuit?
Non-pecuniary
- This type of damage is definitely the most abstract of the bunch, because it covers the intangible costs often associated with accidents. If your accident involves emotional damages, then non-pecuniary compensation is meant to satisfy that form of loss.
Pecuniary
- Refers to the financial costs (whether in the past or future) associated with an accident. Typically backed up by invoices, professional opinion, or bills of sale, these damages are awarded to victims who have had to incur unnecessary financial costs due to their injuries (or the circumstances surrounding an injury).
Punitive
- The least frequent of the trio is punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded due to dishonest or malicious practices on the part of the insurance company. When investigating an accident, the insurance company must maintain honesty and good faith, and a lack thereof can constitute reparations in the form of punitive damages for the victim.
Launching A Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you have decided that a personal injury lawsuit is on the horizon for you, the first thing you need to do is ensure proper legal counsel. Sokoloff is a Toronto personal injury law firm dedicated to helping those who have dealt with accidents in the recent past and are looking for compensation. A legal professional will be able to tell you if you have a case, and the kinds of damages you are dealing with that are eligible for compensation from an insurance company. A legal battle over injuries and damages shouldn’t be handled alone, and that is why securing counsel that you trust is as important as ever in your time of need.
Contact Sokoloff today to find out if you have a case.
Sources:
http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/4402/The-battle-for-the-personal-injury-dollar.html
http://personalinjury.ca/suing-in-ontario-after-sustaining-injuries-caused-by-wrongdoers/