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Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers

A serious injury can have a drastic and long-lasting impact on your life. You may have experienced intense physical pain, been left with permanent scarring or disability, and even had your ability to earn income reduced or lost entirely. While there are options in Ottawa for recovery through statutory accident benefits or OHIP, these benefits may not be nearly enough if your injuries are severe.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in Ottawa, please contact SG Injury Law today. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation and would be more than happy to listen to your story and let you know if we can help.

Personal Injury Resources

ottawa injury lawyer

When Should I Call a Personal Injury Lawyer in Ottawa?

Often, injured victims and their families are hesitant to talk to a local personal injury lawyer. They may feel overwhelmed at the thought of pursuing legal action or they are not sure whether they have a valid claim. However, if you have suffered a serious injury in any type of accident in Ottawa, it may be in your best interests to speak with an injury lawyer.

Without speaking with a lawyer, you won’t know if you have a case. An personal injury lawyer can examine all the facts and factors involved in your situation and help you make an informed decision about how to move forward. At SG Injury Law, we will examine who the potential liable parties are, how much insurance coverage is available, and help you understand the full extent of your injuries. Our injury lawyers have significant experience handling a wide range of cases and a unique understanding of how insurance companies approach claims. There is no case that is too difficult or too complex for us to handle.

First Steps in a Personal Injury Case

Being involved in an accident is overwhelming. Knowing what you should do can give you greater peace of mind as you try to recover. It’s important to take the right steps, such as reporting the accident and collecting evidence, to protect your rights and build a stronger personal injury case. Here’s what to do:

  1. Call 911 or report the accident to someone else. If it’s an emergency, such as a serious car accident, call 911 to report it to the police. You may also need to file an accident report with a property owner, your employer or another party.
  2. Gather information. Collect information about the accident, such as the names of those involved, photographs and videos of the scene, and eyewitness information.
  3. Get medical attention. Don’t wait to see a doctor. Delaying medical care can make it more difficult to qualify for insurance coverage.
  4. File a claim. When you have all of the basic information about your accident, contact your insurance provider to file an initial claim. If someone else is liable for your accident, your insurer can seek third-party benefits on your behalf.
  5. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa. Speak to a lawyer about your accident and legal options as soon as possible to avoid missing your deadline. Personal injury lawyers can take over the insurance claims process or a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

With these basic steps, you will be in a stronger position to seek financial compensation from one or more parties. Keep in mind that you can always contact an Ottawa personal injury lawyer as early on in the process as you need to for additional assistance.

Our Areas of Expertise in Personal Injury Law

A personal injury claim can arise from any preventable accident that was caused by the actions of another person or entity. At SG Injury Law, our personal injury lawyers have years of experience in this practice area. We can handle almost any type of personal injury case in Ottawa. Some of these include:

Our Ottawa personal injury lawyers will sit down with you to get to know you and your case. Then, we will devise a personalized legal strategy tailored specifically to your type of case, the province laws surrounding your case and your individual case goals. Our law firm has the personnel, experience, resources and connections to experts to help you with any type of personal injury claim.

Our Proven Process to Maximize Your Compensation

To get the most money for our clients, we at SG Injury Law employ a thorough, results-oriented procedure. During our first free consultation, we assess your case, respond to your questions, and inform you of your legal options. If you decide to move forward with us, our team then gathers statements from the witnesses present at the scene and all medical reports, accident reports, etc., which help us build up our case.

The extent of your losses, including future medical expenses, lost income, and psychological distress, is then determined in conjunction with medical and financial specialists. To obtain the maximum fair settlement, we negotiate strategically with insurance providers. Our skilled litigators are ready to go to trial if needed, using our expertise as former insurance defence lawyers to foresee and thwart insurer strategies.

Every step of the way, SG Injury Law’s dedicated team will defend your rights and get you the money you are due.

If you have been injured in an accident or suffered an injury that was not listed above, you may still have grounds for insurance or civil. Be sure to contact our office to speak with an injury lawyer to find out how to get the most out of your personal injury claim.

How to Prove Negligence

Under the Ontario Negligence Act, to win your personal injury claim, your injury lawyer will be tasked with proving that negligence occurred. Negligence is the failure to act with ordinary care. When negligence harms another person, the negligent party can be held accountable. There are four key elements that need to be met for negligence to be proven at trial. These include:

  1. Duty of care. A duty of care is a requirement for a person, group or entity to act in a way that meets at least the established minimum of care. In other words, the individual must exercise a level of care that is reasonable based on the circumstances.
  2. Breach of duty. A breach of the duty of care refers to any act or omission that falls short of the duty to exercise care. If someone behaves in a way that a reasonably prudent party would not have in similar circumstances, he or she has breached the duty of care.
  3. Causation. In tort law, causation is the concept that the plaintiff’s injury would not have occurred but for the negligence of the defendant. This is known as the “but for” test for proof of causation.
  4. Damages Damages are the specific and compensable losses that make an accident victim entitled to financial compensation from a defendant. They often include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

The burden of proof rests with the plaintiff in a personal injury case. This means it is up to you or your lawyer to establish these elements as more likely to be true than untrue (“demonstrated as true on a balance of probability”). An in-depth examination into the details of your case will determine who is responsible for causing your injuries. For example, if you suffered critical injuries in a car accident in Ottawa, your personal injury lawyer will look to any other drivers for careless driving, auto part malfunctions, dangerous road conditions, and other factors that could establish a legal responsibility for your damages.

Since Ontario uses a contributory negligence statute, your own percentage of fault for contributing to an accident can reduce your monetary recovery. While you can still be eligible for some compensation with contributory negligence attributed to you, the courts will reduce your damage award in proportion to your degree of fault.

How to Maximize Your Personal Injury Settlement in Ottawa

In order to get the best and most fair compensation from your personal injury settlement or trial award of damages, your Ottawa injury lawyer will need to investigate and document the full extent of the impact that your injuries have on your life. This includes both past and present impacts as well as future needs such as long-term physical therapy or an inability to earn income

You have the right to be made whole when someone else’s negligence causes your injuries. This means you have the right to seek the best compensation available, for both your pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages.

Pecuniary damages are those that have a quantifiable monetary value. For example, some of the more commonly awarded types of pecuniary damages in personal injury claims include:

However, non-pecuniary damages do not have a quantifiable monetary value. In fact, they can impact every person’s life differently, if at all. Many personal injury victims report that their non-pecuniary damages have been far more impactful than their pecuniary damages.

Some of the non-pecuniary damages you could seek in your personal injury claim include:

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Personal Injury Claim in Ottawa?

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, it depends. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, the seriousness of your injury and how reasonable the insurance company or defendant is in negotiations, your claim could settle quickly within months or go all the way through to trial. However, at SG Injury Law, our expert personal injury lawyers are prepared to advocate on your behalf for as long as it takes to successfully resolve your case. If a trial becomes necessary, we will not hesitate to go to court on your behalf.

Our Client-Centered Approach to Personal Injury Law

If you are not sure whether you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you, learn more about what to expect when you work with one. One major advantage of hiring a lawyer is having someone who is knowledgeable about the law navigate it for you. This allows you to focus your mental energy on healing while a lawyer with years of experience handles the claims process on your behalf. A lawyer gives you the peace of mind that someone is fighting for the best possible results for your case.

Hiring an experienced, reputable lawyer to represent you can make a major difference to the outcome of your case as well as your overall legal experience. No matter what challenges and unforeseen complications arise during your claim, a personal injury lawyer will be prepared to face and overcome them. Trust your case to a lawyer at SG Injury Law so that you can focus on healing while we fight for justice on your behalf.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Ottawa For Help Today

After an accident, you do not have to face the physical, emotional, or financial turmoil alone. At SG Injury Law, our compassionate personal injury lawyers are here to help. Our expert lawyers specialize in these cases and can help identify the liable party responsible and recover full and fair compensation on your behalf. If you have been seriously hurt in a preventable accident, contact us today.

Our firm is proud to offer free, no-obligation consultations to injury victims in Ottawa and surrounding cities. Fill out our online contact form or call our office at (613) 518-2416 so can get started on your case today.

FAQs

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Ontario?

You generally have two years from the injury date to file a claim in Ontario. However, certain exceptions may apply, so it’s best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

Can family members claim compensation for my injuries?

Yes, family members may claim compensation under Ontario’s Family Law Act for losses related to your injury, such as loss of care, companionship, and guidance, depending on the circumstances of the case.  It is also possible for a family member to claim damages for “nervous shock” if they witnessed the injury or were on the scene shortly after the injury occurred.

What should I do immediately after an accident in Ottawa?

Seek immediate medical attention, document the accident scene, and gather contact details from any witnesses. Report the incident if necessary and then consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.

What types of compensation can I receive for my injuries?

You may be eligible for compensation covering rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, future care, pain and suffering, housekeeping expenses and reduced quality of life, among other things, depending on your case details and the impact of your injuries.

What is the typical process for a personal injury lawsuit in Ottawa?

The process involves an initial consultation, case investigation, evidence gathering, negotiation with insurers, and, if needed, court representation to secure compensation. Our team guides you through each stage for the best possible outcome.

Can I claim for emotional distress or psychological injuries?

Yes, you can claim compensation for emotional distress or psychological injuries, which may include therapy costs, pain and suffering, and other impacts on your daily life, depending on the specifics of your case.

What should I avoid doing after filing a personal injury claim?

Avoid discussing your case publicly, especially on social media, or speaking directly with insurance adjusters without your lawyer present, as these actions can impact the outcome of your claim.

How long will it take to resolve my personal injury case?

Resolution times vary, but most cases take months to a few years based on complexity, reasonableness of the parties and negotiation outcomes. Your lawyer will provide a more specific timeline based on your case’s details.

Can I still claim compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, Ontario’s contributory negligence laws allow partial compensation even if you share fault. The amount you receive will be adjusted according to your level of responsibility in the accident.