The Impact of Recent Changes in Ontario's Personal Injury Laws

September 10, 2024, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The legal world is always changing, and recent updates in Ontario’s personal injury laws could affect you. Let’s dive into what’s new and how these changes might impact your personal injury claim.

1. Updates to Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS)

Ontario has made some changes to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). This update impacts what benefits you can get if you’re injured in a car accident—things like medical expenses and income replacement. Knowing these changes helps ensure you’re getting the right benefits.

2. New Rules for Pain and Suffering Damages

There have been changes in how damages for pain and suffering are calculated. This could affect how much compensation you receive for your emotional and physical distress. Understanding these new rules can help you set realistic expectations for your claim.

3. Stricter Insurance Company Regulations

Insurance companies are now under stricter regulations to make the claims process more transparent and fair. They need to provide clearer explanations of coverage and make decisions more promptly. While this should help, it’s still good to know how it might affect your case.

4. Shifts in Tort Claims

Recent reforms have changed how tort claims (those involving negligence) are handled. This means the criteria for pursuing these claims and the amount of compensation you can get might be different. Staying informed about these changes helps you understand your rights better.

5. Emphasis on Mediation and ADR

Ontario’s legal system is pushing more for mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) instead of traditional court battles. These methods can often resolve disputes faster and with less drama. It’s worth knowing your options in case you want to avoid a lengthy trial.

6. Evolving Legal Precedents

New court decisions are setting fresh precedents in personal injury law. These precedents can influence how your case is judged and what compensation you might receive. Keeping up with these changes can help you anticipate potential challenges. We are actively involed in this process.

7. Changes in Medical Assessment Guidelines

The guidelines for medical assessments in personal injury cases have been updated. This could affect how your injuries are evaluated and the type of evidence needed. Making sure your medical assessments meet current standards is crucial for your claim.

In Summary

Keeping up with changes in personal injury laws is important for protecting your rights and ensuring you get fair compensation. At Deutschmann Personal Injury Law, we’re committed to helping you understand these changes and how they might affect your case. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.