Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Law
When the breadwinner suffers a severe accident, it can have life-changing ramifications on a family. Therefore, it’s essential to have adequate insurance in place and work with a good lawyer that can help you get the claim settled quickly.
However, when it comes to personal injury claims, there are a ton of questions clients have but often find answers difficult to come by.
Therefore, JSM Law wants to arm you with the most accurate information available to help you make informed decisions. To do this, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury laws.
1. How long should I wait after an accident or loss before consulting a lawyer?
Typically, there are stringent time limits in which claims must be issued or notices served. It’s wise to consult a lawyer immediately after an accident or insurance denial to ensure that timeframes get met.
2. How much does a Personal Injury lawyer cost in Ontario?
Personal injury lawyers understand that you may be unable to work when you’re injured, and your family may be experiencing considerable financial stress. That’s why personal injury lawyers almost always work on a contingency basis.
It means that they don’t get paid until a settlement is received or a judgment is made. They, typically, do not ask for up-front fees or send a monthly bill. Instead, they receive a percentage of the settlement. It allows injured victims access to justice by pursuing their claims without worrying about receiving a hefty lawyer’s bill.
3. What can you get compensated for in a Personal Injury claim?
If you’ve been injured, you may be able to claim under various heads of damage. Typically, these include damages for pain and suffering; loss of income, loss of opportunity, loss of competitive advantage; extraordinary care expenses; housekeeping/home maintenance expenses; and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Motor vehicle accidents also involve claims for accident benefits. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand more about the different claims you can make based on your specific situation.
4. What is a Catastrophic Injury, and how can I apply for benefits?
A catastrophic injury has many categories and is quite complicated. You need to speak with our lawyers so we can better determine if you are eligible, and if so, ensure you receive the full benefit.
Suppose you meet the definition of catastrophic injury (sometimes referred to as catastrophic impairment). In that case, you are then eligible for $1 million in attendant care benefits and $1 million of medical rehabilitation benefits in addition to the ongoing entitlement to other benefits. Even if you do not meet the definition immediately, we can ensure you meet the criteria later.
5. Do I have to pay any legal fees if my claim does not get settled?
No! We work on a contingency retainer, which means that we only get paid a percentage of any amounts obtained in a settlement or judgment. If we don’t settle your claim and “win,” you don’t pay us anything.
6. Why do I need a lawyer when dealing with an insurance company? Why can’t I deal with the insurance company myself?
While you’re not required to hire a lawyer when dealing with an insurance company, you will be at a severe disadvantage if you choose to go solo. Insurance companies retain professional adjusters that work in the company’s best interests. At the same time, they may purport to want to assist you. The bottom line is that they are hired to save the insurance company money.
In the case of an injury, you could not know the actual value of your claim without proper legal advice. Retaining a lawyer can result in a substantially higher settlement for you. Our lawyers are dedicated to obtaining the total compensation that you deserve.
7. How will I know whether a settlement offer is fair and reasonable?
We have decades of experience representing plaintiffs in accident and insurance litigation claims. Our compassion towards clients and our proven track record in the courtroom make us one of the most highly regarded personal injury firms in Ontario. With this in mind, our lawyers will advise you about the fairness of the settlement offer.
8. Will I be charged for the initial consultation for a Personal Injury matter?
Our fee arrangement means you will pay no legal fees until your case gets won or settled. At the free initial consultation, a lawyer will request information from you to determine whether they wish to proceed with your case. They will then explain to you what your case will entail.
If you have any more questions about personal injury laws, get in touch with the experts at JSM Law.
As the best lawyers in Mississauga, Ontario, we provide affordable legal services tailored to each client’s circumstances. We see ourselves as more than legal practitioners and are focused on helping our clients accomplish their objectives.
We serve clients across Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Burlington, North York, Caledon, Vaughan, Markham, Scarborough, Downtown Toronto, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, King, Halton Hills, and the Greater Toronto Area.
To learn more about how we can help you, please click here or contact us by clicking here.