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PERSONAL INJURY
YOUR RIGHTS
If you have been intentionally or negligently injured by another person or have been injured through an accident or through the use of a defective product you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You may be entitled to recover actual losses such as lost wages, medical costs, travel costs, rehabilitation costs, child care costs, home maintenance costs, medical care costs.
You may also be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering and lost earning potential. Your family may also be entitled to damages for loss of care, guidance and companionship under the Ontario Family Law Act.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS
Your first priority should be to obtain quality medical and rehabilitative care to enable you to recuperate to the extent possible. However, you should be aware that there are often strict time limits imposed by Ontario law that must be complied with prior to commencing any legal action for recovery of damages for personal injuries. If you fail to take the proper steps within these time limitations, you may be unable to claim compensation at a later time.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injuries different time limits will apply ranging from seven days to two years. You, or a person authorized to act on your behalf, should contact a lawyer as soon as possible following an accident to ensure that all the necessary steps have been taken. Often the extent of injuries are not known immediately after an accident, but you should still contact a lawyer for advice for possibly minor injuries to protect your interests should your injuries become more serious or permanent.
You should keep all documentation relating to your injuries and should obtain legal advice before accepting any settlement offered by an insurer or potential defendant.
Early legal advice will ensure that you do not lose your right to compensation. The cost of initial legal representation is often relatively small and will ensure that you are not left without recourse should your injuries cause losses.
OUR SERVICES
Shields & Hunt provides legal advice and representation to injured persons. We can provide you with initial advice during a consultation and can represent your interests throughout negotiations with defendants and their insurers, mediation and court proceedings. We have the talent, expertise and determination to take on the insurers and will obtain for you the highest compensation possible. Our record of success speaks for itself.
Contact us for more information or to arrange a consultation.