Elliot Lake Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

The entire course of a person’s life can change in an instant. One moment, you might be going about your day, running errands, picking your kids up from school, or commuting to your job. And in the next, you could be involved in a sudden, earth-shattering motor vehicle accident that leaves you with severe, permanent, catastrophic injuries.

The physical, psychological, and financial challenges that follow can be overwhelming. The lifetime costs associated with catastrophic impairments can be exorbitant, leaving many survivors of car accidents feeling insecure and uncertain about how they will continue providing for their loved one’s futures.

In Ontario, all basic auto insurance plans must include no-fault accident benefits, which are intended to provide support to those who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. According to the Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), all basic auto insurance plans are required to include the following accident benefits amounts:

• $3,500 in medical and rehabilitation benefits for accident victims who sustained minor injuries
• $65,000 over 5 years for the combined total costs of medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits for accident victims who sustained non-minor, non-catastrophic injuries
• $1 million for life in combined medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits for accident victims who sustained catastrophic injuries

According to the SABs, catastrophically impaired accident survivors – including injured drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists – should be entitled to higher amounts of accident benefits than people with less severe injuries. This is because of the ongoing, expensive costs associated with severe, permanent injuries.

The SABS also provides an official definition for the term “catastrophic impairment” to reduce confusion as to who should be entitled to these higher accident benefits amounts. The following accident-related injuries should qualify an individual to receive accident benefits commensurate with catastrophic impairments:

• Paraplegia or Tetraplegia
• Severe impairment of ambulatory mobility or use of an arm; or Amputation
• Loss of Vision of Both Eyes
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) meeting the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) criteria
• Physical Impairment or Combination of Physical Impairments (which results in 55% or more of whole person) 
• Mental or Behavioural Impairment (excluding Traumatic Brain Injury) Combined with a Physical Impairment (which results in 55% or more impairment of the whole person)
• Marked impairment in three or more areas of function that precludes useful functioning; or an Extreme impairment in one or more areas of functioning due to mental or behavioural disorder

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to deny or limit the coverage available to catastrophically impaired accident survivors by disputing the severity of their claims. This can exacerbate the emotional distress, frustration, and financial strain already experienced by catastrophically impaired accident survivors who are already struggling to cope with the aftermath of a life-changing event. It can leave them feeling powerless and uncertain about their future.

However, if you have found yourself in this unfortunate situation, by working with our Elliot Lake catastrophic injury lawyers, you may be able to recover the accident benefits you are rightfully owed. To learn more about working with our catastrophic injury lawyers serving Elliot Lake, book a free initial consultation by contacting us today.

Call Preszler Injury Lawyers

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our Elliot Lake catastrophic injury lawyers understand the tactics used by insurance providers to withhold funds from deserving benefits claimants. Our catastrophic injury lawyers serving Elliot Lake have been advocating for accident survivors in the region for over sixty years.

We know that navigating the complex and frustrating process of fighting for fair accident benefits can be overwhelming. That is why our Elliot Lake catastrophic injury lawyers offer support to local community members by offering a free initial consultation to all prospective clients. If you have been involved in a car accident and have been denied fair coverage, contact our Elliot Lake catastrophic injury lawyers today.