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What is a Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party attempts to assist the opposing two parties in resolving conflict. The process is confidential, and anything said during the mediation can be used later in court, neither by a disability lawyer, judge, nor any party involved. The purpose of a mediator is to use communication …

ICBC Settlement Process

Figuring out the inner workings of the ICBC settlement process can be a confusing and daunting task for many personal injury victims. However, knowing what to expect in advance can help simplify things and make the process a little less stressful. If you find it impossible to deal with ICBC claims, or if your loved …

Don’t Be Too Quick to Settle an Accident Claim

Sometimes, a person hurt in what appears to be a minor collision unfortunately ends up with serious injuries, resulting in a large court award. As compensation, however, he or she is then entitled to a large court award. A classic example of this was reported not too long ago in one Vancouver injury lawyers BC case. The young woman involved received close to $400,000 as compensation for her injuries. The reason was because she ended up developing a severe case of “anorexia nervosa,” an eating disorder. The BC Supreme Court concluded that a car crash triggered her anorexia. …

Mistakes to Avoid When Filing an ICBC Claim

The ICBC is British Columbia’s public auto insurance provider, and if you’ve been in a car accident, you’ll likely have to file a claim with them. However, there are a few things you should know before filing to make sure the process is completed without an issue. Filing an ICBC claim can be a tricky …

Maximum Money For “Pain and Suffering” From Accident

She was hit in three separate accidents. And – in probably the largest similar court award ever made in Canada – a Vancouver jury initially gave her over $12 million. Part of that was $6.5 million for "non-pecuniary compensation" (legal short-hand for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life). …

Whiplash Court Awards Explained

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident and it’s at least partly someone else’s fault, you’re probably entitled to get compensation from the other driver (who usually has some ICBC liability insurance coverage). The aim of such compensation is to put you in the same, but no better, position you would have been in if the accident hadn’t occurred. If you’re partly at fault, your compensation will be reduced accordingly. …

Car Crash? Compensation For Depression

ICBC Can Discover Too Much Information

It’s an innocuous-looking form. But what damage it can potentially cause. The problem is ICBC’s “Authorization to Provide Medical Information.” If you’re injured in a car accident, ICBC routinely asks you to sign this form. It authorizes your doctor, chiropractor, physiotherapist and others who’ve treated you to provide ICBC with copies of your medical records. Assuming responsibility for the accident isn’t in issue, ICBC uses these medical records to come to an assessment of your injuries and determine the amount to offer you by way of a settlement. …

Hurt In a Car Crash While Working? WCB or ICBC Claims?

Say you, a delivery truck driver, were injured in a rear-end accident while working. You’re covered by WorkSafeBC, and the driver at fault in the accident has ICBC liability insurance. Should you look to WorkSafeBC for recovery, or are you better off seeking compensation from ICBC? That depends. But first, be aware that you may not have a choice. …

Massage and Treatment Costs When Injured

Hurt in a car crash or other accident caused by someone else’s fault? You could get money compensation. This typically includes money for “special damages” (in addition to compensation for wage loss, pain and suffering, etc.). In legal lingo, “special damages” in this kind of case means your out-of-pocket costs before the trial. Some examples include: …