Archive for November, 2009
Ashton Car Accident. Injury Lawyers report..Kyle Simpson dies at scene. Amelia McInnes in hospital with serious head injury.
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents on November 29th, 2009
Personal Injury Ottawa Lawyers: David Hollingsworth–My thoughts go out to the people involved in this tragic accident. To the Simpson family, I am so sorry for your loss. Kyle Simpson sounded like a great kid.
An Ottawa-area teen was killed Saturday in a car accident that also left two others in hospitals. I also wish a speedy and healthy recovery to both drivers . Amelia McInnes, Kyle’s girlfriend remains in the hospital with a serious head injury. My thoughts are with her friends and family. Sadly, 19 year old Kyle Simpson of Ashton, sadly died at the scene of the crash on South Lavant Road, just west of Highway 511 in the Township of Lanark Highlands. OPP said a westbound pick-up truck collided with an eastbound car on the two-lane road at 3:05 p.m. Simpson, a passenger in the car, suffered extensive injury and died before paramedics could transport him to hospital.The drivers of the pick-up truck and car were taken to the Perth Hospital, but their names have not yet been released by police. Friends and former classmates yesterday remembered Simpson, a graduate of South Carleton High School, as a happy and hardworking young man. Simpson worked full-time at TDL, a truck and trailer repair shop in Carp. He was hoping to become a fully license truck mechanic.
Simpson enjoyed a wide circle of friends, some of whom posted remembrances on his Facebook page Saturday. Simpson, who grew up on a farm in Ashton, about 40 kilometres west of downtown Ottawa, was an avid snowmobiler and dirt biker, who loved moving vehicles of all kinds. “He was a happy-go-lucky type guy, I guess,” said Brian Verhey, of North Gower, whose son, Brett, was a close friend of Simpson’s.
A trust fund has been established to helpAmelia McInnes’ family.
Anyone wishing to contribute may visit any area Royal Bank branch and make a donation into the ‘Cheryl McInnes Fund’, or stop by Wicksteed Stable & Tack Shop, located at 12173 Highway 7 in Carleton Place. For additional information, call 613-257-0045 or go to www.wicksteedtack.ca.
David Hollingsworth is one of the best Ottawa personal injury lawyers . For over a decade he has helped hundreds of accident victims and their families receive the compensation they need to help them recover as best as possible. If a loved one has suffered a death as a result an accident, you are and your family are likley entitled to accident benefits that won’t take away your loss, but can ease your financial burden at this time. If you suffer from a personal injury from an accident or someone else’s neglect (slip and fall), visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information. I can help you at this very difficult time. Free consultations.
Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth- Personal Injury Ottawa
Lowering Ottawa Accidents: No Cell Phones !
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in safety on November 27th, 2009
Avoiding Ottawa Accidents , Lawyer David Hollingsworth reports :
As of yet, there haven’t been any Ottawa motorists fined for using a hand-held cellphone while driving. Ottawa Police say they have issued 85 warnings to drivers using their hand-held device to talk, email or text in the first month of the new Ontario law.. Police officers across Ontario are conducting a 3 month education campaign to inform drivers that it’s illegal to use any hand-held communication and entertainment devices while behind the wheel. However, starting February 1st, Ontario drivers could be fined up to $500 for violating the rules. OPP have issued 11-hundred warnings and 22 tickets across the province for using a hand-held device while driving since the new law took effect October 26.
Let’s avoid Ottawa accidents. Ottawa Ontario Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth urges everyone out there behind the wheel to drive safely.
www.ottawainjury.ca
www.personalinjurylawyerottawa.com
Child Slip and Fall Accidents
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Personal Injury Claims on November 25th, 2009
Child Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer: Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth
If your child has suffered an injury because of a slip and fall accident due to negligence or a hazard, you may be entitled to some benefits that you likely are not aware of. As one of the best Ottawa personal injury lawyers, I meet daily with victims of an Ottawa slip and fall accident; some not severe and others; life altering.
Where Can Slip and Falls Happen?
What to do if a slip and fall accident occurs?
We all want the best for our children and we want them to be safe. Most children have the tendency not to be aware of the dangers of falling and hurting themselves, however sometimes there are dangers that are not your child’s fault but the fault of an individual who neglected a hazard. If you are on someone else’s private property or public property, you have the right to sue the insurance company for compensation for your child’s injury. In most cases, property owner or business are responsible for any personal injury that occurs on their property. One of the things that is extremely important to remember is that you need to contact an Ottawa Ontario personal injury lawyer, more specifically an Ottawa injury lawyer that specializes in slip and fall and personal injury cases as soon as possible if your child has suffered a serious injury . Timelines are very important in a slip and fall accident case like this. Your best bet is to document everything you can, take pictures if possible, seek immedicate medical attention (record it) and contact one of the best Ottawa Ontario personal injury lawyers, such as David Hollingsworth.
Children’s bodies are small and less developed which makes them more susceptible to suffer from a severe injury. Some of the different types of hazards that can hurt a child include:
Where do Slip and Fall accidents happen?
• Potholes
• Wet floors
• Unbalanced flooring
• Adverse weather such as ice, rain, snow etc.
• Unattended spilled or fallen items
• Poorly lit walkways and stairs
• Uneven sidewalks
Depending on the fall, the injury to your child can be more than one. Some injuries can take a few days to heal, other more serious injuries may take months. Some examples of the types of injuries that can occur to your child include:
Types of Personal Injury
• Broken bones
• Bruises/ Scarring
• Brain Damage, Head Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury/ Paralysis
• Death
If your child’s slip and fall accident occurred in a public building or a public parking lot, an accident report should be filed at the time of the accident as soon as possible. Some other examples of the types of steps that should be taken in the event of a slip and fall accident include:
• Write down a description of the slip and fall, what caused it, and if there was no indication of a present danger
• The date, time and location of the slip and fall accident
• A list of witnesses and contact information and statements confirming what happened at the time of the slip and fall accident
• If possible take photos of the slip and fall accident and where it occurred.
• If your child has a physical personal injury, seek immediate medical attention
Contact one of the best Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers in Ottawa, David Hollingsworth
If your child has been injured in a slip and fall accident due to neglect and hazardous conditions, you should not be held responsible for the damages. A qualified and experienced Ottawa personal injury lawyer such as David Hollingsworth can help you receive maximum compensation for your child’s slip and fall injury with his experience and knowledge of slip and fall accident cases. For more information, please visit www.ottawainjury.ca
Ottawa Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer, Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Paraplegia and Quadriplegia Lawyer, in Ottawa
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Brain Injury / Head Injury, Ottawa Spinal Cord Injury on November 20th, 2009
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in Ontario as a result of a car accident, motor vehicle accident, or slip and fall, as soon as possible you need to hire an reputable and highly experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer; preferably one that has experience with your particular injury. Over the course of the last 12 years, David has been highly successful at helping those and their families with a brain injury or a spinal cord injury. These types of injury are life changing and require support on many levels. Due to his vast experience with clients with a brain injury or spinal cord injury, David has become one of the best brain injury and best spinal cord injury lawyers in Ottawa. David`s clients with a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury will attest that he is a dedicated, hard working and one of the best Ottawa lawyers who goes above and beyond his role of Ottawa Ontario spinal cord injury lawyer, Ottawa Ontario paraplegia lawyer, Ottawa Ontario quadriplegia lawyer or Ottawa Ontario brain injury lawyer. David`s clients know and will vouch that he is there for them.
Ottawa personal injury lawyer David Hollingsworth specializes in serious personal injury and is available to work with you, your family, your doctors, your social workers, psychologists or any other treating medical professional. David will also alleviate your burden and deal directly with your insurance company for you; ensuring you recieve maximum compensation. If it is easier on you, David will meet at your home, hospital, rehabilitation centre or any other location that is convenient for you such as the Ottawa Hospital or the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre.
You have been through enough, now let David Hollingsworth, Ottawa Ontario Brain Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Ontario Spinal Cord injury Lawyer, Ottawa Ontario Paraplegia Lawyer, and Ottawa Ontario Quadriplegia Lawyer do his job. Even if you just need some advice on what to do, David Hollingsworth can help steer you in the right direction, free of charge. You can call or email him for a free consutation of and you are absolutely under no obligation or pressure . Let his years of experience with Ottawa and Ontario personal injury help you because right now you need to focus on yourself and your family; not insurance companies and paperwork. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca or call 613 978-9549
Ottawa man dies in ATV accident
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents on November 18th, 2009
Ottawa personal injury lawyer, David Hollingsworth :Ottawa ATV Accident Results in Death–My condolences go out to the friends and family of Steven Ray Brown…
A Fort Hood soldier died over the weekend in an ATV accident while home on leave. Stephen Ray Brown, 21, of Ottawa, Kan., died Saturday in Greeley, Kan. in an ATV accident while home on leave. Brown, who joined the Army in August 2007, was a patient administration specialist assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division (Rear Provisional). He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2008 to June 2009, Fort Hood said.
For more information visit www.ottawainjury.ca
Ottawa Winters and car accidents..
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Car Accidents, Ottawa Resources on November 16th, 2009
Avoiding winter car accidents and injury..
Listen up Ottawa, we are going to get it soon..it is coming..yes, snow !!
We all know that Ontario winters are challenging for motorists and safety needs to be a top priority. Every effort is made to make highways safe and to provide efficient winter maintenance service for the public. Ottawa winter weather conditions are unpredictable, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills. Ensure you are well prepared for winter roads and always adjust your driving speed to existing conditions.
Stay alert, slow down, and stay in control — the three key elements of safe winter driving. Drive according to highway and weather conditions. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface.
Be Prepared — Is Your Vehicle Ready?
Get your vehicle winter-ready with a maintenance check-up. Don’t wait for winter to have your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, tires, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers, and ignition system checked.
Make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the rigours of winter. Keep your fuel tank sufficiently full — at least half a tank is recommended.
Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid in the reservoir that is rated a minimum of -40°C temperature range. Keep an extra jug in the vehicle.
Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof. After starting your vehicle, wait for the fog to clear from the interior of the windows so you will have good visibility all around.
Have your tires checked or replaced before winter begins. Remember to check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.
The condition of your vehicle’s tires is important. Worn or damaged tires can hamper your ability to drive safely. For safety reasons, drivers are urged to replace their tires when the tread depth reaches 3mm, rather than wait until the tread no longer meets the legal 1.5mm requirement.* Alternately, you can also check the manufacturer’s wear indicator mark on your tires to see if they need replacing. All tires have tread wear indicators, which are small bars of rubber found between the tread blocks of a tire. When the tread is worn flush with the tread wear indicators, the tire has reached its wear limit and must be replaced as it no longer provides sufficient traction in the rain or snow. **
While regular or “all-season” tires, including wide and high-performance tires, may be adequate in some areas, they may not be suitable for driving in the snowbelt regions of southern Ontario and throughout the north. If you live and drive in these areas, consider using winter tires. They improve driving safety by providing better traction, braking and handling during frost, snow, slush, and particularly under icy conditions. Installing four winter tires provides greater control and stability. Never mix tires of different tread, size and construction. Also, consider adding traction control and stability control options when purchasing your next vehicle.
**Source: Western Canada Tire Dealers
Avoid accidents and stay safe out on our Ottawa roads ! I learn of so many accidents daily through my clients. It is important for us all to stop and do everything we can to keep ourselves and our families safe. For more information, visit www.ottawainjury.ca
Accident? What you must do…
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Car Accidents, Personal Injury Claims on November 14th, 2009
Ottawa personal injury lawyer..Accidents are very traumatic, especially when they result in a personal injury. Be it is a serious injury, or a minor injury, it still affects you and changes your life. If the accident results in the death of a loved one, the scars are deeper than any economic injury you could possibly have. It is difficult to put a price tag on how much these personal injuries really cost you. Do yourself a favor, even if it isn’t the first thing you think of, getting advice from one of the best Ottawa personal injury lawyers is always good idea. David Hollingsworth meets daily with people who have been in an accident and just want to know what their rights are.
What would a good Ottawa personal injury lawyer do?
- Conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of the accident scene
- Get medical advice – your aches and pains may not develop until after a few days and some injuries are not obvious.
- Preserve critical evidence at the scene, you may not know what is important and what is not
- Start your potential lawsuit before your statute of limitations expires
What do you need to pay attention to after an accident?
- Many personal injuries don’t surface until later. Go to a doctor asap to get checked out
- Make sure all the potential witnesses have been spoken with. Get their address and phone number from them. It will be nearly impossible to reach them once everyone departs
- Make YOUR notes now: important details are still in your memory: now is the time to write it down.
- You need to talk to your Ottawa personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
- Don’t ever take an “on the spot” settlement — Your doctor will look at the extent of all your personal injuries, your need for medical treatment or perhaps surgery. An “on the spot” settlement may limit and restrict any future treatment
If you have suffered a personal injury due to an motor vehicle accident , or if you have suffered any kind of personal injury from any other kind of accident, there are several reasons why you need to consult with an Ottawa personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You should get an Ottawa personal injury lawyer immediately because any delay could potentially hurt your case. As time passes, things get forgotten and you will may be unable to collect crucial evidence and information. Some of the key details of your case may even be forgotten. If you wait, it can be much more difficult to prove your case.
David Hollingsworth specializes in being an Ottawa personal injury lawyer . For over a decade he has helped hundreds of accident victims receive the compensations they needed to help them recover as best as possible. If you sufer from a personal injury from an accident or someone else’s neglect (slip and fall), visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information.
Ontario injury lawyer reports changes to Accident Benefits
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Accident Benefits Insurance Claims, Personal Injury Claims on November 9th, 2009
As an Ottawa personal injury lawyer and an Ontario personal injury lawyer, I have some very serious concerns about the proposed changes the Ontario government announced with the new regulations for auto insurance in Ontario, specifically the reduction of medical and rehabilitations expenses from $100,000 to $50,000. This reduction in medical and rehabilitation expenses will have a significant impact on accident victims in Ontario. Unfortunately it will have a tremendous impact on accident victims who are seriously injured but not necessarily catastrophically injured. In this case the medical rehabilitation benefits may run out before they can apply for catastrophic benefits at two years. What is equally disturbing about the proposed changes is that many accident victims who by the time of their injury have a psychological component, (ie: psych treatment, physio treatment,occupational therapy treatment, or home modifications) will be in need of more. Home modifications for example, building a ramp to your front door, or modifying your washroom to accommodate your disability or get a stair lift, all of these things come out of this settlement . In other words , a small amount of money over a ten year period just won’t go that far and won’t be enough ! In addition to the reduction in available benefits, the new regulations also affect assessments. In addition to reducing the amount of medical and rehab expenses, the propsed changes want to have the cost of insurer assessments in the victim’s settlement. As of right now, if the insurer chooses to do an assessment of the injured person, the cost comes out of the insurer’s pocket , not the policy limits for the victim suffering an injury. However, the proposal suggests that the money will come out of the accident victim’s settlement. This is extremely important because these assessment can be very expensive and they can also add up quickly. That can really add up – Under the new proposal, the policy limit of $50 000 can almost be eaten up in assessments alone. Where does that leave the accident victim and their injury? How can they continue on with their rehabilitation? In most cases, this rehabiltation needs to continue on for some time. This I find truly disturbing. It will be the accident victim who suffers and will continue to suffer.
The government has proposed that people will have the opportunity to purchase $100,000 – $1 million in medical and rehabilitation benefits if they choose. I suppose if everyone opts for the extra coverage and maximizes their benefits, then they will be fine. The reality is however that most don’t and won’t. Insurance is very expensive and most people are either not informed of the “extras” available to them or they cannot afford them. I would love to hear your views on these proposed changes.
David Hollingsworth, Ottawa personal injury lawyer
Ontario personal injury lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, you may be entitled to Accident Benefits you are not receiving. You owe it to yourself and your family to receive maximum compensation. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information and a free consutation.
Ottawa personal injury lawyers : settlement calculation
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Accident Benefits Insurance Claims, Personal Injury Claims on November 6th, 2009
Ottawa Lawyers: Calculating Your Settlement
When deciding upon a settlement for your personal injury claim, Ottawa lawyers must consider many different factors. It is not a simple process by any means. There is no way for lawyers to know up front how much you will end up with; it depends on the details of your case along with certain formulas. Unfortunately, some Ottawa lawyers will try to woo you by promising you a large settlement amount. This is typically done so that you will hire them without looking at other determining factors such as their track record and experience.
Damages
First you must understand what damages you are entitled to. If your accident or injury caused you to miss time and wages from your work, you are entitled to receive those lost wages in your compensation. If your injury requires you to take long term disability, you should be compensated for that as well. Any property damages as a result of your accident, as well as emotional trauma and medical bills from physical trauma, these are all things that you will want to calculate in as damages for your compensation. Experienced Ottawa lawyers can help you figure out what your damages are from your accident and ensure that you are properly compensated.
The reason that most Ottawa lawyers can not immediately assess your probable settlement amount also lies in the fact that some damages are subjective. For example, mental anguish can not be calculated in a dollar amount. It is up to analysts to calculate a reasonable number, typically using a formula, to decide how much is appropriate to attribute to these damages. If your mental damages are debilitating or lifelong, you will be awarded a much higher sum than if your damages are slight.
Who’s More at Fault?
Another factor in determining settlement amounts is the percentage of fault. In order to win a case, Ottawa lawyers must have evidence that the accident or injury was due to the negligence of the other party. However, 100% of the injury need not be their fault. Typically some of the blame may lie on the side of the injured party, and in that case the insurance company and the victim can come to a conclusion as to what percent of the accident was the fault of the injured party and what percent was the fault of the other party.
Once a conclusion has been reached, there is a new calculation of the possible settlement amount. After adding up all of the damage amounts, including lost wages, disability, mental anguish, and anything else you may feel entitled to, the percentage that is attributed to your fault is then taken out of the equation. For example, if your damages total $1,000, and it is decided that you are 30% to blame for the accident, you would be seeking out $700 in compensation for your losses. Experienced Ottawa lawyers may try to argue for more on your behalf, but this is the number that will typically begin the negotiations.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to an accident or negligence, feel free to call or email me for a free consultation. I would be happy to discuss with you your options. Do it for yourself and your family. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca
Ottawa Car Accident :7 people with injury.
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents on November 4th, 2009
Another serious accident to report in Ottawa..I wish everyone involved a speedy recovery. 3 children were among the injured in the collisions, which shut down Bank Street between Findlay Creek Drive and Blais Road around 7:30 a.m. The pileup happened at about 7:30 a.m. when a pickup rear-ended a car, setting up a chain reaction of crashes. Ottawa police, firefighters and paramedics responded to the accident. As of Wednesday afternoon, two adults and a 14-month-old boy remained in hospital in stable condition.The boy was unconscious when paramedics arrived but he regained consciousness soon after. Witnesses had removed him from his car seat. Paramedics treated two other boys, aged 12 and five, for minor neck injuries. Firefighters had to extract at least two other people from a car. A 31-year-old woman, who was found unconscious, was treated for head and facial injuries. A 41-year-old man suffered serious head injuries and facial lacerations. He, too, was unconscious at the scene. Two other men, a 30-year-old and a 45-year-old, were treated, respectively, for neck and facial injuries.
Police continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 613-236-1222 ext. 2481 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).
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If you or a family member has been seriously injured or have suffered an injury due to an accident or someone’s neglicence, David Hollingsworth and his team are here for you. We have the reputation, experience and the expertise to represent you and obtain the maximum compensation possible for you and your family. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information or call 613 978-9549 to speak directly with David Hollingsworth.
