Archive for the ‘Ottawa Resources’ Category
Ottawa cyclists deserve cycling safety, Ottawa personal injury lawyer David Hollingsworth
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Car Accidents, Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources on September 1st, 2010
Ottawa bicycle accident lawyer David Hollingsworth, Cycling Accidents in Ontario….More than 200 cyclists took to Ottawa streets stating: cycling safety deserves our attention. “The message has to be a level of respect and polite sharing of the road,” said Eleanor McMahon. Sadly, McMahon lost her husband to a cycling accident 4 years ago. He served and protected as an Ontario police officer, now she is protecting his legacy through the “share the road” riding event.
The ride aims to make ensure no more lives are lost because of a battle between bicycle and car. 2 weeks ago, a 53-year-old cyclist died on Boyce Street in Ottawa’s west end. The loss was felt by Ottawa’s strong cycling community. It was also not that long ago that Ottawa was devastated by the bizarre Ottawa cycling accident that injured 5 cyclists. ”It raises a lot of emotions in me because we are still going through rehabilitation,” said cyclist Cathy Anderson. She was one of 5 cyclists who survived that serious bicycle accident in Kanata last July. Cycling enthusiasts at the event say it will take public education and determination to make sure the message sinks in. McMahon says the rides will help raise money as they get ready to approach the government. The group wants a law that will enforce a one-metre rule between cyclist and vehicle.
The following are some common types of collisions that a cyclist may suffer pesonal injury in:
- A motor vehicle driver turning directly in front of a bicyclist;
- An automobile driver entering the street from a driveway or parking spot and pulls out into traffic in front of the bicyclist;
- A motorist’s failure to yield at an intersection or running a stop sign or red light;
- A vehicle driver’s inattention while driving past a bicyclist;
- An automobile driver’s failure to look both ways when resuming travel after stopping at a stop sign;
- An automobile driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
There is very little protection for a rider involved in a bicycle accident and bicycle injuries can be very severe. If you have been involved in a bicycle or cycling accident, you may need the help of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. David Hollingsworth is an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer who can help guide you through the process and make sure you are financially covered in the future. Free consultations www.ottawainjury.ca or call 613 978-9549
Ontario Accident Benefits Lawyer, Limitations and Compensations
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Accident Benefits Insurance Claims, Ottawa Resources on August 27th, 2010
Ontario Accident Benefits Lawyer, David Hollingsworth…Obtaining an Ontario personal injury lawyer after an accident in Ontario is important to protect your rights and ensure you receive ALL the compensation you are entitled to. The province of Ontario has many time limitations when it comes to seeking compensation for personal injuries due to a motor vehicle accident and other Ontario accidents. Often times, just figuring out if you need an Ontario personla injury lawyer is your first concern after an Ontario a car accident, bicycle accident, motorcycle accident, or slip and fall accident.
When you have been involved in an Ontario accident and you would like to pursue applying for Ontario accident benefits compensation from your insurance company, you are responsible for notifying the insurer within 7 days of the date of the Ontario accident. In some cases the personal injuries you suffer may be so serious that you are unable to apply for Ontario accident benefits within the 7 day grace period, in which case you must do it asap. Once the insurance company has sent the accident benefit forms you will then have 30 days from the point you receive the accident benefit application to return the forms back to your insurance company. If you fail to meet these timelines, don’t worry- all is not lost as long as there is a reasonable excuse for the forms being returned late.
The Ontario Insurance Act states the following; when attempting to obtain compensation due to loss, damage from bodily personal injury or wrongful death arising from the use or operation of an automobile the plaintiff (injured party) must present written notice to start a lawsuit against the defendant within 120 days of the Ontario accident and a law suit can not be started after 2 years of the original claim .
Recovery after a traumatic personal injury can be a very complicated and stressful time and a top personal injury lawyer can help you through difficult times, helping you with medical reports, insurance adjusters and complicated insurance forms.
For over a decade, David Hollingsworth has been an Ontario personal injury lawyer in Ottawa working with an Ottawa Law Firm of 50 years, representing accident victims who have suffered a personal injury or loved ones of those who have suffered a wrongful death due to motor vehicle accidents and other forms of negligence since 1999. Call 613 978-9549 for a free consultation or visit www.ottawainjury.ca Ottawa Accident Lawyer, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth-
mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
Ottawa to add bicycle paths…reduction in Ottawa bicycle accidents and personal injuries?
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources on August 19th, 2010
Ottawa Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth , Personal Injury Lawyers . Good news for Ottawa cyclists….The City of Ottawa wants to close some of the gaps in its bike-path network, and could be looking for National Capital Commission funding help. 5 projects recommended for next year would link existing paths and provide better access to institutions, transit stations and communities, says a staff report to go before council’s transportation committee on Monday. The work would cost about $7.7 million, according to “very preliminary” estimates, and the report suggests staff be directed to seek a cost-sharing arrangement with the NCC, which has also identified most of the proposed projects as future pathways. The NCC and city have developed their paths at different rates, and that, along with previous budget cuts and general inattention to the path system, has left several gaps in the system that have become a common complaint among cyclists.
In 2008, council approved the long-range Ottawa Cycling Plan, which calls for 1,200 new km of bike lanes, multi-use pathways and bike-friendly paved shoulders over 20 years. Council also approved spending $26 million over five years for the first phase of the project, which includes closing some of the gaps. The proposed pathways are designated in the cycling plan as future off-road cycling routes, and in a 2006 report, the NCC referred to four of them as projects to be constructed within 10 years, the staff report says.
Although the city hasn’t made a formal request, the NCC is aware of the staff report’s recommendations and “shares the city’s objectives of improving the pathway network,” said NCC spokesman Jean Wolff. Mona Abouhenidy, the city’s program manager of transportation strategic planning, said the NCC has so far been supportive of making the capital region more cycling-friendly, so she’s hopeful a cost-sharing agreement can be worked out.
City staff are also exploring what other projects could be proposed for next year that wouldn’t involve the NCC. “The ultimate objective is to create better and safer facilities for cyclists, so it becomes a more attractive mode of transportation,” Abouhenidy said. Between 2000 and 2009, the city added about 160 kilometres of new bike routes to its network. Including projects already underway in 2010, the city will have about 560 kilometres of the routes by the end of the year, Abouhenidy said.
Planners look at what cycling-friendly facilities can be added at the same time as other projects such as road reconstructions are done, she said. And city policies call for pedestrian and cycling facilities to be included on new and reconstructed roads. But it’s more of a challenge to link bike routes in older communities, where rights-of-way are limited and there are competing interests among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, Abouhenidy said. And, of course, finding the money is always a challenge.
City councillors Clive Doucet (Capital), Diane Holmes (Somerset), Christine Leadman (Kitchissippi), Maria McRae (River) and Rainer Bloess (Innes) were consulted for the staff report because the proposed work takes place in their wards, and all said they support filling the gaps. All but one of the proposed paths are within seven kilometres of Parliament Hill, a distance that takes about 20 minutes cycling at a moderate pace, the report says. They all connect to an off-road route or a street that has a bike lane.
If approved by the transportation committee, the proposal would go before council on Aug. 25. Meanwhile, the city is also conducting a cycling safety study, and on its website is asking for input on dangerous areas. Staff will then analyse up to 20 sites deemed to be well-used but “difficult.” It’s expected the study will be finished by the end of the year, “but an on-going program will be developed based on many of the recommendations made within this project,” according to the city.
Ottawa Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth is dedicated to helping Ottawa and Ontario accident victims. With his extensive experience and knowledge of relevant accident and personal injury issues, he has recovered millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of his personal injury clients. David has the experience and skill to present a successful accident case in order to obtain maximum compensation for his personal injury clients. David offers free consultations and makes home visits or hospital visits. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information.
mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
Steps to follow after an Ontario accident, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer Hollingsworth
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources on August 18th, 2010
Ottawa Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyers David Hollingsworth:
If you have been involved in an Ontario accident, whether or not you immediately feel pain or symptoms of a personal injury, here are suggestions to follow:
1. First and foremost, remain calm.
2. Call the Ontario police and report the accident.
3. Take pictures of your vehicle, the other other vehicle, the Ontario accident scenes, bruises, cuts and scrapes..
4. Seek medical assistance (even if you feel you are not injured).
5. Consult with an Ontario personal injury lawyer.
6. Do not provide any statements or sign any documents without your Ontario personal injury lawyer present.
7. When dealing with police officers at the scene, provide those facts that you know to be the truth; do not speculate what you think happened.
Call your insurance company:
1. Do not permit the statement to be recorded. Follow the advice given to you by your Ontario personal injury lawyer.
2. Ensure you are given adequate time to give your statement. Don’t let the insurance company rush you; you may forget something important you feel rushed, you may tend to forget important points.
3. Bring all information with you such as the location of the Ontario accident, time, date, insurance information, and any witnesses.
4. Remember that you can decline to answer any question for any reason. (Obtain your Ontario personal injury lawyer’s advice if need be)
5. Answer only what you are asked, nothing more. Avoid giving more detail than needed.
6. Do not sign anything without advice from your Ontario personal injury lawyer.
While some of this advice may seem a little bit much, it is important for you to remember that your insurance company may hire a private investigator , and may fight paying you the benefits you need and are entitled to.
Drive safely and be careful out there on Ontario roads ! Do everything you can to avoid an accident.
Since 1999, David Hollingsworth and his pesonal injury team have been dedicated to helping Ontario accident victims. Ottawa Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth has successfully handled hundreds of Ontario accident cases and has extensive experience and knowledge of relevant issues involved with Ontario accidents and Ontario insurance claims. David offers free consultations and will visit homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information.
mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporationwhich helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life funding is needed during litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.
Changes to Ontario insurance rates may result in lack of insurance for personal injuries, Ottawa Lawyer David Hollingsworth
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Accident Benefits Insurance Claims, Ottawa Resources, Personal Injury Claims on August 17th, 2010
Ontario Insurance Claims Lawyer, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth
Drivers should be careful not to accept the lowest Ontario insurance coverage just to save a few bucks a month. Ontario drivers signing new insurance policies or renewing existing ones will see a drastic change in their basic injury coverage when Ontario’s new auto insurance policy takes effect, lowering the minimum required rehabilitation coverage from $100,000 to $50,000. In addition, coverage for minor injury treatment has been capped at $3,500. If you can make it work, you should not settle for the new basic Ontario insurance packages set to change in September , which could leave those who suffer personal injury from an Ontario accident in trouble. If the Ontario car insurance you select doesn’t cover rehabilitative needs , injured victims could be left to cover it themselves out of their own pocket, leaving many Ontario accident victims with personal injuries they cannot afford to care for.
Yes, some Ontario drivers might get a slight dip in their auto insurance rates come September as compensation; however, depending on what you drive, where you drive it and who insures you, the average Ontario car insurance price decrease will range anywhere from 0.01% to more than 7%. Customers with some companies will see no change at all.
A $3,500 cap simply will not cover most minor personal injuries, not to mention that personal injuries sometimes worsen over time. Under Ontario’s new auto insurance policy, a minor injury would be defined as a sprain, strain, whiplash, contusion, abrasion, laceration, partial dislocation of a joint or organ and any pathological condition resulting from a personal injury. The reality is that under Ontario’s new “basic” coverage, Ontario accident victims’ personal injury needs will not be met. As an Ontario personal injury lawyer, I am highly recommending everyone to unfortunately pay more to keep the current accident benefits at the very minimum.
I do fear that most people will choose the lowest option, not knowing the very serious implications of this choice. Most people will choose to pay the lowest level of coverage and premiums might go down, but they are seriously putting themselves at risk if they are involved in an Ontario accident and suffer personal injury.
For customers who want to keep the same level of personal injury coverage it will cost them on average about $150 more per year on a one-driver, one-vehicle plan, depending on the insurance company. I know this is hard to swallow but it is a drop in the bucket compared to what it could be if ever you are in an Ontario accident and experience personal injury from an accident and need treatment that is not covered. Ontario drivers with an existing policy will receive the same coverage after Sept. 1 until that policy expires.
Ottawa personal injury lawyer David Hollingsworth has been dedicated to helping Ontario accident victims and their families get the support and help needed for their personal injuries. With over a decade of experience, David has forged strong relationships with medical doctors, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, other treating health practitioners and the support network involved with his clients. David is happy to discuss all Ontario accidents and can help determine what one needs and is entitled to when rebuilding a life after an accident, free of charge 613 978-9549 or 613 237-4922 ext 203 or visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information.
Reducing Ottawa Bicycle Accidents ? Helmets Mandatory? Less Personal Injury? I’m for that..
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources on August 12th, 2010
Ottawa Bicycle Accident Lawyer , Ontario Cycling Accidents Lawyer, Ottawa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth. The personal injuries resulting from bicycle accidents can be devasting and life threatening. Wearing a bicycle helmet can not only reduce risks of a head injury or brain injury, it can save lives. A new study is calling on provincial governments to pass laws that force cyclists to wear helmets.
The study was published this month in the journal Injury Prevention and was conducted by researchers at the University of Manitoba and the University of Ottawa. The study suggests cyclists are much more likely to wear helmets and avoid pesonal injury if they live in a province with a mandatory helmet law. There is little consistency across Canada in terms of helmet use legislation. British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick all have mandatory helmet legislation for people of all ages.
A handful of other provinces have adopted bicycle helmet laws that apply only to those under the age of 18.
‘It’s atrocious that in 2010, every province does not have some sort of helmet legislation.’—Ryan Zarychanski, study co-leader
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec have no bicycle helmet laws at all. Manitoba Liberals have been pushing for a helmet law for years but the NDP government has refused. The province’s medical association has also called for a helmet law. Manitoba has instead opted to keep helmet use optional, and has tried to encourage helmet use through promotional campaigns and by offering subsidized helmets that cost as little as $10.
“Clearly, helmet legislation works and clearly it reduces serious head injury and facial lacerations.” stated Zarychanski. The researchers used data collected from the Canadian Community Health Survey, which relies on information collected from the long-form census.
They compared 2005 helmet use figures involving more than 4,600 respondents in 3 provinces with very different rules for cyclists. Helmets were worn by 73.2 % of respondents in Nova Scotia, where helmet use is mandatory for everyone. The rate was just 40.6 % in Ontario, where helmets are mandatory for young people only, and a mere 26.9 % in Saskatchewan.
Critics of helmet laws have argued that making helmets mandatory might discourage people from cycling. But the study found that cycling reamined constant in Alberta and PEI after those provinces adopted helmet laws in 2002 and 2003 respectively. “Contrary to popular belief, provincial helmet legislation does not cause people to cycle less, but it does result in increased helmet use, which has been shown to prevent serious head injury,” Zarychanski said.
Victims who suffer serious personal injury in Ottawa bicycle accidents and Ontario bicycle accidents need to protect their rights to compensation with the help of an Ottawa personal injury lawyer or Ontario personal injury lawyer that understands the laws regarding bicycle accidents in Ontario and who specializes in personal injury and driver negligence and can help you get back to your life as best possible.
Ottawa Ontario Bicycle Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth helps those injured in bicycle and pedestrian accidents. If you were hit by a car while cycling or walking, you have a right to obtain accident benefits from the driver’s insurance policy. You may also be able to obtain financial compensation for damages through a personal injury claim. To arrange a free initial consultation about your bicycle or pedestrian accident, please contact our office by e-mail david@ottawainjury.ca or call 613 978-9549 or 613 237-4922 ext 203.
Ontario Driving Safety Tips: Ottawa Car Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Car Accidents, Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources on August 9th, 2010
I came across this information on the Canadian Safety Council Website and thought I would share it with you. Ottawa Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth, Personal Injury Lawyer for Eastern Ontario…More fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than at any other time of year, including the winter holiday season. Alcohol, fatigue and aggressive driving are often implicated in these tragedies. Whether you’re out for a day trip, travelling to the cottage or on a cross-country holiday, the Canada Safety Council urges all Canadians to put safety first when you set out on your summer travels.
Prepare your vehicle
Before leaving on vacation, have your vehicle checked to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace worn parts to avoid the worry and time-consuming costly repairs that could ruin your trip. Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Make sure all lights work, including signal lights.
Keep your passengers safe
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up properly at all times. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe while on the road.
If you are travelling with young children, make sure to make regular stops. Bring plenty of items to keep them occupied. Special travel games and songs also help.
Drive defensively
Drive at a safe speed. Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of a crash. The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the driver has to react to a hazard, and for other road users to react to that vehicle. A speeding vehicle requires more time and distance to stop. Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. Apply the three second rule so you can see around the car ahead and plan a manoeuvre to avoid potential dangers, add more time if you have a heavier vehicle, and in poor weather conditions.
The Canada Safety Council estimates that 85 per cent of collisions are preventable. But simply being in the right will not save you from injury or death. You must be prepared for the unsafe actions of other motorists or for poor driving conditions.
- Obey all signs and signals, including speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs and railway crossings.
- If you drive with a wireless phone, avoid unnecessary calls and always make the driving task your top priority.
- Absolutely never drink and drive.
Stay alert
Canadians often travel long distances when they go on vacation. This creates a temptation to keep driving for extended periods even when tired. On top of this, routes can be quite monotonous, another factor that can make a driver sleepy. Get a good sleep before leaving on a long trip. Fatigue is a form of impairment; so don’t give in to that temptation to push on. If you started early, stop early. Rest stops are important. A break keeps the driver alert by promoting blood circulation, makes the trip more pleasant for passengers and lets the vehicle cool down.
Carrying a heavy load or towing a trailer
Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job. Check your owner’s manual or if in doubt contact your vehicle dealer. Check that your rear view mirrors give a clear view of the road behind. Driving a heavily loaded car or towing a trailer means you need more space to stop or pass. Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. Keep your distance – at least three seconds for each six metres (20 ft.) of vehicle length. For conditions that are less than ideal, increase the following distance. If cars cut in front of you, drop back to keep your separation. When traveling slower than the flow of traffic, be courteous. Pull over where possible to let faster vehicles pass.
Share the road
With the warmer weather, comes the prevalence of vulnerable roads users. Motorists must be cautious of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Always be on the lookout for and yield to vulnerable road users, even if they don’t have the right-of-way. Summer also brings increased construction on our roads and highways. Be prepared to stop or slow down in construction zones.
Drive safely and stay safe on the roads!
David Hollingsworth has been a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa dedicated to helping accident victims receive all the compensation they need after an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured or died as the result of an Ontario accident, you may be entitled to accident benefits you are not receiving. As an Ottawa lawyer specializing in personal injury, David meets with people daily who have been seriously hurt and need help. Visit his website at www.ottawainjury.ca or email info@ottawainjury.ca for more information and a free consultation. David understand your needs and can help with your personal injury claim and other Ontario accident related issues. Call for a free consultation 613 978-9549 or visit www.ottawainjury.ca
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Head Injuries, Ottawa Lawyers
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Brain Injury / Head Injury, Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources on August 3rd, 2010
Ontario Brain Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth, Ottawa Head Injury Lawyers, TBI, Traumatic Brain Injuries..A high number of serious accidents results in brain injury or head injury. A brain injury is not always preventable, but in some instances, it may be…
Brain Injury Facts
The Good News:
What You Can Do Remember: Some crashes aren’t accidents, but predictable, preventable events.
Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer Profile David Hollingsworth for brain injuries Since 1999, David Hollingsworth has been an Ottawa, Ontario personal injury lawyer working with accident victims who have suffered a serious brain injury or head injury. David understands the needs of a brain injury and this “invisble personal injury and can help you with your personal injury claim and other Ontario accident related issues. Call for a free consultation 613 978-9549 or 613-237-4922 ext 203 or visit www.ottawainjury.ca Ottawa Ontario Brain Injury Lawyers: David Hollingsworth
Ontario Boating Accident: New laws, zero tolerance, applies to boats and canoes, Ottawa lawyers David Hollingsworth
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources on August 2nd, 2010
It has been a gorgeous long weekend. I have had the pleasure of being at the cottage with my family and being on the water, teaching my kids to waterski. Our lake, which is usually quite quiet has had boats and jetskis zipping around all weekend. I say, great..but I will admit, it has been busy and somewhat stressful. I can only imagine what it is like on the big lakes. This is the weekend to be out on a boat. Unfortunately, this also means there will be an increase in the number of Ontario boating accidents. A boating accident injury can result in serious personal injury, wrongful death, high financial difficulties due to medical bills, treatment, and any boat and property damage created by the boating accident. Yesterday, a new law came into effect stipulating anyone under 22 years old cannot drink alcohol and drive. That goes for boat operators, too. Even canoes. Boaters of all ages are encouraged to be more careful. Sadly, the Civic Holiday period is a weekend known for an increase in boating accidents. “They’re in such a rush to get on the water, and start having some fun, they forget about safety,” says OPP Const. Janice Sawbridge. That safety applies to a boat, the same way it does a car: common sense to this boater. “You shouldn’t be drinking and boating. It’s just like driving a car,” says Robin St. Martin.
No alcohol allowed for those under 22- But it’s an old habit that is dying hard, despite a new law. Ontario drivers under 22 will soon be required to keep their blood alcohol levels at zero. The penalties are the same as for impaired driving: licence suspension and up to $500 in fines. Boat safety instructor John Morrow says the majority of boaters are responsible. For those that are not, there are police checks — especially this year. “The presence of the police on the water — I see them out there quite frequently.
Boating accidents occur largely because people underestimate the dangers of boats as compared to cars. The boating accidents occur because of negligence and can result in serious and deadly boating accident injuries. There is statute of limitations for filing a boating accident report and cases so it is important to contact a boating accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
David Hollingsworth has been a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa dedicated to helping accident victims receive all the compensation they need after an accident such as a boating. If you or a loved one has been injured or died as the result of an Ontario boating accident, you may be entitled to accident benefits you are not receiving. As an Ottawa lawyer specializing in personal injury, David meets with people daily who have been seriously hurt and need help. Visit my website at www.ottawainjury.ca or email info@ottawainjury.ca for more information and a free consultation. David understand your needs and can help with your personal injury claim and other Ontario accident related issues. Call for a free consultation 613 978-9549 or visit www.ottawainjury.ca
Ontario Spinal Cord Injury, Personal Injury, Ottawa Lawyer
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Injury and Accidents, Ottawa Resources, Ottawa Spinal Cord Injury on August 1st, 2010
Ottawa Ontario Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth, Ottawa Ontario Paraplegia Lawyers, Ontario Quadriplegia Lawyer David Hollingsworth…..Ottawa Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth.. I came across this information and wanted to share this information with you..especially given that July is the highest rate of spinal cord injuries…
Causes of spinal cord injury include motor vehicle accidents (44%), acts of violence (24%), slip and falls (22%), athletic sports ( 2/3 of these are from diving accidents) (8%), and other (2%). Statistics differ somewhat in other countries – in Canada and western Europe, personal injury due to violence are rare, while in developing countries, violence is even more common. Statistics show that the summer is the worst time for spinal cord injury, with July having the highest incidence. They happen more frequently on weekends and at nights. Most people who get spinal cord injuries are male (82%) and the median age at the time of injury is 31.7 years. About 10,000 Americans suffer SCI every year. Approximately 250,000 Americans are living with some form of SCI.
Males make up at least 80% of all spinal cord injuries. Alcohol plays a big role in spinal cord injuries, accounting for at least 25% of cases. Preexisting spinal disease can cause some people to be more susceptible to getting spinal cord injuries. These include:
- Atlantoaxial instability
- Cervical spondylosis
- Osteoporosis
- Congenital conditions
- Spinal Arthropathies.
Central cord syndrome is the most common form of incomplete acute spinal cord injury characterized by motor impairment in both the upper limb and lower limb, variable degree of sensory loss below the level of personal injury, and bladder dysfunction. The motor impairment is disproportionate and is usually greater in upper limb as well as lower limb.Central cord syndrome is more common among elderly with long-standing cervical spondylosis but, it can occur in younger person also and may be associated with various type of personal injury and predisposing factors.
Location of fibres in the spinal cord
Fibers carrying the motor and sensory impulses for lower limbs are located in the most peripheral part of the cord, whereas fibers carrying impulses for the upper limb and voluntary bowel and bladder function are more centrally located. Sacral tracts are located most peripherally & are usually spared from personal injury.
Causes of spinal cord injuries
Central cord syndrome is usually the result of trauma to the spinal cord. The commonest mode of spinal cord injury is hyperextension injury in a patient of long-standing cervical spondylosis when the spinal cord is pinched by the ligamentum flavum or anterior compression by the osteophytes. Sometimes, central cord syndrome may be a result of fracture dislocation and compression fracture especially if the spinal cord is congenitally narrow. Central cord syndrome may also be caused due to bleeding and hematoma formation.
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries
- History of trauma usually a fall
- Weakness in both upper and lower limbs
- Variable degree of sensory loss
- Loss of pain & temperature sensation
- Loss of sensation of light touch and position
Diagnosis of a spinal cord injury
X-ray: Fracture & dislocation can be diagnosed and flexion or extension view will be helpful in diagnosing stability of ligaments.
CT scan: CT scan of cervical spine may show a narrow spinal canal.
MRI scan: MRI can clearly demonstrate the presence of hematoma, impingement from bone or intervertebral disc.
Treatment of a spinal cord injury
There is no cure for central cord syndrome. Treatment is usually supportive and includes medical supervision and surgical treatment as well as physical therapy. Indications for surgery are rare and need for surgical treatment has to be individualized. Physical therapy mainly helps to preserve the range of motion.
Prognosis of a spincal cord injury
Prognosis for central cord syndrome varies. Patient receiving early treatment typically recover better. Walking is recovered in most cases with some residual disability. Improvement starts in lower limb, followed by bladder and lastly seen in upper limbs.
With over 11 years experience as an Ottawa, Ontario personal injury lawyer, David Hollingsworth has been helping Ontario spinal cord injury victims and Ontario accident victims get the help they need following an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Ottawa accident or an Ontario accident and have suffered serious a spinal cord injury or personal injury, you will need compensation to modify your home but you will also need compensation to build a new life in the years to come. David has helped spinal cord injury victims get the maximum amount of compensation fo their injury. Let David Hollingsworth, one of Ottawa’s best personal injury lawyers who is an experienced and highly qualified Ontario personal injury lawyer in Ottawa help for you rebuild your life . Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for free consultations.
mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
Ottawa Spinal Cord Injury and Accident Lawyer, www.ottawainjury.caOttawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth-
