Archive for the ‘Personal Injury Claims’ Category
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.
Ontario laws change to reduce accidents and personal injury in young drivers
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Resources, Personal Injury Claims on July 28th, 2010
Ottawa, Ontario Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth- Ontario Personal Injury Lawyers..These are very important changes for all Ontario drivers…
The Ontario government announced new rules this week for young and novice Ontario drivers that include tougher restrictions on blood-alcohol levels. Under the rules, which come into effect on Aug. 1, drivers 21 years old and under must have zero blood alcohol levels while behind the wheel, regardless of their licence category. Under the current Ontario, zero tolerance policy only applies to those with a G1 or G2 class licence.
Ontario drivers: Metabolizing alcohol
How your body gets rid of alcohol you have consumed depends on a variety of factors, including age, gender, body size, how much you drank and the health of your liver. It generally takes an hour to metabolize 15 millilitres of alcohol, about the amount in a standard serving of spirits, wine or beer. But that’s only a very rough estimate. The liver deals with 95 per cent of the alcohol you consume. The rest is eliminated through excretion in breath, urine, sweat, feces, milk and saliva. Your breath and urine are of particular interest to officials looking to determine whether you are impaired. If you consume four drinks over the course of an hour, it will take about seven hours for your body to get rid of all the alcohol. You can expect to register a blood alcohol content of approximately .05 per cent — regarded as significantly unsafe for driving — four hours after you stop drinking. If you’ve had two drinks, your blood alcohol content should peak at just under .05. It will take around 4½ hours for your body to eliminate all the alcohol. If you’re a 59-kilogram (130-pound) woman who’s breastfeeding, it will take your body just under five hours to get rid of all the alcohol in two drinks. Sources: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
“What we’re trying to do is introduce sanctions that will educate drivers right up front so they get into good practices early on,” said Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne. Anyone caught breaking the new rules will have their licence suspended immediately for 24 hours and could face a further suspension of 30 days, plus a fine of up to $500.
Ontario Government Targets Repeat Offenders
The new rules also include a system of escalating sanctions for novice drivers who repeatedly violate traffic rules. Under the new rules, novice drivers who accumulate four or more demerit points will be given a 30-day suspension for their first conviction, Wynne said. “On second conviction, it’s a 90-day suspension, and then potentially the novice licence could be cancelled and they’ll have to start all over again,” Wynne said.”Just telling people things, just saying that you shouldn’t drink and drive isn’t enough,” Wynne said. “We’ve got to educate people about these dangers, and these sanctions are part of the education.” Wynne said drivers aged 19 to 21 are nearly 1.5 times more likely to be involved in drinking and driving accidents that involve death or personal injury. The zero tolerance for drinking and driving for people 21 and under was passed after the Liberal government backed off another initiative that would have limited teenage drivers to having only one other teen passenger in their vehicles.There are further sanctions dealing with novice drivers who have too many people in vehicle or are caught for certain speeding offences. Also effective Aug. 3, eligible drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence for the first time will be able to reduce their licence suspension if they agree to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle, at their expense. The initiative is aimed at helping impaired drivers change their behaviour to prevent them from becoming repeat offenders, the ministry said in a statement.
Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer Profile David Hollingsworth
For over a decade, David Hollingsworth has been an Ottawa, Ontario personal injury lawyer working with Goldberg Stroud LLP, an Ottawa law firm of 50 years, representing clients 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. David understands 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
Ottawa Accident results in death: Ottawa Lawyers : Personal Injury
Ottawa Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth- Personal Injury Lawyers in Ottawa-
A young Ottawa man in his 20s is dead after his car crashed down a pole on Claridge Drive, just north of Strandherd Drive, in south Nepean. Ottawa Police have closed down the area during their investigation. There was also a passenger travelling in the car who received suffered serious personal injury enough to go to hospital. An investigation continues. The suburban area is located about 30 minutes south of Ottawa’s downtown.
With over 11 years experience as an Ottawa, Ontario personal injury lawyer, David Hollingsworth has been helping Ottawa accident 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 personal injury or death you are likely entitled to compensation you are not receiving. 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. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for free consultations.
Ottawa Accident Lawyer, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth-
mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
Spinal Cord Injury: Ottawa Lawyer David Hollingsworth shares facts
Posted by Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth in Ottawa Spinal Cord Injury, Personal Injury Claims on June 22nd, 2010
Ottawa Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth, Ottawa Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Personal Injury Facts: Spinal Cord Injury
- 55% of spinal cord injuries are from motor vehicle accidents.
- 84% of injuries occur to people under the age of 34.
- Spinal cord injury is one of the most traumatic events to occur in an individual’s life.
- A spinal cord injury can happen to anyone at any time.
- 18% of spinal cord injuries are sustained by unintentional falls.
- On average, it takes 2 to 3 years to attain sufficient independence following spinal cord injury.
- People can and do make a positive adjustment to life with a spinal cord injury.
- 27 % of spinal cord injuries are the result of medical conditions or sports injuries.
- In Ontario, approximately 600,000 people (7%) of the population, live with a paralysis or permanent mobility impairment.
- Spinal cord injury affects family, friends, employers, community and the health care system.
- The unemployment rate for people with a spinal cord injury is 62%.
- Last year, CPA Ontario helped 74 people return to work.
- Paraplegia is the loss of sensation and movement in legs and in part of all of the trunk, usually resulting from an injury to the spinal cord below the neck.
- The cost of a spinal cord injury to the Canadian Health Care system can be between $1.25 million and $25 million over an individual’s lifetime, depending on the severity of injury.
- 8 – to – 10% of our population has a mobility impairment
- There are 350-400 new spinal cord injuries every year in Ontario (approximately one every day) and current estimates indicate that there are approximately 12,000 Ontarians living with spinal cord injury.
A spinal cord injury (SCI) completely changes the life of the victim and those who are close to him or her. Paralysis is a life-altering experience which results in enormous financial costs to cover ongoing medical care, attendant care, medical equipment, adaptive technologies, specialized medicines and supplies.
Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer Profile
For well over a decade, David Hollingsworth has been an Ottawa personal injury lawyer working with Goldberg Stroud LLP, an Ottawa law firm of 50 years, representing clients who have suffered spinal cord injury and other serious 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.
Visit www.ottawainjury.ca or call 613 978-9549 for Ottawa lawyer free consultations
Ottawa Accident Lawyer, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth-
mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
Pembroke Accident – Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth
Pembroke Accident Lawyer, David Hollingsworth – Pembroke Personal Injury Lawyers…
David Hollingsworth, Pembroke Personal Injury Lawyer
mobile (613) 978-9549
(613) 237-4922 ext.203
David Hollingsworth selected bestattorneysonline / Ottawa Law Firms
Ottawa Accident Lawyer -Best Attorney Online David Hollingsworth -Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer -Eastern Ontario….thought I would share….
Bestattorneysonline.com ranks law firms based on research to be some of the most respectable and dedicated law teams. Bestasttorneysonline.com identifies and ranks the best lawyers and law firms by practice areas. For the past 2 months, David Hollingsworth has been chosen as 1 of 3 best attorneys online in the area of personal injury law. This is quite an honour as there are over 10,000 attorneys and law firms analyzed.
Best Attorneys Online-David Hollingsworth, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer
(613) 237-4922 ext.203 mobile (613) 978-9549
Ottawa lawyers, contingency fees and free consultations
Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth – Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer
Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer explains contingency fees and free consultations..
Hiring an Ottawa or Ontario Personal Injury lawyer because of a serious accident can be a difficult and stressful task. Whether you were in a car accident, bicycle accident, a pedestrian accident (hit by a car), slip and fall accident at the super market or a store; whether you were injured at someone else’s home or on an escalator you may be entitled to compensation for your personal injury.
Many lawyers will take on a personal injury lawsuit but not all of them handle the case from start to finish. Some will simply sign up your case only to refer it to another firm that you know nothing about just to get a referral fee. Other, larger law firms will have you meet with an experienced lawyer only to turn around and delegate your personal injury case to a newer associate. It is important to make sure that the personal injury lawyer you hire is the roght one for you and if you want, willing to handle your case themselves from start to finish.
Free Initial Consultation
Some Ottawa personal injury lawyers such as David Hollingsworth offer a free consultation and will take your case on contingency. This can be done on the telephone , at your home, David’s office, your hospital, rehabilitation centre or wherever you are most comfortable. Not all Ottawa personal injury lawyers are willing to leave the office to meet you. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows that it is often difficult to travel after an accident. David understands that at this point in your life, it may be very difficult for you to come and meet him and his personal injury team and is absolutely willing to travel to meet you and not just in Ottawa, throughout eastern Ontario places such as SmithFalls, Cornwall, Perth, Arnprior, Hawkesbury etc…
Remember that in addition to being your advocate, your Ottawa or Ontario personal injury lawyer is responsible for advising you as to the strengths and weaknesses of your personal injury case, which will in turn better prepare you when making an informed decision on whether or not to settle your Ontario personal injury case.
What is a Contingency Fee Agreement?
A contingency fee agreement is a type of contract where the client only pays the Ontario personal injury lawyer a percentage of the fee once the case is resolved and the money has been paid to the client. When David meets with new clients, they sit down and discuss what contingency fee arrangements works for everybody; as no 2 cases are alike and everybody’s financial situation is different. David understands this.
Cost and Expenses of Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Another matter of concern are the “costs” or “expenses” associated with starting an Ontario personal injury lawsuit. These are different costs from the lawyer’s fee and can usually include the cost for filing the lawsuit as well as charges for medical records, reports and for investigators and expert witnesses. Some personal injury lawyers, such as David Hollingsworth will agree to advance the costs on your behalf. The contingency fee agreement is also required to specify whether expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingency fee is calculated. You can even contract to pay your Ontario personal injury lawyer by the hour instead of on a contingency fee basis; however, most personal injury clients opt to have the risk to the personal injury lawyer and pay only in the event of a successful recovery. Also, this way, your personal injury lawyer is invested in your case. An Ottawa or Ontario personal injury lawyer may spend thousands of dollars for expenses and spend hundreds of hours working on your personal injury case. Under the contingency fee agreement the personal injury lawyer only gets a fee when they get a recovery for you.
If all of this seems confusing and overwhelming, you are not alone. David would be happy to sit down and walk you through the process. There are no bad questions to ask….
With over 11 years experience as an Ottawa, Ontario personal injury lawyer, David Hollingsworth has been helping Ottawa accident victims and Ontario accident victims get the help they need following an accident. Let an experienced and highly qualified Ontario personal injury lawyer in Ottawa fight for you.
David Hollingsworth, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer
mobile (613) 978-9549
(613) 237-4922 ext.203
Consequences of a brain injury, Ottawa Catastrophic Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth
Ottawa Ontario Brain Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Catastrophic Injury Lawyers David Hollingsworth-
Living with a brain injury can have a multitude of complex and potentially lifelong consequences for accident victims and their families. Especially in cases of closed-head trauma, physical and psychological testing is usually required, and it typically can take months until the extent of the cognitive brain or head injury is realised and understood to it’s full extent.
When an accident victim suffers a brain injury or a head injury, the impact may affect the following:
• Memory and cognitive ability
• Vision, hearing, and speech
• Balance and motor skills
• Personality and behavior
As a result of his experiences with other accident victims who have suffered a serious brain injury, when Ottawa Catastrophic Injury lawyer David Hollingsworth meets with his clients , he has a compassionate understanding and knowledge that a brain injury affects every detail of their lives and that no two cases are the same. Receiving a proper diagnosis and projections of both the immediate and long-term costs are extremely important. David believes it is his goal and responsibilty to ensure that the care and maximum financial compensation necessary is readily available to all his clients for the difficult years to come.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury or a loved one is suffering due to a serious personal injury as the result of an eastern Ontario accident, you may need an experienced Ontario catastrophic injury lawyer, David Hollingsworth offers free consultations and would be happy to discuss your situation with you free of charge to give you a better idea of your rights and what you are likely entitled to. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca or call 613-978-9549 .
Maximum Compensation Accident Benefits : Ottawa Lawyer David Hollingsworth shares…
Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth – Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer –
Calculating Accident Benefits Compensation – Settlements- What is the maximum amount of Accident Benefits Compensation ?
Experienced injury lawyers in Ottawa and top Ontario personal injury lawyers can help you navigate your insurance claim and calculate your accident benefits. Among other things, you need to consider the type of damages you are entitled to. If the personal injury or the accident you have gone through has made you miss work, then you are most likely entitled to claim your lost wages or compensation, including long term disability.
Your lost wages are not the only thing you need to be mindful of when calculating your accident benefits settlement. You should also take into consideration any property damages involved, family expenses, emotional trauma as well as the medical bills for the physical trauma. If you want assitance with this and want to maximize your accident benefit claim it is best to get advice of an experience Ottawa or Ontario personal injury lawyer.
A top Ottawa personal injury lawyer has the experience in calculating the exact amount of your accident benefits compensation. Your Ottawa personal injury lawyer will also do their best to be able to give you the amount due to you with less hassle. Dont forget, an Ottawa personal injury lawyer or Ontario personal injury lawyer is knowledgeable in their craft that is why it is wise to trust an experienced personal injury lawyer instead of trying to manage an accident benefits insurance claim yourself. You have been through enough, let your Ottawa personal injury lawyer do this for you.
Another factor that should be considered in the computation of settlement is the percentage of fault. In order for you to get all the accident claims, your Ottawa personal injury lawyer has to prove that the accident is 100% caused by the negligence of the other accident victim. In some cases, the victim played some part on the accident. If this is the case, both parties are resposible for some percentage of fault.
When the percentage of fault is agreed upon, you can begin the computation of the accident benefits settlement. If the amount of damage, including disability, lost wages, amounts to $1000 and the fault of the victim falls on 30%, then the accident settlement will be $700. The $300 or the 30% is deducted from the total damage because it is deemed as the fault of the victim. A top Ottawa personal injury lawyer will be able to get you the least amount of fault percentage as possible.
If you have suffered a personal injury as the result of an accident or if you know someone who is, it is best that you consult a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa or a Ontario personal injury lawyer as you are likely entitled to accident benefits that you are not currently receiving. Unfortunately your insurance company may tell you.
With over 11 years experience as an Ottawa, Ontario personal injury lawyer, David Hollingsworth has been helping Ottawa accident victims and Ontario accident victims get the help they need following an accident. Let an experienced and highly qualified Ontario personal injury lawyer in Ottawa fight for you. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for free consultations.
Ottawa Accident Lawyer, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth-
mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
Ottawa, Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer David Hollingsworth
Ottawa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Ontario Motorcycle Accident Lawyer David Hollingsworth
Ottawa Head Injury Lawyer, Ottawa Brain Injury Lawyers, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth
Summer is here and we are starting to see a high number of Ottawa motorcycle accidents and accidents throughout Eastern Ontario in areas such as the highway 401, Alexandria, Arnprior, Belleville, Brockville, Clarence Creek, Cornwall, Embrun, Gananogue, Hawkesbury, Kemptville, Kingston L’Orignal, Morrisburg, Napanee, North Gower, Pembroke, Perth, Peterborough, Picton, Prescott, Renfrew, Richmond, Russell, Smith Falls, and Tweed and all cities, communities, districts, municipalities, regions, towns, townships and villages in between !
A motorcycle is considered to be a motor vehicle so it is important that motorcycle drivers have a valid licence to operate the motorcycle. In the unfortunate event of a catastrophic head injury or spinal injury, your insurance company may limit your accident benefits to improper licensing. In Ontario, a motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle, and requires a special licence that confers on its owner the legal authorization to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, they might risk a loss of certain accident benefits in the event of a serious Ontario accident or a catastrophic motorcycle accident.
The Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), explains that the insurance company has the right to and may exclude cetain benefits such income-replacement benefits from coverage if the driver was driving the automobile without a valid driver’s licence.
Motorcycle accidents can cause extremely serious personal injury, including:
- Head Injury -Brain injury, including concussions and other closed head injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Fractures and other orthopedic injury (broken bones)
- Lacerations and abrasions (road rash)
- Permanent physical and emotional scars
If you are hitting the Ontario roads on your motorcycle, please make sure you not only drive safely, protect yourself with equipment and make sure you are properly licensed in the event of an accident. As an Ottawa and Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer, I caution all drivers to be safe out there. I have years of experience in Ontario motorcycle accidents and Ottawa motorcycle accidents. I understand your needs and can help with your personal injury claim and other motorcycle related issues. Call for a free consultation 613 978-9549 or visit www.ottawainjury.ca
