Posts Tagged ‘changes to accident benefits september 2010’
Difference between catastrophic injury accident benefits and non-catastrophic injury accident benefits..
| Catastrophic Injury and non-catastrophic injury: STATUTORY ACCIDENT BENEFITS |
| Did you know that regardless of who is at fault, people injured in motor vehicle accidents in Ontario are entitled to certain accident benefits from their own motor vehicle insurance company. Even if you do not have car insurance, if you suffer personal injury in a car accident , you are entitled to receive compensation from the Ontario government. Effective September 1, 2010, the SABS or Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule states that among other Ontario accident benefits available, Ontario accident benefits include an Income Replacement Benefit of up to $400 per week, an Attendant Care Benefit of up to $3,000 per month with a maximum of $36,000, and Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits of up to $50,000 over a 10 year period following an Ontario accident.
If a person dies in an Ontario motor vehicle accident, Ontario accident benefits are available for Funeral Expenses as well as a Death Benefit. If the personal injury is more serious and is deemed within the definition of “catastrophic impairment injury”, there is an increase to $1,000,000.00 in Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits and $1,000,000.00 in Attendant Care Benefits which are payable over the course of an injured person’s life. People who have suffered catastrophic injury are also eligible for Case Management Services as well as other Ontario accident benefits such as Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Benefit of $100.00 per week payable for the duration of their lifetime. What is the difference between a catastrophic injury and a non-catastrophic injury? Let’s start by looking at the Ontario accident benefits… What are NON-CATASTROPHIC benefits?
What are CATASTROPHIC INJURY benefits?
What are these Ontario Accident Benefits? Income replacement benefits help replace lost income if an employed or self-employed claimant is disabled. Caregiver benefits pay certain childcare or other caregiver expenses if a stay-at-home parent or other caregiver is unable to care for a child or other person in need of care. Non-earner benefits are paid if a claimant who is not employed or self-employed is unable to carry on with normal life. Medical and rehabilitation benefits pay for treatment and rehabilitation assistance that is not covered by OHIP or another disability insurance plan. Attendant care benefits pay for someone to look after a seriously injured claimant. Funeral expenses and death benefits are paid if an insured person dies as a result of the accident. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to other benefits, such as payments for lost education expenses, housekeeping assistance, visitors’ expenses, repair or replacement of eyeglasses or clothing damaged in the accident, or case management services. Each and every case is different and to know exactly what you are entitled to, it is best to consult an Ontario personal injury lawyer specializing in Ontario car accidents. —————————————————————————————————————————————————-David Hollingsworth, Ottawa Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer is dedicated to helping Ottawa and Ontario car accident victims and has been since 1999. With his extensive experience and knowledge of Ontario accidents and Ontario personal injury issues, he has recovered millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of Ontario personal injury clients. David is dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation for Ontario personal injury clients by offering free consultations and making home visits or hospital visits. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca mobile (613) 978-9549 (613) 237-4922 ext.203
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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
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY RE: ONTARIO’S NEW AUTO INSURANCE RATES
Hello everyone, I would like to share a quick note with you regarding Ottawa’s new auto insurance policy and what it will mean for you and your family, which is set to change for September. I am urging all my family and friends to be careful not to blindly accept the lowest possible Ontario auto insurance coverage just to save a few bucks – get the facts to be informed!
THE FACTS
Basically, the new policy acts to lower the minimum required rehabilitation coverage in our province by 50%, from $100,000 to $50,000. Furthermore, your coverage for the treatment of minor injuries now has a cap of $3,500. Settling for the new basic insurance package could mean that you or your loved ones are left to suffer after a personal injury in our province, without the adequate rehabilitative services that you will require. There could be a slight dip in auto insurance rates for some drivers when the new rates kick in, but depending on how, where, and why you drive (and who insures you), the average decrease in Ontario auto insurance will be somewhere in the realm of 0.01% to 7%. This means that you could see no change at all in your rates, but would still lose out on important features that would protect you in the event of an auto accident – a time when you will require as much help as possible to help you in your recovery.
$3,500 CAP for “MINOR INJURIES”.
The cap of $3,500 is not adequate in any way to deal with the majority of minor personal injuries, especially given that so called “minor” injuries can become worse over time. The new policy defines minor injuries to include such things as a sprain, strain, whiplash, contusion, abrasion, laceration, partial dislocation of a joint or organ and any pathological condition resulting from a personal injury. This list is not inclusive enough to include many coverage benefits that you will require and I would recommend to you that you read your terms carefully to ensure that you can keep the current accident benefits, because although you will be paying a bit more, it will act to protect you by safeguarding your interests. I estimate it would cost approximately $150 more per year on a one-driver, one-vehicle plan, depending on the insurance company. If you consider the benefits this is a good choice, because even though it seems like you’re paying a bit extra of your hard earned cash, consider the enormous costs of treatment you would lose out on if you experience personal injury from an auto accident and are left to handle all the financial costs for yourself. Drivers in Ontario with an existing policy will receive the same coverage after September 1st, until that policy expires. Those are the facts to consider. Ultimately, my hope is that you and your family will continue to be safe and will have the coverage that you need if you are ever involved in the unfortunate circumstance of an auto injury. Please be safe and take care.
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.
