Category: Accidents

Fatal Accidents: Compensation for the Loss of a Family Member

Fatal accidents are never a pleasant topic but with Mother’s Day just past and Father’s Day approaching, we as personal injury lawyers are reminded of our many clients who have lost a mother, father, spouse, or child through the negligence of another.

What happens when the victim of a fatal accident is a parent, child or spouse?

In addition to CPP death benefits and Section B death benefits (if the death is as a result of a motor vehicle accident), you may also be entitled to claim damages from the parties who were at fault for the accident. These damages consist of:

  1. Bereavement Damages

Bereavement damages are for the loss of the guidance, care and companionship of the deceased and are mandated by legislation. Continue reading

Should I sign the Waiver and take that exciting summer adventure?

There are certain firmly held myths in society when it comes to some legal concepts – I can easily get out of a rental lease, I won’t be bound by my non-compete clause, and I won’t be held to the waiver I signed to go white water rafting, skydiving, zip-lining, horseback riding, or [insert exciting summer adventure of your choice here]. Whether these myths come from TV, movies, or well-meaning friends or family members, the reality is that in many cases you cannot break the lease, you will be held to your non-compete clause and you may well be prevented from suing for damages if you are injured during an adventure activity by the waiver that you signed voluntarily. Continue reading

5 Experts your Personal Injury Lawyer Should Know About

Every personal injury claim has different issues that will have an impact on the outcome of a case. To represent you properly, the lawyer you hire must know which experts are helpful and necessary to prove the essential elements of your case and how to use them effectively to achieve the best outcome for you.

The following list identifies five types of experts frequently needed to address specific questions. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know when such an expert is required, and, equally import, will know who to call on your behalf.

How did the accident happen?

If there are questions about how the accident occurred, and who is at fault, your injury lawyer may need to hire a Reconstruction Expert. Continue reading

Choosing the right type of lawyer to handle your personal injury claim

Not all lawyers are the same

After a motor vehicle accident, many injured accident victims may be tempted to call any lawyer they happen to know, regardless of what kind of law that lawyer practices, to see if they can get advice regarding their injuries and their rights.  Most general lawyers are smart enough to know what they don’t know and, if they don’t practice personal injury law, they will refer their client to a lawyer who has practice experience in the area of motor vehicle accident claims. However, some lawyers dabble in personal injury law and may decide to keep the claim for themselves. Continue reading

6 Deadly Vehicle Manufacture Defects Since 2000

When most people think of product liability lawsuits they often imagine faulty kitchen appliances, poor building materials (asbestos), or media-famous lawsuits like those against the tobacco industry and McDonald’s. But many of us often neglect to think about the products we use daily – vehicles. Product liability events that often take on the most serious personal injuries, even death, are vehicle manufacture defects.

To shed light on some of the more recent serious product liabilities, we’ve compiled a list of the six deadliest vehicle manufacture defects since the year 2000.

1. 2000 Lincoln Navigator Cruise Control Glitch

Ford Motor Company experienced a bad start to the 21st century when its 2000 Lincoln Navigator was reported to have a glitch in its cruise control, causing the SUV’s engine to overheat and, in some cases, burst into flames. Continue reading

How to Avoid Car Accidents at Christmas

Edmonton’s winter season has been balmier than usual, but that doesn’t remove the risk for car accidents. The mild temperatures mixed with snowfall and chilly overnight cooling creates icy, slick road conditions. Add Christmas parties and traveling long distances over the holiday season, and the risk for a car collision is much higher.

The following list highlights some of Alberta’s most common causes for car accidents. As we approach the Christmas break, it’s important to practice road safety, know the risks and know how to avoid car accidents this season.

Common, but avoidable causes for car accidents:

Speeding in Poor Road Conditions

The winter has proven to be quite mild this year with fluctuating cold and warm temperatures. Continue reading