I’ve been injured and can’t work. How am I going to pay my bills?

First, don’t panic. There may be a number of different sources of lost income coverage available to you. One source is private third party disability insurance that either you or an immediate family member (like a spouse or parent) has set up. You may also have disability insurance coverage through your job.

No private insurance? Income replacement benefits are also available through your auto insurer to partially offset lost income.

Other avenues you can explore to seek income loss assistance include:

  • Employment Insurance
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits
  • Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)

Do I report my injuries to my insurance company after an accident?

Yes. You need to report your injuries to your own insurance company to preserve your right to claim accident benefits.  Accident benefits, sometimes called Section B benefits, cover costs for things like treatment and rehabilitation.  There are time limits on applying for accident benefits so you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after your accident to report that you have been injured.

I have been seriously injured, but I don’t think I can afford a lawyer. What do I do?

There is no reason why anyone in the province of Alberta should have to go without legal advice and representation if they have been injured.

Your initial consultation with us is free. It costs you nothing to talk to us about your case and get some preliminary advice on whether you have a claim that has a good chance of succeeding. If you have a case and you decide to hire us, we work on contingency, which means there is no upfront cost to you to start your personal injury claim. Further, we pay all the necessary litigation expenses to prove and advance your claim.

Our legal fee is a percentage of the award you receive and if you don’t receive compensation you do not owe us anything. In other words, we don’t get paid until you do.

When you schedule a free consultation, one of our experienced personal injury lawyers will review your case with you to assess the quality of your claim and explain how proceedings and contingency fees work. It won’t cost you a thing to get some legal advice and there is no obligation to hire us.

Should I see a doctor after my accident? What if my injuries are minor?

Yes. You should always seek medical attention as soon as possible after an injury; even if you think you are not badly hurt. Make sure you tell your doctor everything that is bothering you, even if it seems minor. With some injuries, especially soft tissue injuries, it takes time for a full set of symptoms to emerge. Follow your doctor’s treatment advice and continue to follow up for further medical treatments as recommended.

Does CAM LLP take on claims other than car accident claims?

Yes. Our lawyers have experience representing clients who have been injured in:

We have represented clients suffering from such injuries as:

When should I contact a lawyer?

You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after you’ve seen a medical doctor and have determined the extent of your injuries. Schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer and discuss your situation to determine whether you have a claim.

If I am at fault, can I still make a claim?

The answer to this question depends on the facts in your case. Contact your own insurance company to report the accident and get advice from a personal injury lawyer to determine if you might have a claim. For example, being partially responsible for causing an accident in which you are injured does not prevent you from seeking damages against the party who was primarily responsible for the accident that caused your injuries BUT your part in causing the accident may affect the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive. This is why it’s best to contact an experience personal injury lawyer about your case.

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What information do I need to obtain at the scene of an accident?

  • Names, addresses and phone numbers of the other driver(s) and any witnesses
  • Photos or recordings
  • Date, time of day, location of the accident
  • Description of weather conditions, obstacles or other road hazards
  • Insurance and registration information of all parties involved in the accident
  • Police accident report number if there is one

NOTE: Do not assume first responders will be gathering this information on your behalf.

What if a member of my family is killed in an accident?

If a member of your immediate family has been killed in an accident, a wrongful death claim may be brought under the Fatal Accidents Act against the party or parties responsible for the accident that led to the death of your family member.

Compensation may also be available through private insurance held by the deceased (personal insurance or work insurance).

Finally, in the case of a car accident, death benefits are available through the deceased’s own auto insurer under Section B of the policy.

Do I have to accept the compensation that the insurance company offers me?

No, but if you do accept the compensation offered to you then the case is considered closed. Before you take this step, it is important to understand that the insurance company is working in its own best interest and may not offer you all the compensation you are eligible to receive. Therefore, before accepting an offer of compensation from an insurance company, contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation to confirm that the offer is fair and reasonable given your injuries.

We are always willing to talk to you about your options regardless of the severity of your injury.

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Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Instead of Handling My Claim Alone?

There are many reasons to hire a lawyer when pursuing a personal injury claim. Navigating  the process can be overwhelming, especially while managing the pain, stress, and complexities of recovery.

Insurance companies have their own legal teams working to minimize payouts which can make it challenging for individuals without experience with the claims process to secure the compensation they deserve. At the same time, the laws governing personal injury claims in Alberta are complex and challenging to interpret without expertise, which is why having an experienced injury lawyer on your side can make the difference. 

At CAMLLP, we have decades of experience building strong cases, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring your rights are protected—all without any upfront payment (If we don’t win, you don’t pay!).

For more insights, you can read our article on the reasons to hire a lawyer here.

How Do I Know if My Injury is Severe Enough for a Claim?

Has your injury impacted your ability to work, your quality of life, or caused you financial strain due to medical bills? If so, you may have grounds for a claim. 

Every injury is unique, which is why we recommend booking an initial free consultation with us. At the same time, it’s important to remember that the impact of some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, including  whiplash, may not be immediately evident. That’s why it’s advisable to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible and  before you agree to any settlement offers.

At CAM LLP, we handle injuries of all types, ranging from those requiring short-term recovery—such as soft tissue injuries or whiplash from car accidents to traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, TMJ injuries, orthopedic injuries, fatalities, and psychological conditions like PTSD or anxiety. Our priority is to protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing. 

What Types of Compensation Am I Eligible to Receive in Alberta?

Depending on your case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for treatments, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
  • Loss of Income and Future Income Loss: Compensation for wages lost due to your injury, including diminished earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
  • Loss of Opportunity: Monetary compensation for opportunities that you may have missed out on due to your injuries.
  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for costs like transportation to medical appointments, assistive devices, or home modifications.
  • Loss of Housekeeping capacity: Compensation for your loss of capacity and reduced functioning with respect to your housekeeping responsibilities

These types of compensation are subject to Alberta’s laws, including caps on pain and suffering damages for minor injuries. During your consultation with our team, we’ll explain your options and provide information about the compensation you’re entitled to.

For some additional information on specific topics you may find these posts helpful (or you can bring your questions to your free initial consultation).

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take to Resolve?

The short answer is that it depends on various factors, including the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Simpler cases may settle in a matter of months, while more complex cases involving long-term injuries or contentious disputes about who was at fault can take several years.

In Alberta, personal injury claims are subject to limitation periods.  Generally a claim must be filed within two years from the date of the incident that caused your injuries, but there are shorter deadlines that apply in certain situations which is why it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as you can. During your first consultation with us, we’ll assess your case and provide a realistic timeline based on your unique circumstances.

Will My Case Go to Trial, or Can It Be Settled Out of Court?

Most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiation or mediation, saving time and reducing legal costs. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial.

At CAM LLP, we prepare every case thoroughly for trial, even if settlement is the goal. This ensures you’re in a strong position to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or courtroom representation.

Learn more about settlements by reading these articles: 

What Happens If My Injuries Worsen After I File a Claim? (NEW)

If your injuries worsen after filing a claim, contact your lawyer immediately. Alberta law allows personal injury claims to account for both current and future impacts of an injury, including conditions that progress over time.

Understanding causation is important. The court will assess whether your injuries were caused by the other party’s actions using the “but for” test: But for the other party’s actions, would your injuries have occurred? 

This is especially important if you have pre-existing conditions, which can complicate the process. The court will evaluate whether the accident aggravated your condition or if your current complaints stem from prior health issues. For example, if you had neck pain before the accident, the defendant may argue that your ongoing pain is unrelated to the incident. 

Alberta law protects your right to claim damages for any worsening of symptoms caused by the accident. The goal is to restore you to the position you would have been in if the accident hadn’t occurred, in so far as monetary compensation can do so. 

At CAMLLP, our experienced Edmonton lawyers are committed to ensuring your compensation reflects the full extent of your injuries, including any aggravation caused by the accident. We also work closely with medical professionals to document changes in your condition and adjust your claim as needed.  If you have more questions, you are welcome to contact us to talk to you about your specific situation.

For more information on pre-existing conditions, causation and compensation for damages, please visit the following blog posts:

What Should I Avoid Doing After an Accident to Protect My Right to Make a Claim?

In Alberta, certain actions can harm your claim. To protect your rights:

  • Do Not Delay Seeking Medical Attention: Delaying care may harm your health and makes establishing the cause of your injuries more difficult, which can weaken your claim.
  • Avoid Discussing Fault: Don’t admit liability or speculate about the cause of the accident.
  • Limit Communication with Insurers: Insurers may use your statements to reduce their payouts—let us handle this on your behalf.
  • Be Cautious with Social Media: Avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media. What you post can be misinterpreted or used against you. See our post: Why You Should Stay Off Social Media After You are Injured in an Accident.

At CAM LLP, we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your actions align with Alberta’s personal injury laws. If you have more questions, please book a consultation with us.

Can I Pursue a Claim If the Accident Happened Outside of Alberta?

Yes, you may still be able to pursue a claim even if the accident occurred outside Alberta. Jurisdictional rules and insurance policies often govern these situations, which can be complex.

Our injury lawyers have experience handling cross-jurisdictional cases and will assess the specifics of your situation to determine how to proceed effectively. Whether your accident occurred in another province or internationally, we’ll provide clear guidance and support. Contact us today!