Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries: An Overview

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries: An Overview

Brain and spinal cord injuries can have massive consequences on your quality of life. It may impact your ability to work and could result in the need for lifelong medical assistance.

If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord or brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation and will likely require a newfound level of support. At Verhaeghe Law Office, our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you get compensation that you deserve, so that you can successfully adapt to your newfound circumstances. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Causes of Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

There are many accidents and incidents in which you may sustain a brain or spinal cord injury. Some causes include:

  1.  A motor vehicle accident: You can get injured very seriously if you and/or your vehicle collide with another motor vehicle or other objects.
  2. Slip, trip and fall accidents: Whether you fall from a large height, slip and land on your back, or hit your head, it is possible to seriously hurt a portion of your spinal cord or brain.
  3. Workplace accidents: Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen in the workplace that could lead to serious trauma to the brain or spinal cord.
  4. Medical malpractice: Sometimes, medical professionals make mistakes that result in serious injuries to a patient. It is possible for these mistakes to be a result of their carelessness or negligence.

In some situations, the accident may not necessarily be your fault. If you get injured on unsafe premises, another party may be found negligent. Similarly, if you are in a car accident where the other party is found faulty, then you may be entitled to compensation.

Steps after Injury

Your top priority is to seek medical attention after you have sustained a suspected spinal cord or brain injury. This may involve calling an ambulance, hospitalization, surgeries, and continuous rehabilitation therapies.

If you or a loved one is able, you may want to record any and all information about the accident and the medical care you have received. If you believe your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, this information could be used as evidence to support your claim. You should also contact an Edmonton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Claims and Compensation

Together, you and your personal injury lawyer will decide whether you should file a claim, either with an insurance company or the alleged at-fault party. Medical records, witness statements, expert opinions from medical professionals, accident reports, and more will be collected to build your case.

In Canada, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation if you were injured in an unsafe premises, due to the negligence of a third party, or in an accident. Awarded compensation may be able to cover costs due to medical bills, lost income or future lost work, and other living expenses due to the possible lasting effects of a brain or spinal cord injury.

Speak to Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Brain and spinal cord injuries can be very serious and potentially change your life forever. After you have sought medical attention, you may want to consider your legal options and start a claim - as you may be entitled to compensation from a faulty party or insurance company.

Our Edmonton personal injury lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office may be able to help you. We could assess your situation, determine whether you are entitled to compensation, and help you open a claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

The Role of Medical Evidence in Your Personal Injury Case

The Role of Medical Evidence in Your Personal Injury Case

You may consider filing a personal injury claim if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that may have been caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness. These claims may help you cover costs that include medical care, future lost wages, and more.

Medical evidence may play an incredibly important role in your personal injury case. It can greatly impact your claim’s success and the compensation you may receive. At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton personal injury lawyers may be able to walk you through the process of obtaining and utilizing medical evidence to support your case. Contact us today to go over the details of your situation.

What is Considered Medical Evidence?

Medical evidence could include a wide range of documents and information that are compiled together in order to provide accurate details about the injury. Accumulated medical evidence that may be used to support your personal injury claim could include:

  • Expert reports from specialists who have assessed you;
  • A statement from doctors who are most familiar with your medical situation;
  • Medical imaging such as MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays;
  • Results from laboratory tests, blood work, biopsies, and other medical tests;
  • Treatment records from all hospitals and medical professionals involved in your situation;
  • Photos of injuries and accident reports;
  • Medical bills and receipts;
  • Expert medical testimony;
  • Pain journals and functional capacity evaluations;
  • And more.

It is important to accumulate as much objective and detailed medical evidence as possible and this is something your treatment providers and personal injury lawyers can help with.

Determining Your Payout

One of the most important roles medical evidence may play in your personal injury claim is that it helps determine the causal link between the accident or incident and your injuries. Assembled evidence is also used to assess the extent of what you have suffered as a result of your injuries. Thus, medical evidence plays a major part in determining how much you are owed. The decided amount will reflect all your expenses - such as your immediate and future medical costs, as well as lost wages or earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Contact our Personal Injury Lawyers Today to Schedule a Consultation

Having medical evidence to support your personal injury claim is incredibly important. From the moment the accident occurs and through every step of treatment, you may help yourself by collecting as much information as possible. That way, you will have already begun collecting medical evidence should you need to file a claim.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton personal injury lawyers can speak with you during a free consultation to go over the details of your case. Contact us today to book a free consultation.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

An Overview of Premises Liability in Edmonton

An Overview of Premises Liability in Edmonton

Owners and occupiers of property in Edmonton are responsible for maintaining the conditions of their space to a reasonable standard of safety. This responsibility is outlined in the Occupiers’ Liability Act, and it may apply to private and public premises alike.

Unsafe conditions, ranging from unmarked spills at a grocery store to faulty stairs or broken floorboards in a private home, can cause potentially life-altering injuries. There may be financial compensation available to help injured accident survivors through a premises liability claim.

If you or someone you love have been injured in a slip and fall or other form of accident on somebody else’s property, our Edmonton personal injury lawyers are here to talk. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. 

Duty of Care In Premises Liability

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act of Alberta, the occupier of a premises (a person who owns and/or has control over the conditions of a property) owes every visitor to their premises a duty of care. This duty of care involves a responsibility to maintain the property such that visitors may expect to to be reasonably safe so long as they are using the property for its intended purpose. 

Common duty of care may apply in relation to the following:

  • The conditions of the premises
  • Activities on the premises
  • The conduct of third parties on the premises

If an occupier of a premises has failed to meet the requirements of their duty of care before visitors, and that failure has caused injuries to a visitor, the occupier may be liable for the resulting damages. 

Every case is different. To learn what may be relevant in your particular circumstances, contact our Edmonton personal injury lawyers today and schedule your initial consultation.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents in Edmonton

The conditions of a property may be unsafe for many different reasons. From physical hazards such as broken or uneven flooring to dangerous action or inaction, an owner or occupier of a property is responsible for a range of reasonable precautions.

Some of the most common causes of personal injury accidents involving unsafe premises in Edmonton include:

  • Wet floors
  • Uneven pavement
  • Unmaintained sidewalks (potentially building up ice and snow)
  • Lack of safety measures at construction sites
  • Dog attacks
  • Lack of reasonable security measures in large gatherings
  • Unsafe swimming pool construction and/or usage
  • And more

The Consequences of A Personal Injury On Someone Else’s Premises

The consequences of an injury on somebody else’s premises can be devastating, and can range in intensity from bruising, cuts and lacerations to life-altering conditions such as partial or full paralysis. Depending on the situation, an injured accident survivor may no longer be able to perform their regular work. They may indeed no longer be able to continue working in their profession.

In addition to the physical consequences of a personal injury, a significant financial burden may arise for the injured person and their family. In order to stabilize and/or recover, the injuries may require the assistance of medical treatments, rehabilitative therapy, psychological care, attendant care, and more. These treatments and assistive measures may come with substantial costs, thus placing the injured accident survivor into financial stress.

If the negligent actions or inactions of another person have caused you to sustain significant injuries, you may be eligible for compensation through a premises liability claim in Edmonton. Contact our team at Verhaeghe Law and schedule your consultation with our Edmonton personal injury lawyers today.

Contact Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers Today For a Consultation

If you or someone you love have been injured on someone else’s property, there may be financial compensation available. These funds may be invaluable in providing support towards medical bills, rehabilitative care, income lost as a result of the injury, and more.

At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton personal injury lawyers are committed to providing dedicated service tailored to each of our clients’ unique needs. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, and learn how we may be of service to you.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of premises liability and personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

How to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Consultation

How to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Consultation

The days and weeks following an injury can be full of uncertainty. You may require immediate medical attention, as well as follow-ups, and ongoing support as you begin your journey to recovery. As a result, you may need to take time away from work, thus potentially adding financial stress.

Depending on the nature of your circumstances, there may be compensation available to you through a personal injury claim. Money awarded in a personal injury claim may go towards offsetting the costs of medical and rehabilitative treatments, psychological care, massage therapy, lost income, and more. 

Our Edmonton personal injury lawyers would be happy to discuss your particular case. Contact us today to schedule a time to speak with us, and read on to learn how to prepare for your personal injury consultation.

Assemble Your Information

In order to make the most of your initial consultation with our Edmonton personal injury lawyers, it may benefit you to assemble your information in advance of speaking with us. We will ask you to tell us the story of your accident - how and where it occurred, what injuries resulted, and how the injuries have affected your life.

Where possible, try to assemble documents and written records that may serve as evidence of your story. These can include:

  • Medical records, especially as relevant to your accident-related injuries
  • If you were in a motor vehicle accident, an Alberta collision report form
  • Copies of any correspondence you have had with insurance companies, both your own and those of other people involved in the accident
  • Copies of any correspondence you have had with the other parties in the accident
  • Photographic and/or video evidence from the accident site, as well as your injuries
  • Statements and contact information from witnesses present at the time of the accident
  • Information concerning your employment, including where you are employed, how often and in what capacity you worked before the accident, and how this has shifted following the accident
  • Receipts of any expenses incurred as a result of your injuries (eg. medical bills, prescription medication, rehabilitative treatments, etc.)

Our priority in your initial personal injury consultation is to understand your case as clearly as possible. The more information you may be able to provide, the clearer our understanding may be. If in doubt, bring it. Contact us if you have any specific questions in advance of your consultation. 

Common Questions a Personal Injury Lawyer May Ask

As we strive to understand your circumstances, our Edmonton personal injury lawyers may ask you a series of clarifying questions. The more specific you are able to be, the better we may be able to judge how to best be of help to you.

Common questions a personal injury lawyer may ask you include:

  • How did the accident occur?
  • What physical injuries have you sustained?
  • What psychological injuries have you sustained?
  • What medical treatment have you sought?
  • Where have you sought medical treatment?
  • How did you pay for your medical treatment?
  • Do you have any private insurance coverage?
  • What ongoing pain are you experiencing as a result of your injuries?
  • What out-of-pocket expenses have you incurred for treatment of your injuries?
  • What non-medical out-of-pocket expenses have you incurred related to the accident?
  • Where are you employed?
  • How have your injuries impacted your ability to perform your regular employment duties? 
  • How have your injuries impacted your ability to perform regular day-to-day activities?
  • If your accident involved a motor vehicle, was the other party charged with a traffic offence? 

Details such as dates and times, as well as numbers (where concerning expenses, for example) may help our Edmonton personal injury lawyers provide a more informed consultation on your case. Should you choose to move forward with a personal injury claim, this information may be vital in providing evidence to support your claim. 

Prepare Your Questions

Your initial consultation with our Edmonton personal injury lawyers is an opportunity to see how we may be of service to you. Come prepared with questions, and feel free to add new ones as they arise during our conversation. It is important to choose an Edmonton personal injury lawyer you trust, and with whom you feel comfortable.

Questions you may wish to ask Edmonton personal injury lawyers include:

  • Have you handled cases such as mine in the past?
  • What have been the outcomes of cases similar to mine?
  • How much compensation might I receive?
  • How long might it take my case to settle?
  • What are your fees?
  • How do you collect your fees?

Contact Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Consultation

Compensation may be available to you if your injuries have been caused by another person’s negligent actions. Our Edmonton personal injury lawyers prioritize compassionate, efficient service. Contact us today to book a consultation and discuss the specifics of your case.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

How Do Dog Bite Claims Work in Alberta?

How Do Dog Bite Claims Work in Alberta?

Whether you are signing your life insurance documents, organizing a trust, or preparing to write a will, you will need to decide on a beneficiary or beneficiaries. This is a key part of planning for the future, and ensuring that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. For those looking to streamline the process of settling an estate, naming beneficiaries often features on lists of tips on how to avoid probate in Alberta.

The field of estate law involves the management of a person’s property and assets after their death, and it includes the areas of estate planning and administration, as well as the resolution of conflicts that may arise. Our Edmonton probates and wills lawyers would be happy to discuss your particular needs and see how we may be of service in helping to structure your trust, will, or more.

What is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is somebody who receives assets and property originally owned by somebody else. In the case of the last will and testament left by an individual who has passed away, the beneficiaries are often the person’s close family members, such as a surviving spouse, children, and/or siblings.

People have the freedom to name who they wish as a beneficiary. This can be a friend or colleague, or even a charity or other organization. What you need to provide is a means for the executor of your estate to contact the beneficiaries. 

When you name beneficiaries in your life insurance policy, RRSP, or other registered assets, those assets may go directly to your beneficiaries after your death, without ever becoming part of your estate, or being subject to probate.

What is a Contingent Beneficiary?

A contingent beneficiary is “second in line” to receive your assets after your death, or after the triggering event in the case of a trust. If the primary beneficiary is unable to receive the assets because they have died, are unreachable, or have explicitly refused the inheritance.

It is often a good idea to name a contingent beneficiary, to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Often, people will name their spouse as their primary beneficiary, and their children as their contingent beneficiaries. That way, if the spouse passes away before the assets are to be distributed, the funds will go to the children.

Considerations for Choosing Your Contingent Beneficiary

Just as you can choose whomever you like as your primary beneficiaries, so too can you choose anyone - or any entity - as your contingent beneficiary. However, there are some considerations you may wish to keep in mind.

If you choose a contingent beneficiary who is a minor, they will require a trustee to look after any funds they inherit, until they turn 18. 

You may choose a contingent beneficiary that is not a person. Some people choose to give their money to a charitable organization, for example, should their primary beneficiary not be available to receive the assets.

 

If you are excluding a potentially obvious choice of beneficiary from your will, you may wish to consult with an Edmonton probates and wills lawyer. In order to minimize the potential that your will might be challenged, it may help to include an explanation of your decision.

Another consideration is the structure of your family. If one of your children passes away before you, would you prefer their spouse to receive the inheritance, or for your remaining children to split it equally? These questions can be challenging to address on your own, but being well-informed about the possibilities of estate planning can help reduce your and your loved ones’ stress in the future. Contact our Edmonton probates and wills lawyers today to discuss your case.

What Happens if I Don’t Name a Contingent Beneficiary?

If you do not name a contingent beneficiary, and your primary beneficiary is unable to receive your assets, then your registered assets become a part of your estate and are subject to probate. If you do not name a contingent beneficiary in your will and the primary beneficiary is unavailable, then your estate may be distributed according to the Alberta Intestate Succession Act.

Contact Our Edmonton Probates and Wills Lawyers Today for a Consultation

Working with a dedicated Edmonton probates and wills lawyer can be essential to ensuring your documents are in order, and your beneficiaries clearly chosen. Whether it is the preparation of a trust or the forming of your last will and testament, or more, our team at Verhaeghe Law would be pleased to discuss your circumstances and see how we may be of service to you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of estate law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta probates and wills lawyer.

Swimming Pool Safety Obligations for Homeowners

Swimming Pool Safety Obligations for Homeowners

Backyard pool season is a beloved time for many Albertan homeowners and their guests. In preparation for hosting friends and family, homeowners should consider their legal obligations. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act of Alberta, homeowners are expected to maintain their property to a reasonable standard of safety, so as to prevent potential injury to visitors.

Swimming pool accidents, which may lead to drowning, can be particularly devastating. If you or someone you love have been injured in somebody else’s backyard pool, contact our Edmonton personal injury lawyers today and learn what compensation may be available to you.

Make Sure The Swimming Pool is to Code

When building a private swimming pool in Alberta, homeowners are required to obtain a permit from their municipality. Included in this permit is an inspection, in which a professional may ensure the size, structure and location of your pool meet safety requirements. Working with licensed contractors can likewise help ensure a backyard structure has been constructed with trustworthy expertise.

Install a Fence

Alberta’s National Building Code requires all outdoor swimming pools to be protected by a fence that is at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) high. It must have a self-latching gate that is the same height as the fence, and which locks on the inside. Having a fence in place can help prevent accidental falls into the pool, and is part of a homeowner’s duty of care for guests on their property.

Maintain the Pool

Once a pool is built to code, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain it to reasonable safety standards. This includes ensuring that the pH balance is adequately maintained, and that chemicals such as chlorine meet the chemical parameter standards. 

Normal wear and tear can lead to the formation of cracks and hollows, which may potentially become tripping hazards. Issues with plumbing, including malfunctioning or out-of-date drainage systems, can lead to the particularly dangerous circumstance of swimmer entrapment.

Performing regular inspections and addressing issues in a timely manner can be key in minimizing the risk of injury for all backyard pool users.

Keep Safety Equipment On Hand

Having pool safety equipment nearby in the event of an injury can help prevent serious consequences. This may include floatation devices, such as pool noodles and inflatable floats, available to guests at any time. Having a life ring on hand can also be helpful - in the event that someone is in need of help in the water, a person may be able to help from the deck. Having a well-stocked and easily accessible first aid kit can likewise be of help in the immediate aftermath of an injury.

Keep an Eye on Guests

A party host may be responsible for the activities that take place on their property, particularly when it pertains to children. If there are children on the premises, the owner or occupier owes a duty of care to take reasonable precautions in ensuring their safety. This involves making sure children are being supervised by responsible adults while in and around the pool.

Consuming alcohol and other intoxicants are a common occurrence at backyard pool  parties, and may contribute to heightened risk. Altered states of mind may lead to poor decision-making, which can cause injury not only for the intoxicated individual, but also for others. Keeping an eye on your guests’ consumption of alcohol and/or drugs may help to prevent injuries on your property.

Contact Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Consultation

It can be challenging to know what to do when you or someone you love have been injured on somebody else’s property. Our team of Edmonton personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and learn how Verhaeghe Law may be of service to you.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of occupiers’ liability, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

Verhaeghe Law Office is proud to represent clients across Alberta with their personal injury claims. Our personal injury lawyers have helped Albertans recover compensation from insurance companies for their injuries for many years now and have fought to ensure clients get the compensation they rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Alberta – contact our law firm today for a free consultation by calling 587-410-2500 or book a consultation with us online now.

There are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer. Here are the top 3 reasons for hiring a personal injury lawyer to assist with your insurance claim:

  1. Personal injury lawyers will handle all the legal work on your behalf: Our personal injury lawyers will handle all correspondence, communication and forms that are required by your insurer so you can focus on healing from your injuries. We will project manage the claim and ensure all deadlines are met, paperwork is correctly submitted, and the right experts are hired to help process your claim. Hiring a personal injury lawyer also helps ensure that your paperwork is filled out correctly with minimal room for errors. Remember – filling out paperwork incorrectly can significantly reduce the compensation you may be eligible to receive.
  2. Less chances for bullying by your insurers: Having a personal injury lawyer on your side also ensures that your chances of getting bullied by your insurer are significantly reduced. Remember – insurance companies are also accountable for their revenues and profits. Therefore, they are not inclined to always give claimants the compensation they deserve. We’ve seen many cases where only the bare minimum is generally paid out. Having someone who understands insurance laws on your side may help get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.
  3. Provide legal guidance and resolution for you: Hiring a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with Alberta insurance laws can also ensure that your legal rights are protected. We’ve seen many instances where claimants are not even aware of their legal rights or possible solutions available to them. Hiring a personal injury lawyer who has experience in dealing with insurers also ensures your best interests are an immediate priority in addition to receiving proper legal guidance.

Book a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer from Verhaeghe Law Office

We have multiple offices in Alberta – including Whitecourt, Athabasca and Edmonton which allows us to represent clients with all types of personal injury claims across Alberta. Call 587-410-2500 today and schedule a consultation with our legal team regarding your possible personal injury claim and remember there is no cost for this consultation. In fact, you don’t pay money unless we successfully recover money on your behalf so you have nothing to lose by discussing your claim with our personal injury team.

Disclaimer: Please note this article is intended to act as a general overview on a topic and does not constitute legal advice. Each situation requiring legal advice is unique and we recommend speaking with a personal injury lawyer from Alberta regarding your case.

Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

After you receive treatment for injuries you sustain from an accident, your next call should be to a personal injury lawyer. Without legal representation, you could miss out on financial compensation you are entitled to. This compensation is critical to paying for medical care and other support for yourself and your family. Not all personal injury practices are the same, and neither are their lawyers. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when choosing a personal injury lawyer:

Hiring a lawyer with little experience
Personal injury law is a specialized field, and you should be sure to select a lawyer that can represent you at the highest level. Your case will not go well if a well-seasoned lawyer is representing the other side, and a rookie is representing you. Experience and quality go hand in hand, so you will not get far with a lawyer that has less of a track record of success. You cannot gain experience as a lawyer - you must earn it, and an experienced personal injury lawyer will have proven their mettle over time.

Hiring a lawyer with hidden fees
The cost of a lawyer should be upfront and easy to understand. Any firm or lawyer that tries to hide their fees does not have your best interests at heart. The last thing you need to be thinking about after suffering a severe injury is surprise expenses. Make sure the lawyer you retain is forthcoming about how their fees are structured.

Paying too little or too much
The cost of losing your case can be higher than the cost of the legal fees. Be prepared to pay for the best legal representation or risk losing it all. Successful personal injury lawyers do not earn most of their fee unless they win their cases. Your lawyer should always represent your best interests, but investing more money in them can give them extra motivation. It also proves that you have faith in their ability to win your case. Do not balk at a higher fee because it means your lawyer has confidence in your case and is willing to put in that much more work to ensure you win.

Picking someone you do not like
You should not retain a lawyer that you do not feel comfortable with. This does not mean you need to want to be best friends with your lawyer, but you should feel confident in their abilities. Your case rests on you being comfortable enough to tell your lawyer everything, honestly and openly. If you do not feel confident telling them every detail, then they are not the right lawyer for you. Your lawyer should answer any questions you have and keep you informed on a regular basis. Lawsuits are complicated and frustrating, and even more so if your lawyer does not keep you informed.

Using a trial-shy lawyer
Most personal injury cases do not go to trial because it is often in the best interests of both parties to settle. That being said, the lawyer you choose should not be afraid of appearing before a courtroom. A lawyer who is confident about their abilities to win a trial will give you more negotiating power should your case go to trial.

Hiring the right lawyer is the difference between winning and losing your case. Do not get yourself unjustly buried in a mountain of debt - call Verhaeghe Law Office today.


Do's and Don'ts of Personal Injury Law

Do's and Don'ts of Personal Injury Law

If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer, then chances are that something bad has happened to you or a loved one and that you need legal representation as a result. While no one hopes to one day gain legal representation due to an injury or illness, it can happen to anyone, and you want to make sure that you make good decisions during this difficult time so that you have the right representation. The team at Verhaeghe Law Office has created a list of dos and don'ts for those searching for a personal injury lawyer.

Don't - Expect U.S. Style Settlements

Due to the pervasiveness of American media, including American style personal injury lawyer advertisements on television, Canadians can have a misguided sense of the outcome of their personal injury settlement. In Alberta, courts tend to be conservative for awarding compensation, even juries, and it needs to be noted that pain and suffering are capped at $330,000 while pain and suffering for strains, sprains, and whiplash-injuries (WAD 1 and WAD 2)are capped at $4,000 ($5,000 with inflation). You can still get a fair settlement for your injuries, but understand that this is not going to be a multi-million dollar lawsuit.

Do - Keep Exchange of Information to a Minimum

It can be tempting to talk about your case to others, especially if you have outwardly visible injuries and people are curious about them. The best thing to do is to limit what you say as much as possible and only speak to insurance companies, your lawyer, and the police. In Canada, a person in a conversation with you, as well as you, can record the conversation, so if you are asked by an insurance provider or another lawyer to talk, they can be recording you, and this can be used as evidence in your case. Always ask to have your lawyer present when discussing your case and if people ask just say that it is a matter before the court and that you cannot discuss it.

Don't - Expect to Have Your Day in Court

Though you may want to have that day in court, chances are, as with most personal injury cases, your case will end in a settlement. For a vast majority of people, this is the best case scenario. Settlements are often quite fair and help speed up the process and get you the money that you need faster. If your lawyer negotiates a settlement for you, this is incredibly common, and they have worked hard to get you compensation similar to what you would get from a judge or jury. If they recommend that you accept it, it is because they do not think you could get a better deal at a trial.

Do - Feel Free to Speak to Multiple Lawyers

Being comfortable with your lawyer is incredibly important, and so if you shop around and meet with multiple lawyers, this is fine. Research their reputations, how long they have been in business, and their standing with their professional association. Finding a lawyer who is the right fit for you is crucial to your comfort for the remainder of the case.

Don't - Expect Quick Results

Personal injury cases tend to take quite a while the more severe your injuries are. This is because part of the compensation that you receive will be determined by whether or not the damage is life-long and what ramifications that has on your wellbeing and lifestyle. For soft tissue injuries and whiplash, your healing time is much shorter, and so your case can be determined in a shorter period of time than someone who has sustained much more severe injuries.

Do - Call Verhaeghe Law Office in Edmonton

If you have suffered an injury or illness due to the negligence of someone else, then you need to contact our law office. Please note you have a two year limitation to file your claim; however, it is better to start gathering the evidence and preparing your case far before the two year deadline. Our Edmonton law firm will help you navigate the world of personal injury and do our best to get you the settlement you deserve. Contact us today.

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer
If ever you're involved in a car accident or something happens and you're hurt, you'll want to have a personal injury lawyer on speed dial. Still hesitant about finding a lawyer? We have 10 reasons why you should reconsider your stance on hiring a personal injury lawyer.

In 2017 alone, motor vehicle collisions caused 160,315 personal injuries.

The odds of a motor vehicle or workplace incident happening to you are low. If it does, though, it can be a difficult legal battle to receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Whether or not you have a top-rated personal injury lawyer on your side could make the difference between receiving financial compensation or not.

When Would I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

You might need a personal injury lawyers when you get hurt by someone else, either directly or indirectly.

A direct injury is called an intentional harm or tort. If someone becomes angry and breaks their friend's leg by pushing them down a staircase, the other friend can sue for intentional harm.

Negligence is an indirect harm or tort. If a customer falls on a slippery floor, the restaurant didn't directly make the customer fall, but they were negligent because they did not put up a wet floor sign. Any injuries the customer suffers from are the restaurant's fault.

Most claims are not settled in court but instead through an informal settlement between the two parties before a case formally begins in court. No matter what the situation, though, having a personal injury lawyer will always lead to the best outcome.

Read on for the 10 reasons you need to hire a personal injury lawyer.

1. Personal Injury Lawyers Have Experience

While most people will only suffer from one or two accidents during their life, personal injury lawyers deal with cases like yours on a daily basis. They know the ins and outs of the court system and know what is best to do.

Lawyers must spend a total of seven years in undergraduate and post-graduate school, and most have years of experience before handling a personal injury case on their own.

Knowing that a lawyer must be well versed in order to take care of your claim should make it easy to trust them with your case.

2. Red Tape Can be Overwhelming

Unfortunately, just because someone has wronged you doesn't mean you are automatically entitled to financial compensation. You have to go through civil procedures to formalize your request and prove the other person's fault.

And you probably haven't had to deal with civil litigation before and may struggle with the seemingly endless paperwork, tiring court meetings, and strange vocabulary. Lawyers specialize in this and know how to thrive despite it.

Here are just some of the words, phrases, and abbreviations personal injury lawyers use daily:

  • ADR
  • Act of God
  • IRBs
  • Quid Pro Quo
  • Exhaustion of Benefits
  • Pecuniary Damages

Although you may know some of these terms, understanding all of them and using them yourself can be difficult while trying to recover from your injury. A personal injury lawyer is an expert red tape cutter, and moving your claim to the next step will be a breeze.

3. Lawyers Also Work As Investigators

While you may be able to argue your case well, a lawyer can take it to the next level with more hard evidence only they can find.

In TV shows and movies, lawyers are often shown working late nights and early mornings to study their client's case. They research topics, contact witnesses, and deduce the truth in hopes to help their client.

Believe it or not, lawyers do this in real life too.

As advanced researchers and logical thinkers, you can trust a personal injury lawyer to find the evidence and testimonies they need to prove your claim. Some lawyers even have their own investigative team to do this work with them.

4. Personal Injury Lawyers Let You Relax

You just had an accident. Whether it was a major car wreck or a broken bone at work, you are in pain, and letting your body heal should be your first priority.

Maybe it was some kind of emotional pain, and now it's hard to focus on anything at all.

If you don't take a moment to deal with this pain, your suffering will only prolong itself. The very last thing you need to be doing is worrying about your case.

A situation like this why it is so important to let a personal injury lawyer take care of you and your claim.

Because the case will go quicker and smoother, you'll have time to focus on yourself and breathe. Before long, you'll return to your hobbies, family, and work, because of your personal injury lawyer.

5. You'll Recieve Higher Compensation

During a settlement, a plaintiff has a better chance to receive more money if they have a lawyer than if they do not. There are a few reasons this is the case.

  • Insurance companies, defendants, judges, and juries take a case more seriously if a lawyer is involved in it. They know a lawyer will be able to hold them accountable and do what is necessary for their client.
  • Lawyers have quality experience in personal injury cases. As said before, their experience helps makes the claim process easier, but it also means they know what to do to make sure you get the correct financial compensation.
  • Personal injury lawyers are also master negotiators. It's not enough to win a case; a lawyer can make sure you win and receive the right amount of money.

While your claim is not only about receiving financial compensation, it is a large part of it, and you'll want to make sure you have enough to cover your legal fees, lost income, hospital bills, and anything else that may come up.

6. Personal Injury Lawyers Speed Cases Up

You've probably heard horror stories of court cases dragging on for years and costing plaintiffs thousands of dollars.

This is not far-fetched.

In fact, the longest court case in Canadian history lasted from 1992-2015, and while yours probably won't last quite that long with or without a lawyer, you could be waiting months or years longer on your settlement without the expertise of a personal injury lawyer.

Settling a claim is a time-consuming process as well. Letting an injury haunt you for a long time will make free time hard to come by and work more exhausting.

A personal injury lawyer will be able to take care of your case much more quickly, and because it's part of their job, you'll be able to get back to yours.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Personal injury lawyers can also make sure you don't have to deal with a frustrating trial. Instead, they may be able to help the two parties use an ADR, a settlement made outside of court.

There are a few different types of ADRs.

  • Arbitration can be thought of as a mini-trial. The two parties will choose a neutral third party to serve as the judge of their trial. They will present their evidence, and the third party makes a decision they agreed to accept beforehand.
  • Mediation is similar to attribution, but the parties can accept or reject the compromise the mediator, the neutral third party, makes. If either party rejects it, the two parties may use another ADR or move to trial.
  • Negotiation is a situation in which two parties attempt to compromise without a third party. Usually, this step will always be taken whether formally or not.
  • Conciliation asks a third party to meet with the two other parties separately. In these meetings, the conciliator tries to calm each party down. This method is less formal but useful when tensions are high.
  • Neutral Evaluation is similar to mediation, but the third party gives suggestions and not a potentially binding settlement. The third party here is usually a neutral lawyer and helpful for legally complex issues.

An ADR will not only save your time but also your money. Court fees and trial lawyers are expensive, but an ADR will keep you from paying for them. A personal injury lawyer will work to give your claim a chance outside of court.

7. You might not have to pay anything

When deciding whether or not to hire a personal injury lawyer, many people worry about the cost of hiring one, and this makes sense. Some lawyers charge hundreds of dollars per hour, and spending money that you may not be able to pay unless you win can be frightening.

This isn't always the case though.

Many personal injury lawyers do not charge you for their fees if they do not win the case. This is called a contingency fee and is settled before the lawyer takes the case officially.

Lawyers who work for firms or have a lot of cases are able to do this because they win enough cases to pay for the ones they lose. If they win 9 out of 10 cases, they can afford losing one.

Using this strategy, lawyers can open up their services to cases with plaintiffs who are worried about affording a lawyer. This gives them more business and, in the long run, more money.

If you find the right lawyer, there is no risk in losing money when you hire a personal injury lawyer to take over your case.

8. Lawyers will be more rational

When someone has wronged us, it can be easy to see it from our perspective alone or be overly frustrated. Simply thinking about the situation can be painful.

This is an easy trap to fall into when dealing with personal injury claims, especially in intentional harm. We may make decisions based only on emotions and not on what is best for the situation.

Letting a lawyer take care of your case will help make sure the most logical decisions are being made. While they care about you and your case, they have not been hurt personally, meaning they will see the situation through an objective lens.

Being so close to the case may also continue to emotionally hurt you, but a lawyer will be able to think more clearly about it. For personal and legal reasons, having a personal injury lawyer is the safest bet.

9. Insurance companies are difficult

Insurance companies ironically do not want to give their clients money when they need it. Although their entire business is based on the promise that they will give the money back to their clients, it can be difficult to make them keep that promise.

Insurance companies have professionals working for them, and you should too. Just like a personal injury lawyer, insurance lawyers deal with cases like yours daily.

It is their job to make sure they give you as little money as possible. Don't let them take away the money that rightfully belongs to you by throwing confusing words and complex terms at you.

Going to court against an insurance company alone is not a safe bet, but a personal injury lawyer will do wonders against the insurance company's lawyers. Your claim will be taken more seriously, and the possibility that you get your insurance money increases.

10. Personal Injury Lawyers Want to Win Just as Much as You Do

Although it might seem obvious, it can be easy to forget that personal injury lawyers want you to win your case. They make their livelihood through cases like yours and will do everything they can to make sure you win, even if the odds are stacked against you.

Winning a case gives them money and also helps their reputation. With a better reputation and more money, personal injury lawyers can continue to grow in their business.

Losing, on the other hand, does the opposite for them. Losing has negative consequences for a lawyer, maybe even more than you would have.

With this in mind, it should be easy to hand over your case to a personal injury lawyer. As a team, you and your lawyer can work together to settle your case and continue your healing process.

Next Steps

Understanding the importance of having a personal injury lawyer is not the end of the line. The next step is to find a lawyer, and while searching, "lawyers near me" might work, we suggest visiting our contact page to speak with us today.

And, if you're still not convinced, explore our blog to find out more about working with a lawyer.