If you are injured as a direct result of someone else’s actions or negligence, a personal injury lawsuit may not be the first thing the springs to mind. This is Canada, after all, and every province has a program for its residents to receive free healthcare. Between this assumption, and the negative stigma surrounding lawsuits, many people don’t consider their right to sue the person responsible for their injury.
But our free healthcare has its limits—and for non-residents, it’s nearly non-existent—and if your injuries are long-term, there are expenses to consider outside of what the OHIP covers.
These personal injury medical expenses can include:
- Expensive prescription medications
- Physiotherapy
- Counselling or therapy
- Home medical equipment and assistive devices
- Lost wages due to injuries
These costs should not be a burden to you if your injuries were caused by the negligence of another party. You have the legal right to recoup them, a right that a lawyer will help you enforce.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Do for You
A lawyer specializing in personal injury law has one priority: ensuring that you receive the compensation that the law entitles you. This will include examining your case to determine its validity and what your options are, collecting evidence to support your claim, and, if necessary, arguing your case in a claims court.
In order for you to receive compensation, you must first prove your injury, and whether or not its effects are persistent. While this may seem like an insult, the truth is that it is simply a formality. Your lawyer will gather medical records, bills, photo evidence, and other documentation to prove the seriousness of your injury.
They will also collect evidence as to the cause of the injury to prove that you were not at fault. This can include witness statements, surveillance footage, police or paramedic reports, and any other evidence that illustrates the circumstances leading up to your injury.
With this evidence in hand, your lawyer will have everything they need to file a personal injury lawsuit for you. By proving your case in court, you will be able to win fair and reasonable compensation for your medical costs, and potentially for future medical costs as well.
Settling Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
While not every case wins, a strong case is your best chance at being compensated for your medical expenses. A persistent or traumatic injury is not an easy thing to live with, and while a settlement or damages won may not ease that pain, it can prevent you from having to shoulder the additional burden of financial strain in an incredibly difficult time. If you’ve been injured by the actions or negligence of another, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.