What is OCF-19?
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has a series of Auto Insurance Claims Forms (OCF Forms) that need to be filled out if you are seeking compensation for your injuries. The OCF-19 form also known as the Application for Determination of Catastrophic Impairment is a form that needs to be completed in full and submitted to your auto insurance provider if you believe you have suffered a catastrophic impairment as a result of a motor vehicle accident. This form is an important first step in establishing whether or not you have a catastrophic impairment and if filled out incorrectly – can result in significantly reduced compensation from your insurance provider. This is the main reason we recommend you hire a personal injury lawyer. They can assist with completing the form correctly on your behalf.
For more information on this form – you can download the OCF-19 here.
What type(s) of benefits are available to people who have been determined to have a catastrophic impairment?
Individuals who have successfully been able to establish that they have a catastrophic impairment may be entitled to enhanced benefits such as extended medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits, housekeeping and caregiver benefits, as well as other benefits. Preszler Injury Lawyers can help identify the types of benefits you qualify for based on your injuries and build a case on your behalf. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to handle your catastrophic impairment claim can also alleviate the stress of you having to deal with the insurance company and their legal and medical representatives. Your number one priority should be recovering from your injuries and our personal injury lawyers ensure that your recovery and future rehabilitation is our number one priority.
How is catastrophic impairment determined?
The OCF-19 outlines a variety of things that are required for your insurance company to determine whether you are catastrophically impaired or not. For example – in addition to filling out your personal information, your physician will also need to confirm when they saw you, how many years you were in their care and select the type of impairment they suspect you qualify under. The physician will need to note if you have acquired a traumatic brain injury or may be suffering from ailments such as paraplegia, tetraplegia, loss of vision, severe impairment of ambulatory mobility or use of an arm, amputation, physical impairments, mental impairments or a combination of more. This form is not an easy form to complete and should not be taken lightly. Even physicians have difficulty with the nuances. Not knowing which path to take can leave you with significantly diminished or delayed compensation. A personal injury lawyer can assist with filling out these forms correctly to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you with determining catastrophic impairment.
