Orillia Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Sustaining a catastrophic impairment as the result of a motor vehicle accident can be a difficult, emotionally fraught, and overwhelmingly expensive experience. The permanent nature of these injuries means that catastrophically impaired car accident victims in Orillia may find themselves facing these significant hardships for the rest of their lives.

Insurance companies make accident benefits available to injured survivors of motor vehicle collisions. These benefits vary based on the severity of the injuries caused by the accident.

Although catastrophically impaired survivors of motor vehicle accidents should be entitled to the highest amounts of accident benefits, insurance providers often find reasons to dispute policyholders’ claims or withhold benefits to which they should be entitled. Doing so can cause catastrophically impaired car accident victims undue stress and financial insecurity.

One of the key factors in determining the amount of accident benefits available to survivors of motor vehicle accidents is the severity of the injuries sustained. Those who have sustained injuries that meet the threshold of catastrophic impairment may be granted the highest amounts of accident benefits available.

The mandatory minimum amount of accident benefits that must be included in all auto insurance plans in the province is determined in accordance with Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). While some policyholders may elect to purchase additional coverage, all basic auto insurance plans must include at least the following accident benefits amounts:

• $3,500 in medical and rehabilitation benefits for accident victims who sustained minor injuries
• $65,000 over 5 years for the combined total costs of medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits for accident victims who sustained non-minor, non-catastrophic injuries
• $1 million for life in combined medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits for accident victims who sustained catastrophic injuries

In addition to regulating the amount of accident benefits to which an accident survivor should be entitled, the SABS also defines the term “catastrophic impairment” in order to clarify who is eligible for the highest amount of coverage. According to this legislation, a person is considered to have suffered a catastrophic impairment if they suffered at least one of the following outcomes as a result of their motor vehicle collision:

• Paraplegia or Tetraplegia
• Severe impairment of ambulatory mobility or use of an arm, or Amputation
• Loss of Vision of Both Eyes
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) meeting the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) criteria
• Physical Impairment or Combination of Physical Impairments (which results in 55% or more of the whole person)
• Mental or Behavioural Impairment (excluding Traumatic Brain Injury) Combined with a Physical Impairment (which results in 55% or more impairment of the whole person)
• Marked impairment in three or more areas of function that precludes useful functioning; or an Extreme impairment in one or more areas of functioning due to a mental or behavioural disorder

In order to apply for the accident benefits they deserve, a catastrophically impaired claimant’s attending physician must complete an OCF-19 form stating their medical opinion that their patient’s accident-related injuries meet the threshold of catastrophic impairment. Unfortunately, even after being presented with the medical opinion of a physician familiar with the claimant’s injuries, insurance providers may find reasons to dispute an applicant’s claim.

Our Orillia catastrophic injury lawyers have experience helping car accident victims navigate the dispute resolution process when their insurance providers refuse to offer them the accident benefits they are rightfully owed. With assistance from our catastrophic injury lawyers serving Orillia, many survivors of motor vehicle collisions across Ontario have received the fair treatment and coverage they deserve. To learn more about working with our Orillia catastrophic injury lawyers, take advantage of a free initial consultation by calling us today.

Speak With Preszler Injury Lawyers Today

The process of disputing an unfair insurance settlement alone can be frustrating, disheartening, and confusing. Our catastrophic injury lawyers serving Orillia may be able to negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance provider on your behalf or represent your best interests in Court, if necessary. To learn if you might be eligible to work with our Orillia catastrophic injury lawyers to get the coverage you deserve, contact us today.

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