New Regulations that govern Ontario automobile accidents were recently made available by the Minister of Finance. These changes are to take effect on September 1, 2010.
Some of the changes include:
a) Reducing the amount of medical and rehabilitation benefits in non catastrophic claims from $100,000 to $50,000.
b) Reducing the amount of attendant care benefits in non catastrophic claims from $72,000 to $36,000.
c) Eliminating claims for care giver benefits. (Previously, there could be up to $250 per week available, plus an extra $50 for additional persons in need of care).
d) Eliminating claims for housekeeping and home maintenance in non catastrophic claims. (Previously, there could be up to $10,400 available).
e) Further reductions for injuries that meet the “minor injury” definition.
These changes will have a significant affect on those victims who have sustained serious, but not catastrophic injuries. Previously, these benefits could be obtained from the injured persons own insurance company and were paid relatively quickly. Now, personal injury lawyers will have to pursue the “at fault” party or insurer to recover these losses. This often takes some time. In circumstance where the accident is you own fault, these benefits may be lost forever.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to know your rights. The lawyers at Raphael Barristers have been representing victims of car accidents, bicycle accidents and motorcycle accidents for over 50 years.
