Personal Injury Our law provides us with the right to live our lives, free from the risk of injury caused by the unreasonable actions or negligence of others. In our increasingly complicated world, where the pace of life quickens with each day and limited resources threaten people's ability to do their jobs competently, the possibility of injury or loss due to carelessness, inattention or thoughtlessness also increases daily. Our law firm is experienced in pinpointing and assessing the results of negligent conduct and pursuing legal remedies for the compensation of people affected by it. Automobile Accidents Our system of compensation for injuries arising from automobile accidents has undergone three major changes since 1990, in regard to the amounts of and method of delivery of benefits and services for injured persons. In addition, each time a change was made, the right to sue for monetary compensation for losses not covered by benefits and for pain and suffering underwent significant change. Confusing laws and regulations have been passed, on average, every three years, causing there to be multiple sets of compensation rules, depending on the date of a person's accident. Insurance companies and their associations have done their best to create the perception in the mind of the public that the right to sue has all but been eliminated. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our current laws have endorsed the right of accident victims to sue at-fault drivers for lost income without reference to the seriousness of the injury. Compensation for pain and suffering continues to be available for victims of negligent drivers and many expenses not covered by insurance benefits are recoverable in lawsuits today. In addition, certain family members of those injured or killed have rights to claim for their loss of care, guidance and companionship. For an explanation of what you should do, and what your entitlement may be following an auto accident, independent and prompt legal advice is indispensable. Time limits for notices and claims may affect your case. To avoid the loss of your rights, call Stephen Shanfield, today, at (519) 258-3338 for a review of your accident. Slip And Fall Property occupiers in Ontario have a legal duty to ensure that those entering their property are reasonably safe while on their premises. They must ensure that unsafe conditions, such as unprotected stairways, loose carpeting, hidden dangers, slippery sidewalks and floors are not allowed to exist. Storekeepers, such as produce vendors or grocers whose improper floor inspection and maintenance procedures, or damaged or leaking products create slippery danger to life or limb, can be responsible for such hazards. Improperly designed or inappropriately installed or maintained floor surfaces which become slippery or sticky, dimly lit stairwells, sidewalk slabs which are uneven, potholes in parking lots, poorly drained floors in public washrooms, icy walkways or parking lots are all areas which can lead to painful, costly and debilitating injuries. Many of these hazards are covered by property owner's insurance and prompt legal advice can be crucial in recovery of losses. In some instances, such as falls on municipal property, sidewalks or roads, notices must be given to the municipality within days after the incident and lawsuits are restricted by time limits. Immediate consultation with a lawyer in these cases is imperative. If you have been injured in a fall, call Stephen Shanfield, today, at (519) 258-3338 for prompt and experienced counsel. Dog Bites There is almost no excuse for a dog to bite a person in Ontario today. The common perception that a dog is entitled to its first bite is simply a myth. Dog owners are strictly responsible to ensure that their dogs are properly controlled, restrained from running loose and do not pose a threat to human safety. Our Courts have the authority to award victims of dog bites money damages for injuries causing loss of function, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, psychological trauma, medical costs and income and out-of-pocket losses. These damages are often covered by insurance and claims are often settled out of Court. In some cases, a Court may, upon application, Order an offending animal to be put down. If you have been the victim of a dog attack, call Stephen Shanfield at (519) 258-3338 for prompt and helpful advice and evaluation.