Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers

At Bergeron Clifford, we operate on what is known as a contingency fee agreement basis. This means that should your case win in a court of law, our fee is covered by a percentage of the amount awarded to you. This is different from the standard hourly upfront rates some Ottawa personal injury lawyers charge. The contingency fee agreement makes our services easier to afford for many clients who cannot work or are struggling with a reduced income from their injury. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

This depends on a few factors, including whether you’ve suffered due to the negligence of others in some way, such as in a slip and fall case. If you believe that you have been wronged and have evidence that demonstrates this, then filing a claim is a good idea. We’re happy to help advise on the next steps and build your case with you.

Compared to court proceedings, reaching a settlement with the other party can be a much smoother, less stressful, and overall easier process. A personal injury lawyer should be involved to verify that the terms and conditions laid out in the settlement agreement are appropriate for you as the plaintiff, as you don’t want to sign off on a deal that doesn’t fully take into account your injuries or pain and suffering. It’s possible that the payout will be lesser if you went to court, but the lawyer will be able to help you determine and explain which course of action will work well for your case.

There are many factors that go into deciding this. The “value” of the case, properly referred to as damages, varies in type and amount. How much you get, should you win, depends on how drastic of a difference your life is before the injury versus now. Elements that play a role in this regard include whether you’ve lost your job, are living with a permanent disability incurred from the accident or otherwise, need to cover additional costs for caregiving and housekeeping, medical bills, and more. We have a great article on this subject that is worth reading.

Going to court is something that, logically speaking, both the plaintiff and the defendant should try to avoid. In many cases, they manage to do so, resulting in an out-of-court settlement. This is actively encouraged by the Rules of Court in Ontario. 

We believe in being prepared for anything and not taking chances, especially as we work with our clients to ensure we understand the details of their claims. Therefore, we treat your case as if it will be going to court. Bergeron Clifford is highly experienced in representing clients in a court of law, and we’ve seen it all. From erratic and unsubstantiated claims by the defendant to cover their tracks to other unreasonable behaviour, our team has strengthened and argued the plaintiff’s side of the story on many occasions. 

Sometimes, going to court is the only possible solution, such as when a negligent defendant responsible for the injury refuses to admit fault and attempts to shift the blame onto the plaintiff. Regardless of the road ahead, know that our lawyers are here for you as the injured party.

It’s understandable to want to avoid stressful and potentially challenging courtroom proceedings, but a trial isn’t something that should be feared. In many cases, it should be embraced as an opportunity to gain the upper hand and objectively present the truth of the circumstances. Again, in some cases, this is the only way to achieve a “win” and be awarded damages, as not all defendants will be willing to come to a mutual understanding. If there is no settlement, the court needs to intervene and hold a trial.

We prepare from the outset for a trial, just in case one needs to occur. This involves strengthening your argument with legally compelling and accurate facts, and organizing evidence and other findings along the way. We will advise you on the next steps and can represent you in court if needed. You will not need to face this scenario alone

Perhaps you have recently suffered from a catastrophic injury, like an amputation, and are concerned about mounting medical bills. Maybe you have been hurt for some time, and dealing with the pain has become too much to handle. We believe that reaching out to a personal injury lawyer should be a call made sooner rather than later where possible. There are many reasons to do this. First, there’s the financial side of things. Have you been wronged by a negligent party, are unable to financially support yourself (due to lost employment, a higher cost of living or otherwise), and sought damages for compensation? In this case, it’s a good idea to get in touch with us. Alternatively, if you need legal guidance and want to make well-informed choices before building a case against someone, we’re an ideal option. 

There’s also the matter of insurance, which can be complicated and stressful post-injury if attempting to make sense of it on your own while attempting to recover. Even some lawyers can find it to be a challenge. We’re able to clarify all the terms and conditions, ensuring that you know whether your coverage is adequate. Lastly, if you don’t want to pay by the hour, lawyers like us who work on a contingency basis make life easier for our clients. We don’t get paid unless we win, in which case a percentage of the damages awarded covers our services.

The duration of a personal injury case depends on its complexity, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case settles out of court or proceeds to trial. Cases can take several months to a few years to resolve. Your lawyer will provide an estimated timeline based on your specific circumstances.

After an accident, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention. Document the scene, if possible, by taking photos and collecting witness information. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities and notify your insurance provider. Contacting a personal injury lawyer early ensures your rights are protected from the start.

Yes, Ontario follows a system of contributory negligence, meaning you can still file a claim even if you were partly at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. We can help assess your case and advocate for fair compensation.

In Ontario, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors. Consulting our team promptly ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines.

In Canada, personal injury settlements are generally not taxable. Compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses is exempt from taxes. However, interest earned on settlements may be taxable.

Contingency fees mean you only pay legal fees if your case is successful. Typically, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or court award. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible without upfront costs.

For more information on contingency fees, please refer to the Law Society of Ontario’s guide, Contingency Fees: What You Need To Know.

Bring any relevant documentation, including accident reports, medical records, photos of the incident or injuries, witness information, insurance policies, and correspondence with insurers. Providing detailed information helps us evaluate your case effectively.