Should I hire a lawyer after a motor vehicle accident in Ottawa?

While it's not mandatory to hire a lawyer after a motor vehicle accident, it's highly recommended, especially if you've suffered injuries. Here are some reasons why hiring a legal team like ours may be beneficial: Knowledge and expertise: Our personal injury lawyers specialize in motor vehicle accident cases and understand the legal complexities involved. We have the knowledge and experience to navigate the legal system, assess your case, and provide you with appropriate guidance. Advocacy and protection: Our lawyers will be your advocate, protecting your rights and interests throughout the process. We will handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Maximizing compensation: Our experienced lawyers will work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We can help you build a strong case and assess the true value of your claim. Reducing stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming, especially if you're injured. By working with our team, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case, providing you with peace of mind.

Are there any time limits for filing a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident in Ottawa?

Yes, there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident. These time limits can vary depending on the type of claim and the jurisdiction. In Ontario, the general time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident.

What types of compensation can I seek after a motor vehicle accident in Ottawa?

After a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible to seek various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case. Here are some common types of compensation that you can pursue: Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your accident, including hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgery costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments. Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost and the potential earnings you could have made during your recovery period. This includes both past and future lost wages. Pain and suffering: You may be able to seek compensation for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress caused by the accident and your injuries. This includes the impact on your quality of life, loss of enjoyment of activities, and any psychological trauma you have experienced. Rehabilitation and therapy: If your injuries require ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or specialized treatments, you can seek compensation for these expenses. This may include costs associated with occupational therapy, counselling, assistive devices, and home modifications. It's important to consult with our legal team so we can assess your unique and specific situation, evaluate the damages you may be entitled to, and guide you through the process of seeking fair compensation.

Chronic Pain & Fatigue

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Some symptoms after an injury are visible, while others can only be felt by the person affected. Pain is one such symptom. Sensory receptors all over our bodies work with our nervous system to send signals to the brain indicating discomfort, which is then processed into feelings of an ache, sting, or strain.¹ Injuries cause pain when they first happen, and that pain will likely continue until you have fully recovered. However, this sensation does not always stop.

Those who suffer from chronic pain know it is an ongoing struggle long after the initial injury has improved. Most medical professionals agree that acute (short-term) pain becomes chronic after a period of six months.

The Impact of Chronic Pain

Living with this disability means that completing everyday tasks might feel nearly impossible. You could be frustrated due to your symptoms limiting your capabilities. Even finding a voice can be disheartening if people shrug off your concern, although it is clear that the pain is impacting your quality of life.

Chronic Fatigue

Fatigue can also negatively influence aspects of your day-to-day life, causing you to tire from simple activities and/or never quite feel like yourself when it comes to things you used to be able to do easily. With chronic fatigue, Symptoms are multi-faceted and present for more than six months.² It is estimated that chronic fatigue impacts more than 500,000 Canadians.

How We Can Help

In our experience, it is common for these illnesses, which often arise as a direct result of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, to be easily dismissed by family, friends, and insurance adjusters as “all in your head.”

At Bergeron Clifford, we understand the turmoil that unrelenting soreness can cause. Our chronic pain lawyers can help support your claim for compensation, ensuring the court is aware of the continuous negative impacts on all areas of your life.

The Challenges of Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain often comes with more than physical symptoms. It can also cause various social and emotional challenges. These may be difficult to communicate, despite the nearly 8,000,000 Canadians who live with this condition.³ While various therapies and pharmaceutical options are available, speaking to your primary healthcare provider is paramount to ensure you are on a path that helps you feel some semblance of yourself again. Similarly, injuries that cause increased fatigue can be difficult to measure medically. In either case, you may cause yourself further harm because you choose to ignore the pain, pushing through it so that your life can return to normal. It is important that you continue to monitor and record your symptoms so doctors can fully understand your struggles.

The Unfair Stigma

There is a harsh stigma that comes with chronic pain and fatigue, most notably when you are seeking compensation. Without what many consider concrete evidence from medical tests, people can be dismissive and assume you are faking it for sympathy. They might think you are trying to avoid working so you can secure a settlement and “do nothing all day.” You might feel shameful for bringing up your condition or could even second guess what your body is telling you because no one seems to believe what you are going through.

Do not give in to these feelings, and continue to push for a proper diagnosis. If something feels wrong, it very likely could be a real issue that needs to be resolved.

Hiring a Chronic Injury Lawyer

In Ontario, the law is more concerned with impairments to your life than the details of the actual injury. This means that if your chronic pain or fatigue causes you suffering, you have a qualifying claim.

At Bergeron Clifford, we have years of experience working with medical professionals who can help prove your case for fair compensation. It is important that you are candid about the ways your specific illness has affected your life, including your earning potential, emotional duress, physical struggles, and other factors. Contact us to learn more about how our chronic pain lawyers can help.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has Chronic Pain, our team at Bergeron Clifford is ready to help you through this difficult time and fight for your rights. We offer compassionate and skilled legal services to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

Time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim. That’s why we are committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. For more information on our services, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I take if I suspect my chronic pain or fatigue is related to a past accident or injury?

If you suspect your chronic pain or fatigue is linked to a previous accident or injury, we advise you to seek medical attention promptly. Document your symptoms and treatments, and gather relevant evidence, such as medical records and incident reports. From here, we recommend contacting our firm as soon as possible. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected.

Can I make a claim for compensation if my chronic pain or fatigue stems from a previous accident or injury?

Yes, you have the right to seek compensation if your chronic pain or fatigue is a result of a past accident or injury. Since chronic pain and fatigue tend to be diagnosed after a period of six months, it is common for a previous injury to be the result of these claims.

Our firm specializes in handling such cases, and we understand the complexities involved. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

How long do I have to file a claim for chronic pain or fatigue?

The statute of limitations for filing a claim varies depending on your location and the specifics of your case. It is crucial to act promptly to ensure you do not miss any deadlines. Contact our firm as soon as possible, and we’ll guide you through the process, ensuring your claim is filed within the required timeframe.

What types of compensation can I pursue for chronic pain or fatigue caused by an injury?

You may be entitled to various types of compensation, including punitive and non-punitive damages. These cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our experienced team will assess your case and determine the types of compensation you can pursue.

How can a personal injury lawyer help me navigate the legal process for claiming compensation for chronic pain or fatigue?

1.Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Pain, Disability, Marian Osterweis, Arthur Kleinman, and David Mechanic. 1987. The Anatomy and Physiology of Pain. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219252/#.

2.Sapra, Amit, and Priyanka Bhandari. 2020. “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557676/.

3.Canada, Public Health Agency of 2023. “About Chronic Pain.” Www.canada.ca. November 6, 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/chronic-pain/about-chronic-pain.html.

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