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Successful Injury Claims in Edmonton
Filing a personal injury claim in Edmonton can seem complicated. But remember, you don't have to go through it by yourself. By consulting a personal injury lawyer, you can get clear advice on your rights and possible compensation. This includes coverage for injuries, missed work, and other related issues. If the accident wasn't your fault, contacting a lawyer can help you understand and pursue any potential claim you might have. McCourt Law Offices is renowned for its successful outcomes, rooted in a legacy of trust. If you've been injured, instead of navigating the legal maze yourself, bring your case to McCourt Law Offices! Contact us today.
THE CAP ON MINOR INJURY COMPENSATION
On October 1, 2004, Alberta's PC government imposed on certain car crash whiplash victims a "Minor Injury" Regulation, purporting to cap pain and suffering compensation for those victims at $4,000 (the cap has increased slightly over the years to account for inflation). The regulation was enacted after persistent lobbying from an insurance industry whose pleas of poverty were, to borrow a phrase from philosopher Harry Frankfurt, "not germane to the enterprise of describing reality."
Insurance companies enjoyed all-time-high profits before the cap and have seen an eye-popping increase in profits ever since. But the government nevertheless opted to slash victim compensation to subsidize insurance rate reductions, primarily for high-risk young male drivers. Not surprisingly, traffic accident fatality rates in Alberta spiked by over 20% in the year after the so-called insurance "reforms" were implemented.
FIGHTING FOR REPEAL
The cap was set to expire in 2018, but Rachel Notley’s NDP quietly eliminated the expiry date in a decision made behind closed doors without any legislative debate. Adding insult to injury, the NDP government also added people with certain TMJ (jaw joint) and psychological injuries to the list of car crash victims subject to an insurance compensation cap. Considering that the NDP vocally opposed the cap when their PC predecessors introduced it, Nötley Crüe’s decision to favour the multi-billion dollar insurance industry over vulnerable victims smacks of rank hypocrisy. McCourt Law Offices urges our Alberta government to review and repeal this unjust, unnecessary, unconservative injury cap, restoring full and fair compensation to innocent auto accident victims. Click here to read our position paper provided to Premier Prentice’s PCs 10 years post-cap, here to read our email to Premier Kenney’s UCP MLAs 5 years later, and here to read our Edmonton Journal op-ed published after Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party won the 2023 Alberta election.
At McCourt Law Offices, we pledge to fight for our clients' rights to full and fair compensation. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
McCourt Report on Tort Deform: This paper offers a chronology of events from 2001 - 2020 surrounding the consideration and enactment of legislation and regulations "reforming" motor vehicle accident injury litigation in Alberta.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
After sustaining an injury, it's crucial to consult a medical professional. Some injuries, especially those related to the brain, neck, and spine, might not show immediate symptoms.
Prompt medical attention is essential not just for health reasons but also for any future claims. Documentation of medical appointments, tests, prescribed treatments, and medications can be pivotal for your claim. Not seeking medical care could potentially diminish the value of your claim.
Always prioritize your health and adhere to your doctor's recommendations.
CONSULT OUR LAWYERS IN EDMONTON
If you have been involved in an injury claim, contact us soon after your accident. We'll discuss your situation, check your injuries, and guide you on the best steps. Negotiating with insurance companies can be tricky. Our personal injury lawyers will handle everything, from medical assessments to ensure proper injury evaluation to engaging in settlement negotiations. If an agreement isn't reached, we'll take the case to trial if needed. While rare, if there's a need to appeal a court decision, we'll guide you through the process. Let us handle your injury claims in Edmonton to ensure you get what you deserve.​​
