As discussed in a prior blog post, informed consent is often a significant issue with a number of medical malpractice claims involving not only doctors, but also non-medical doctors such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapist and acupuncturists. Because most medical procedures involve some level of risk, all medical practitioners have an obligation to fully inform their…
Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. When some people suffer from PTSD, it can be extremely disabling to…
At issue in every ICBC claim is the nature and the extent of the injured claimant’s injuries caused by the motor vehicle accident and the effect they have had and will have on his/her function. The injured claimant has the burden of proving not only the injuries, but also whether the motor vehicle accident was…
There is a wide array of medical services provided by doctors including specialized or elective procedures. With any healthcare procedure, there is a degree of risk. Most cases involving medical malpractice are framed in negligence and battery. Doctors can also be held liable for breach of contract in some exceptional circumstances. In a doctor-patient relationship,…
A high percentage of people purchase insurance without understanding the important details of the insurance policy. This can turn into a nightmare when a claim is denied due to an exclusion in the policy that was unknown or misunderstood at the time the insurance was purchased. ICBC is no different. Most people have no understanding…
In Jones v. Rossner 2020 BCSC 2056, the 42 year-old female injured claimant suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident when the vehicle she was driving was rear-ended without any prior warning. Before the collision, she was in good health both physically and emotionally. She regularly attended the gym and worked with a personal trainer. …
In our prior blog posts we have discussed informed consent in medical malpractice claims. As established by the Supreme Court of Canada, the key points to informed consent are: The doctor must disclose the nature of the treatment, its gravity, and any associated risks that would want to be known by a reasonable patient. The…
“Dooring” is a term used to describe when a driver or passenger opens a car door unsafely into the path of a cyclist. Dooring can cause serious injuries to cyclists from concussions to broken bones. This is especially true when a cyclist swerves out of the way or collides with the car door causing them…
Earlier this year, we announced a noteworthy trial win against ICBC by Holness and Small Law Group. We are extremely pleased and proud to announce another recent trial win against ICBC for our client. Jacqueline Small and Vic Maan were counsel for a 35 year-old who suffered significant life altering injuries in a high speed…
Doctors are placed in a position of trust and confidence when dealing with patients. The relationship between doctor to patient falls into a special category of relationships which are known as fiduciary. Doctors are considered fiduciaries and patients are considered beneficiaries. A doctor’s obligation to act in his/her patient’s best interests is understood as the…