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…
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…
In the past year, an unusual number of ICBC cases have proceeded to trial. This is in large part due to ICBC’s current tactic of offering unreasonable and low ICBC settlement offers. As a result, numerous trials have been adjourned and postponed because there simply are not enough judges or courtrooms to handle the amount…
*written by Vic Maan, associate at Holness and Small Law Group In a previous blog post, we discussed certain circumstances where an accepted ICBC settlement offer can be overturned and rejected. The question then is whether you can also reject an accepted offer from a private non-ICBC insurance company relating to medical malpractice injury claims,…
In a previous blog post on assault injuries, a father who directed that his sons attack and assault a 14 year-old classmate with batons was found liable for his indirect role in orchestrating the assault. In Siegerist v. Tilton 2020 BCSC 1235, the trial judge awarded the injured claimant damages for the assault injuries. As…
In a prior blog post, we discussed the current state of ICBC settlements in 2020. Specifically, we outlined ICBC’s settlement policy as encouraged by the NDP which refuses to provide reasonable settlements to injured claimants. When ICBC refuses to reasonably assess claims and to offer legitimate settlements, it unnecessarily forces cases to trial. This…
Sports are a large part of our society. Millions of Canadians have participated in and have been spectators in amateur sports and professional sports. Sport injuries to both participants and spectators are unfortunately common due to the inherent risks of the game. Participants are deemed to accept the inherent risks of a sport injury if…
Often, the most common types of personal injury claims involving ICBC accidents, slip and fall accidents and private property accidents will include damages for: pain and suffering lost income future care costs special damages (reimbursement of out of pocket expenses). Another type of claim that is available to injured claimants is for loss of…
If you do not have a lawyer and you are dealing with ICBC on your own, the playing field is extremely uneven in that it heavily favours ICBC. This is because ICBC adjusters receive extensive on how to handle and settle claims to the benefit of ICBC, not you. ICBC adjusters have a significant…
What is the BC Building Code? The British Columbia Building Code governs how new construction, building alterations, repairs and demolitions are completed throughout our province. It establishes minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings and energy and water efficiency. It applies throughout the province except for some federal lands…