$45,000 Offer of Settlement in the Age of ICBC Injury Caps

When ICBC pays for injuries, the worth or value of the claim is determined by judges following accepted values of justice and fairness. However, After April 1, 2019 there will be a government-imposed injury cap of $5,500 and the auto Insurance monopoly, ICBC, will be handed over the power to deny claims as Minor Injuries. These claimants will be…

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Double Costs Reduced for Late Offer as Jury Dismisses Claim

In this case review the injury claimant was rear-ended in a car accident and claimed a loss of $500,000 due to her injury.  The defendants admitted liability and called for a jury trial. About two months before the jury trial the defendants made an offer to settle the case for $50,000 plus taxable costs and disbursements. Two weeks before…

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ICBC Pays Double for Failing to Accept Settlement Offer

For ICBC, money must really grow on trees. In this car accident injury case the claimant delivered a formal offer to settle for $398,000 less what had already been paid by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, ICBC. The defendants countered with a settlement offer of $238,000 less what had already been paid by ICBC. The Court…

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Compensation for Loss of Business Denied Despite Injuries

In this case study, the small business owners suffered neck injuries and soft tissue injury in a car accident that occurred at the intersection of 57th Avenue and Angus Drive in Vancouver. The claimants’ vehicle was knocked to the curb being hit on the left front corner. The vehicle’s two front seat airbags deployed and ICBC deemed the vehicle…

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$115,000 Somatic Symptom Syndrome Pain and Suffering Award

This 46-year-old self employed bookkeeper and housekeeper sustained personal injuries in a rear end motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Lovers’ Lane and Cameron Taggart Road in Cobble Hill, British Columbia. After the claimant had stopped at the intersection, her car was struck from behind by a minivan. The defendants admitted liability. As a result of the…

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$1.2 Million Injury Award for Concussion, Tinnitus and Depression

This 47 year old plumber and business owner suffered injuries in a car accident on Highway 97 just south of Quesnel, B.C.  The other driver’s GMC pick-up truck crossed over the highway’s center line and collided with a trailer being towed by the claimant and traveling in the opposite direction.  The next morning he called ICBC and…

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Loss of Earning Capacity Awarded Despite Part Time Work History

In this personal injury case the claimant was injured when a car made a left-hand turn into his path while driving northbound on Nelson Avenue in Burnaby. The claimant suffered tinnitus predominantly in his right ear, dizziness, balance issues, jaw pain, and soft tissue injuries to his chest, neck, shoulders, back, and right shin. The soft tissues…

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Treating Doctors to Expect Only $20 fee for Testimony Says Court of Appeal

  In a stunning blow to victims of personal injury the court has upheld a decision to pay only $20.00 to compensate a winning claimant for the non-expert testimony of a family physician. Unfortunately this will mean treating healthcare providers will now be subpoenaed to testify without payment for their preparation and attendance. (Luis v.…

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Two Rear-End Accidents Atop Disc Disease Assessed at $507,000

In this multiple car accident personal injury case the claimant was rear-ended twice and developed a chronic soft tissue pain condition. He sought an award of over $1 million and  ICBC, the defendant insurer, was only prepared to pay $143,000. The insurer argued unsuccessfully that the claimant should be forced to attend active rehabilitation and his claim…

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$175,000 Pain and Suffering for PTSD and Soft Tissue Injury

Valuing psychiatric injury and proving post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is an evidentiary challenge. This PTSD injury claim reviews several  cases in which PTSD was established. This case involved a 55 year old truck driver injured in a motor vehicle accident on Highway 1 near Chilliwack, BC. Having found the other driver 100% at fault the court…

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