Treating Psychiatrist Opinion Needed to Avoid Adverse Inference

The Judge agreed to instruct the jury, in this personal injury case, that they can draw an adverse inference from the claimant’s failure to have her treating psychiatrist provide an opinion.(Brar v. Ismail, 2018 BCSC 1487) The claimant’s depression was a central factor in this personal injury lawsuit.  She claimed the car accident significantly aggravated her…

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Immigration File Disclosure in a Personal Injury Case

The claimant was injured in a motor vehicle accident and alleged the car accident caused physical and psychological injury, including nervous shock. The claimant emigrated to Canada 10 years before the application and had come with a history of  experiencing beatings, tortures and slavery. The defendant sought a court order for his file from Immigration, Refugees…

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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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Defining a New Money Offer as ICBC Awarded Legal Costs

This ICBC offer to settle case review focuses on the definition of the term “new money” when contained in a written settlement offer. ICBC offered to settle this personal injury claim for $105,000 new money plus costs but the claimant rejected the offer making a counter-offer of $450,000.00. The judge ultimately awarded $87,250, comprised of $80,000 for…

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Returning to School and Work after a Car Accident Injury

Car accident injuries can occur when starting a new phase of school or work. Getting back after a vacation or time off can make it difficult to heal as recommended by a doctor or treating healthcare provider. How to return to school with an ICBC injury claim and three important principles to understand when injured in a…

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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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Legal fees of 33% Recognized by Canadian Courts as a Reasonable Fee

It can be difficult to know how much to pay for legal services if you have little or no experience hiring a lawyer after a personal injury. The years of legal training and experience help to determine the lawyer’s best hourly and percentage fee. Here are a few case examples to help understand what is reasonable…

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