Saturday, February 18, 2012

Ottawa snowmobile accident lawyers - complex snowmobile and car accident cases require experienced injury lawyers

Ottawa snowmobile lawyers – Complexities of snowmobile accident claims

Snowmobiles are very fun winter recreational vehicles. Snowmobiles are heavy motorized vehicles and can cause serious personal injury. Under Ontario personal injury laws, the accident benefits available for snowmobile accident victims are very similar to those of any other type of motor vehicle accident. Given the heaviness of snowmobiles, openness of ride and the speeds they reach, snowmobile accidents can often result in very serious or catastrophic injury. In some cases, they cause permanent disability or death.

In Ontario, snowmobile accident victims and their family members can claim compensation for their losses from their own car insurance company (under what is called No-Fault Accident benefits) and from the person responsible for the collision in what is called a Tort Claim.

Your car insurer is obligated to pay no-fault accident benefits compensating you for such things as loss of income, expenses relating to others assisting an injured person with completing household maintenance and expenses related to self-care activities. The insurer, under no-fault law, must also pay for all necessary medical services and rehabilitation; if necessary to limits prescribed in the policy of insurance. Benefits are paid pursuant to an application by the injured person and there are time-lines by which applications must be provided to the insurer; there are consequences to not meeting time lines.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we have handled many cases where the insurance companies have denied benefits that they are legally and contractually obligated to pay their injured clients. You are entitled to dispute the insurer’s refusal to pay your benefits. Different levels of benefits are available to snowmobile injury victims, depending upon the type of injury and impairments. The process of obtaining accident benefits and claiming damages in a tort claim is complicated and requires careful and experienced analysis by an experienced personal injury lawyer who has experience dealing with snowmobile accident cases.

In a tort claim, you may claim compensation from the person responsible for the collision. The compensation paid under a tort claim is normally paid by the responsible person’s insurer (other driver for instance). In Ontario, injury victims who suffer serious and permanent injuries can recover damages compensating them for their losses, including their pain and suffering, their past and future lost income, their extraordinary future health care and home maintenance costs, their out of pocket expenses, interest and legal costs.

There are time limits which govern when an injured person must notify their own insurer of a claim, notify the responsible parties that they intend to bring a claim. There are also time limits by which an injured person must commence a court case seeking compensation, otherwise they may forever lose their right to bring court action and seek compensation. These time limits can restrict or eliminate an injured person's right to recover damages and compensation.

Whether a person has the right to commence a court action against another person in snowmobile cases is a complicated issue. Liability must be assessed by an accident lawyer. Our experienced personal injury and accident lawyers in Ottawa can properly assess all the issues in a snowmobile case such as liability, proper persons to seek compensation from, insurance coverage issues and the value of your snowmobile accident claim.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we understand the complexities of snowmobile accidents and the profound affects injuries sustained in snowmobile accidents may have on the injured person and their family. Our team of experienced and dedicated injury lawyers is dedicated to assisting persons injured in snowmobile accidents. They know how to deal effectively with the Ontario insurance and litigation systems in order to obtain maximum compensation. Our lawyers represent injury victims throughout southeastern Ontario.

We have represented clients injured in many types of vehicle accidents. Snowmobile riders can suffer serious and permanent injuries as a result of accidents which occur because of:

Negligent operation
Reckless driving
Defective machinery or failed safety equipment
Environmental hazards
Hidden obstructions
Thin ice
Low-hanging branches
Electrical wires
Poorly maintained trails
Drunk driving
Failure to yield right of way
Rear-end collisions
Side-swipe accidents
Failure to check blind spots
Misjudging speed
Dangerous trail or road crossing conditions
Etc...

Snowmobile riders who are physically exposed (there is no metal surroundings like a car for instance) are at a greater risk of sustaining significant injuries such as traumatic brain injury, head injury, back injury, fractures, internal injuries, chronic pain, spinal cord injury or paralysis. The injuries sustained can often require expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we focus our law practice entirely on personal injury and accident law. We assess every case very carefully in order to identify all possible damages options so that our clients recover all types of damages necessary to adequately and fairly compensate them for their injuries.

Our lawyers will take every step necessary to avoid trial and negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of injured persons so that they obtain all benefits and compensation they deserve.

However, we prepare each case as if they are going to trial; that way, if the case does not settle (95% of all cases do settle however), we are prepared for trial. We have a vast network of medical and non-medical experts such as physicians, surgeons, neurologists, accident reconstruction specialists, occupational therapists, health care professionals, economists, accountants, actuarial experts and others, with whom we will consult to determine the full extent of your injuries and assess the full extent of your damages.

If you have sustained an injury as a result of a snowmobile accident, even if you were at fault or partly at fault, it is still worthwhile to consult with an experienced Ottawa personal injury lawyer. You are entitled to accident benefits under your own insurance policy to handle medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses and other economic losses.

Contact us for a free consultation at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131. One of our Ottawa snowmobile accident lawyers will be glad to answer any of your questions and discuss our contingency fee arrangement which provides that we do not charge any fees unless we win your case.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Ottawa Amputation Injury Lawyers - Ottawa Largest Boutique Injury Law Firm

Ottawa Amputation Lawyers - Some small firms cannot handle serious injury cases requiring administrative and financial support. We are Ottawa largest personal injury Boutique law firm. the partners are financially independent and have the financial resources to support serious injury cases.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we handle all types of injury cases resulting from all types of accidents. In serious injury cases, such as an amputation injury resulting from an accident, our Ottawa Ontario lawyers can address the particular legal issues arising out of amputations. The loss of any body part is devastating and words really cannot describe the serious profound life changing effects of suffering an amputation injury. You need a lawyer who focuses on amputation and serious injuries.

When assessing an amputation injury, there are many particular issues that arise such as the nature and extend of compensation. Amputations are generally considered catastrophic injuries which affects the type and amount of compensation available in both motor vehicle accident cases and non-motor vehicle accident cases. Don’t leave it to chance, we have, as a law firm, the necessary resources to support serious injury claims.

This Ottawa Injury and Accident Lawyer Blog is written regularly by the lawyers of the Ottawa personal injury law firm of Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, Ottawa's largest boutique personal injury and accident law firm. This blog reports on injured victims and accidents in eastern Ontario with a focus in Ottawa, discusses personal injury issues and reports on local Ottawa news and events affecting injured persons.
Contact us for a free consultation. We offer No Fee until You Win agreements. 613-563-1131. www.ottawapersonalinjurylawyernetwork.com.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Ottawa Hockey Injury Lawyers - Ottawa Sports Injury Lawyers

Ottawa Hockey Accident Lawyers

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we have handled many personal injury cases in Ottawa and eastern Ontario involving children and adults injured in various sporting activities, including hockey.

It is not difficult to be injured participating in a sport or sporting activity. Injuries suffered while playing sports occur on a daily basis at schools, gyms, fields and training facilities. Sporting injuries involving hockey tend to be the most severe, due to the high number of head injuries causing concussions, catastrophic injury and spinal cord injuries. We have handled many sporting accidents causing a wide variety of injuries such as head injuries (such as severe concussion or hematoma), neck injuries, back injuries, paralysis and fractures.

Not all cases of sporting injuries result in the right to sue and seek compensation. If the athletic facility involved failed to provide safe, functional equipment, liability can follow. As with all personal injury claims, it is important to keep in mind that in order to succeed in obtaining compensation, there needs to be a wrongdoer, someone who was careless or negligent and caused the accident and injuries.

All circumstances must be taken into account when assessing liability.
Contact us at (613) 563-1131 or 613-315-4878 for a free consultation.
Ottawa Sports Injury Lawyers

Monday, February 13, 2012

In most personal injury and accident cases, an injured person needs an Ottawa accident and injury lawyer. This brief article explains why.

In most personal injury and accident cases, an injured person needs an Ottawa accident and injury lawyer. This brief article explains why.

Unfortunately, justice is not automatic. This is so even in cases where someone is clearly injured due to another person's carelessness or negligence.
As your Ottawa personal injury lawyers, there are a number of issues we address in order to protect the legal rights of our injured clients. We must carefully consider and properly address things like:

Determining notices and time periods to meet.
Taking steps to meet the notice and time lines.
Determining the legal deadlines to meet.
Taking steps to meet the legal deadlines.
Nature and extent of proper notices to provide.
Maneuvering through the insurance company mine-field.
Locating all possible insurance policies (both injured person’s policy and third party policies).
Assessing entitlements and benefits under various laws.
Assessing entitlements and rights under various possible insurance policies.
Assessing the positive and negative facts of each case.
Obtaining all relevant medical and other evidence.
Determining the applicable laws and legal principles in each case.
Determining the full extent of injuries.
Determining the value of each head of damages applicable.
Providing timely accurate legal advice.
Assessing damages and losses.
Retaining experts to assess losses.
Commencing court actions within the limitation periods.
Properly prosecuting a court action.
And much much more....

All of these issues can be quite complex and time consuming. Errors made at any stage can be extremely costly to our injured clients. As personal injury lawyers, we have extensive Knowledge of all applicable laws. We also have a clear understanding of the applicable court cases (judge made law); we understand how the courts system works and know how to properly read court decisions and how they have been interpreted. We know how to apply the proper personal injury laws and other laws to each case, including the common law and statutory laws.

Inexperienced lawyers make mistakes, such as failing to comply with a legal time deadline or legal notice requirement (many are found in insurance policies or under a statute) and missing or undervaluing certain heads of damages. In an instant, an injured person can lose their right to make a claim.

If the wrong information is provided to an insurance adjuster, this may have a significant harmful effect on the claim. Proceeding without the legal advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer can be very risky. The system is stacked against injured persons who are not represented by a personal injury lawyer.

Keep in mind that insurance companies are in business to make money. As a business, they will want understandably to reduce any payments or, if possible, not pay at all. Insurance companies have highly skilled and trained adjusters on staff and they hire very experienced and knowledgeable lawyers. They are very familiar with the insurance system and the legal system and they know how to take advantage of the systems.
Your Ottawa personal injury lawyer levels the playing field. Your Ottawa injury lawyer will take the steps needed to protect your interests and rights so that you can maximize the compensation you deserve.

As your Ottawa injury lawyers, we handle all of the steps for you. While you concentrate on recovery and returning to your day-to-day life, our Ottawa accident lawyers handle the complicated legal issues for you. We have experienced injury lawyers, paralegals and law clerks. Our team is ready to fight for you. Our personal injury team will protect your rights and work hard to get you the most money possible so that you are fairly and justifiably compensated for your injuries sustained due to another person's negligence or wrongdoing.

Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP - Ottawa injury and accident lawyers - Free consultations at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131. NO Fee Until You Win.
Ottawa accident lawyers - Ottawa injury lawyers. We level the playing field between huge insurance companies and injured people.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Ottawa elevator and escalator lawyers - top Ottawa injury lawyers helping victims of accident in Eastern Ontario

Ottawa Elevators and Escalator Injury Lawyers

The lawyers of Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP have extensive experience handling cases for individuals who have suffered personal injury as a result of elevators and escalators, whether it occurred on private or public property. The law regarding preventing accidents occurring as a result of elevators and escalators is complex. Choosing a qualified Ottawa elevator and escalator accident lawyer is vital to obtaining fair compensation. Choose the wrong lawyer and you can lose thousands of dollars in compensation.

Ottawa has hundreds if not thousands of elevators and escalators in public and private buildings. Each year escalator and elevator machines are required to be inspected for safety by the TSSA and experts in the industry. The Province of Ontario regulates the design, installation and maintenance of elevators and escalators.
Despite all the safeguards in place, some owners ignore their legal responsibilities and each year people are seriously injured in Ottawa and Ontario as a result of defective, inadequately inspected, or poorly maintained elevators and escalators. In some cases, the accidents result in wrongful deaths. In most cases, the accidents could have been avoided.

As large mechanical machines, elevators and escalators can cause serious and permanent injuries. Our law firm has extensive experience handling catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases, including many cases of injuries occurring on escalators and elevators throughout Ontario. We have handled cases such as escalator accidents caused by:

Improper installation
Missing parts
Sudden stoppages
Loose or missing parts
Inadequate maintenance
Inadequate supervision
Side entrapment involving footwear

In many cases, young children, who are attracted to the moving parts on the escalator, are injured because they fail to appreciate the dangers of escalators and elevators.

We have also handled cases of injuries caused by elevators such as:
Elevator falls
Elevator drops
Improper door movements
Defective safety strips on doors
Defective equipment
Uneven car landing, either above or below designated floor
Improper design
Improper maintenance
Negligent supervision

Escalator and elevator accidents are extremely complex cases to handle. It requires experience and knowledge of the operation of these types of machinery and its interplay with the many legal principles of negligence.

Because owners typically try to get the escalator or elevator fixed as soon as possible after an accident (and thereby getting rid of the evidence), it is important to promptly hire a qualified and experienced elevator and escalator accident lawyer so that we can immediately undertake a prompt factual investigation, identify and contact witnesses, preserve essential evidence, take photographs and deliver notices of claims.

Our lawyers have significant experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, including complex escalator and elevator accident cases. Our firm has the experience, the knowledge and the resources to best handle any elevator or escalator accident case resulting in personal injury or wrongful death.
Initial consultations with our law firm are always free, and our cases are handled on a no fee until we win your case basis (called contingent fee basis). Please call us at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131.

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer who has experience with these cases is vital to successfully obtaining compensation. Personal injury is our specialty, which is all we do, every day. We are considered one of the best personal injury Boutique law firms in Ontario.

Call us for a free consultation at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131. Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers of Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP (Marc N. Quinn). There is no fee until we recover money for you.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Ottawa Playground Accident Lawyers

Ottawa School and Playground Injury Lawyers

If your child has been injured in a playground, your child may be entitled to compensation. Negligence is not always apparent and as injury lawyers, we can determine if the accident was caused due to the negligence of another party.

The area of playground injury law has changed considerably in recent years. While the basis of the claim still lies in Occupier's Liability or Premises Liability, it often interplays with negligent supervision allegations and legal principles.
Parents, teachers and lawyers are now more aware than ever that playground accidents are often the result of poor playground construction or design or as a result of lack of supervision.

There are ways in which schools, school boards, municipalities and private schools can make playgrounds much safer for children. Many of these changes are inexpensive and still allow children the ability to use playground structures constructively and freely. We have handled cases of child injury on playgrounds where the allegations centered on poor and negligent design, lack of maintenance and/or lack of supervision.

In many cases, accidents are simply accidents and there is no one to be sued. As parents, teachers and supervisors, we cannot prevent every accident. In other cases however, a child is injured due to the negligence of another. When children are injured in playground accidents, it is often school negligence that is the root cause. We investigate the reason(s) why an accident occurs and if a party or parties are at fault, we pursue that party or parties on behalf of our clients. We have succeeded in all school and playground negligence cases we have handled to obtain compensation for our clients.

Ottawa serious injury and playground accident lawyers - Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP - We have a special interest in personal injury, accident and disability cases. There is no fee unless we recover money for our clients. Our consultation is free and confidential.
Call us for a free consultation at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131.

What is damages for loss of quality of life? What is damages for loss of enjoyment of life? Ottawa accident lawyers explain

What Is Loss of Enjoyment of Life?

In any personal injury or accident cases, there are different types of damages which may be recoverable from the person who caused the injury, the at-fault party. They include special damages such as lost wages or lost income, out of pocket expenses and medical costs. There is also a type of damage called "pain and suffering damages" which is also sometimes referred to as non-pecuniary or general damages. Loss of enjoyment of life is part of the general damages an injured person can claim as a result of an injury or injuries sustained in an accident.

When a person suffers an injury, their lives are affected in various ways. Every injury impacts on the enjoyment of and quality of life of the injured person. In some cases it is temporary and minor, but in other cases, it is profound, life altering and permanent such as a serious head injury, spinal cord injury, brain injury or other serious injury. The more serious the injury, the more catastrophic the injury, the more this head of damage is relevant and significant. Loss of enjoyment of life is considered a general damage, such as pain and suffering damages.

Calculating the amount of damages for the loss of enjoyment of life, however, is not an easy task and your lawyer uses his or her legal skills to make an assessment in this regard. Your personal injury lawyer will use medical and other evidence, research case law and discuss with you the various ways the injury or injuries has affected your life and those of your family to arrive at an amount that would fairly compensate you for this head - type of monetary damages.

Therefore, you need experienced personal injury lawyers who focus their law practice on injury law. Our firm has this experience and the track record of success you need.

Ottawa serious injury and accident lawyers - Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP - We have a special interest in personal injury, accident and disability cases. There is no fee unless we recover money for our clients. Our consultation is free and confidential.

Call us for a free consultation at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131. Ottawa accident and injury lawyers.

Ottawa serious injury lawyers explain what a life care plan is and why lawyers need it for their clients.

What is a Life Care Plan and why is it needed?

A life care plan is documents prepared by a health care expert as a way to assist injured persons assess their various medical needs. The written plan outlines the steps in an organized thought out and professional way which are needed to fulfil the care needs of an injured child or adult. It provides details on what specific medical and other care is needed, which professionals will provide the care and sets parameters like time lines so that an effective managed care program can be implemented by the various health care providers involved.

A life care plan is essential because it assists the injured person and their lawyers to accomplish two main goals: the first is to develop a care program which can assist the injured person deal with all life issues arising out of the injuries sustained such as type and nature of care services needed and the costs associated with those care services; and secondly, it assist the injured person’s lawyer in arriving at the proper and adequate compensation needed to implement the care plan. Properly assessing medical needs and all of the expenses that arise after a life-altering injury is greatly improved with a life care plan.

The various issues addressed in a life care program include but are not limited to:

assessing and listing care services required
assessing and listing expert care services required
setting time lines for implementation of care services
assessing impact on schools and education activities
listing needed medical equipment and devices
assessment of needs regarding social interaction
assessing home modification needs
addressing respite care needs
assessing physical therapy needs
assessing other various needs
setting out an implementation strategy

Life care plans are usually used in serious personal injury cases such as serious orthopedic injuries, head injuries, brain injuries, spine injuries and other profound and serious injury cases.

Creating a life care plan with advice from both medical experts and legal professionals is a means to protect our clients against unexpected care and other costs that can appear in the future. There is much less chance of missing an important expense when a life care plan is created by a qualified professional. There is a greater chance of obtaining higher compensation settlements and court awards with a life care plan in place.

Ottawa serious injury lawyers - Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP - We use life care plans to protect our seriously injured clients. Call us for a free consultation at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131. There is no fee unless we settle your Injury case.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Best Ottawa Injury Lawyers - We are a team of Injury Lawyers

Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers -Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP.

We are a team of Ottawa accident and injury lawyers working as a law firm focussing only on personal injury, accident and disability law matters. We have helped many clients in Ontario who have suffered injuries due to a variety of accidents. Unless other lawyers, we do not simply dabble in injury law, injury law is all we do.

We assist accident victims and their families every day. We provide legal advice and service needed to obtain fair compensation for our clients who suffer injuries sustained in accidents.

We have a team of dedicated Ottawa personal injury lawyers who have a special interest in injury cases. Most of our clients come to us from referrals from other lawyers or past clients.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious personal injury as a result of an accident, we provide free legal consultations and can answer your questions. We also work on the basis of contingency and charge no fees until we recover compensation for you.


This Ottawa Injury and Accident Lawyer Blog is written regularly by Ottawa lawyers Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP who report on news and provide information about accident victims and their rights throughout Ontario.

Call us for a free consultation at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878. Visit us at www.ottawapersonalinjurylawyernetwork.com.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Ottawa Orthopedic Injury Lawyers - Fractures, Broken Bones and More

Orthopaedic Injuries: Fractures, Broken Bones and More - Ottawa orthopedic injury lawyers


Orthopedic injuries (typically fractures - broken bones) are often caused by car accidents and falls. In many cases, the fractures heal and there is little or no long term consequences to the injured person. In other cases, the fractured bone heals, but there is residual long term pain, suffering and in some cases significant permanent disability. In every case, injured persons are entitled to advance a claim for compensation of their injuries are the result of someone else’s wrongdoing or negligence.

Many victims find that their function has been impaired to some degree even after they have healed from a broken bone. Many of our clients explain that they continue to experience discomfort, pain or disability, long after their surgeons and physicians tell them the broken bones have healed. The long term consequences of fractures and other orthopedic injuries can be significant, disabling and permanent, depending on the extent of the injury or injuries.

The personal injury lawyers of Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, represent people who have suffered serious orthopaedic injuries, whether the injuries have resulted from trip and falls, slip and falls, car accidents or any other type of accident. Our accident lawyers fully assess and review every aspect of orthopedic injuries and take all necessary steps to obtain full compensation for our clients.

We understand that the full range of adverse affects of orthopedic injuries such as physical pain, emotional and psychological pain and suffering, arthritis, chronic pain, stress, anxiety, fatigue, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and regional pain syndromes, must be fully considered when assessing what is fair compensation. We understand that, like any injury, orthopedic injuries can affect someone's ability to function and work. Orthopaedic injuries can result in a requirement for extensive medical assessment and treatment, rehabilitation and has great impact on lifestyle. We take great care to consider all possible head of losses, expenses and damages.


We have experience handling many types of orthopaedic injury cases including:

simple bone fractures
complex fractures
bone injuries
back injuries
spinal cord injuries
knee injuries
shoulder injuries
arm and wrist injuries
hand injuries
leg, knee and ankle injuries
damage to soft tissue affecting bones
ligament damage and injury
cartilage damage and injury
muscle damage and injury
tissue damage and injury


We work very closely with various medical and non medical experts such as medical professionals, engineers, accountants, economists, care assessors and more to assess and determine the full extent and scope of damages sustained by our clients. We then fully pursue all of the possible compensation our clients deserve.


If you or a member of your family has suffered a serious orthopaedic injury due to another person's negligence or wrongdoing, please contact one of our injury lawyers at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878 for a free consultation.

No Fee Until You Win - Ottawa orthopedic injury lawyers

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Ottawa psychological injury lawyers

Psychological Injuries - Ottawa psychological injury lawyers

In many cases, especially when the physical injuries are clear, the psychological and emotional impact on the injured person and their family is overlooked. In some cases, the psychological and emotional impact and trauma is secondary to the physical injuries sustained but is nevertheless compensable. In other cases, the injury itself is fully psychological and/or emotional and is the main injury.

If you are suffering from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression or any other psychiatric or psychological disorder, it is important to explore your options with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

We provide experienced and effective representation in civil cases dealing with psychological injuries. Our lawyers have the skills, experience and legal resources necessary to effectively and comprehensively represent clients’ interests in cases involving psychological injuries such as:

• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression and stress
• Anxiety
• Nervous shock
• Sleep and other disorders

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we have the experience needed to address psychological injury cases fully and comprehensively. We have represented many clients in personal injury and other accident cases where the psychological injuries are severe, prolonged and permanent.

We work closely with various medical experts, including psychologists and psychiatrists, in order to identify the treatment needs of our clients as well as the full extent of damages and compensation that flow from psychological injuries. On behalf of our clients, we retain and rely on medical experts to provide professional medical legal assessments and opinions. We also hire and rely on various non-medical experts such as actuarial experts, economists, engineers, rehabilitation experts, accountants, tax experts and life care specialists such as certified life care planners. Our experts assist us in properly assessing past and future needs of our clients and also assess the financial cost of fulfilling those needs. We hire experts in every field necessary to full assess our client's needs.

We assign a team of lawyers and law clerks to each injury case. Our strength lies in the fact that we have teams of lawyers and legal professionals who can work toward the common goal of advancing our clients' interests in these complicated cases.
Our lawyers are strong legal advocates. Each case is assessed fully from a liability perspective and from a damages-compensation perspective; and a strategy for achieving positive results and success is formulated in every single case. We apply winning proven strategies and techniques to mediation and other forms of dispute resolution, such as judicial pre-trials and settlement conferences. We first focus on reaching maximum compensation through non litigation means. If necessary however, we are not afraid of the courtroom and we do take cases to trial.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we assess all costs associated with the short and long term medical and non-medical needs of our clients. When someone suffers from a psychological injury, they suffer greatly and their family members also suffer greatly. We also focus on ensuring all family members are full compensated. We advance claims for loss of care, guidance and companionship, for care services, expenses, loss of income and more.

Call one of our experienced injury lawyers at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878.

Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP – We level the playing field between insurance companies and injured persons throughout Ontario. Our law firm has the resources, knowledge and experience required to obtain compensation in psychological injury cases. To arrange a free consultation about your injury case, please contact us by e-mail at mquinn@pqtlaw.com or call us at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131.

We represent clients throughout Ontario, with a special focus on eastern Ontario and Ottawa in particular.

Ottawa Psychological and Psychiatric Injury Lawyers

Ottawa spinal cord injury lawyers - not every personal injury lawyer is qualified to handle complex spinal cord injury litigation

Spinal Cord Injuries - Ottawa spinal cord injury lawyers - Why you need experienced injury lawyers to handle your spinal injury negligence claim.

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic and complex injuries anyone can suffer. There is no part of life which is not adversely affected by spinal cord injuries. Quality of life is affected beyond imagine and lack of, or serious reduction of, mobility has a profound impact on every facet of life for the injured person and their family.

Spinal cord injuries can occur from many activities and often occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, or in combination with head injuries. Spinal cord injuries usually mean a lifetime of rehabilitation and specialized medical care, requiring the long term assistance of various health care providers and other life experts.
Not all lawyers appreciate nor understand the legal, emotional and medical complexities of spinal cord injuries and the financial burden it causes injured persons and their families. The various types of financial and non-financial losses must be fully analyzed before considering any settlement. There can be no rush to settlement in spinal cord injury cases.

We understand that spinal cord injuries affect injured persons differently. It can result in partial paralysis. In others, the result is complete paralysis. The degree of paralysis depends upon the level and the extent of injury to the spinal cord.

There are various bodily consequences of spinal cord injuries, other than paralysis and loss of use of arms and/or legs, which can be devastating such as loss of sensation in certain areas of the body, severe muscle spasms, severe pain and loss of certain bodily functions.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we have the experience needed to address spinal cord injury cases fully and comprehensively. We have represented many clients in personal injury and other accident cases where the injuries are severe, prolonged and permanent, including head and spinal cord injury cases. On behalf of our clients, we retain and rely on medical experts to provide professional medical legal assessments and opinions. We also hire and rely on various non-medical experts such as actuarial experts, economists, engineers, rehabilitation experts, accountants, tax experts and life care specialists such as certified life care planners. Our experts assess past and future needs of our clients and also assess the financial cost of fulfilling those needs. We hire experts in every field necessary to full assess our client's needs.

If the case proceeds to trial, we use technical evidence such as demonstrative evidence, graphic evidence, photographs, enlarged medical test results such as films and scan results, animation software and more. In many cases, we hire experts in the field of life assessment and have them prepare day-in-the-life videos which have proven very successful in depicting the day to day challenges of persons injured. This level of complex analysis and legal work is absolutely required in spinal cord and head injury cases.

We assign a team of lawyers and law clerks to each injury case. Our strength lies in the fact that we have teams of lawyers and legal professionals who can work toward the common goal of advancing our clients' interests in these complicated cases.
We have handled many cases involving paralysis, paraplegia, quadriplegia, sciatic nerve injuries, radiating pain and related injuries and neurogenic pain injuries.

Our lawyers are strong legal advocates. Each case is assessed fully from a liability perspective and from a damages-compensation perspective; and a strategy for achieving positive results and success is formulated in every single case. We apply winning proven strategies and techniques to mediation and other forms of dispute resolution, such as judicial pre-trials and settlement conferences. We first focus on reaching maximum compensation through non litigation means. If necessary however, we are not afraid of the courtroom and we do take cases to trial.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we assess all costs associated with the short and long term medical and non-medical needs of our clients. While the obvious costs such as medical care expenses, rehabilitation expenses, assistive aid expenses, medical device expenses and similar expenses must be fully assessed, we focus as well on the less obvious costs such as the impact on social and family relationships, pain and suffering from every conceivable angle, loss of income and benefits and the short and long term impact on quality of life.

When someone suffers from a spinal cord injury, they suffer greatly and their family members also suffer greatly. We also focus on ensuring all family members are full compensated. We advance claims for loss of care, guidance and companionship, for care services, expenses, loss of income and more. In cases of motor vehicle accidents having caused the spinal cord injury or injuries, we work on obtaining statutory motor vehicle accident benefits for the injured person and any eligible family members.

Call one of our experienced injury lawyers at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878.
Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP – We level the playing field between insurance companies and injured persons throughout Ontario.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

My Ottawa personal injury lawyers say that OHIP gets part of the settlement, is this right?

My personal injury lawyers say that part of my settlement must go to OHIP because they have a subrogated interest claim, what does this mean?

Ottawa car accident and personal injury lawyers provide explanation of your rights and interests when it comes to OHIP's subrogated interest claim.

When you receive indemnity (meaning compensation) as an injured person in Ontario, the law recognizes that you should be fully indemnified (meaning receive full compensation). It also recognizes that third parties, such as OHIP, should be reimbursed for their expense associated with your care.

Associated with the legal principle of "indemnity" is the reciprocal principle of "subrogation". In such cases, a third party such as OHIP (meaning the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care) has a right by statute under the Ontario Heath Insurance Act to recover from the injured person what they paid to provide care services to the injured person. The injured person in turn recovers the amount from the person who caused them injury. The principle of subrogation exists in part because, in general, the law recognizes that the injured party is not entitled to "double recovery." An injured person only pays this if it receives it from the wrongdoer. However, the injured person and their injury lawyers must advance a claim for OHIP at the same time it advances a claim for the injured person.

How does it work? In practice, as long as there is no conflict of interest, your personal injury lawyer will also be hired by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to advance a claim for reimbursement of the expenses OHIP paid to care for you as a result of your injuries. When the case settles, the wrongdoer (or their insurer), will provide compensation to you and also have to pay OHIP's subrogated interest claim.

What does the Ministry say about their subrogated interest claim?

This is what the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has to say about their subrogation interest.

"Personal Injury Accidents: Recovering Health Care Costs

If a person is injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, and makes a claim for damages or initiates a lawsuit, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care can recover its costs for health care and treatment.

Each year, the ministry recovers over $12 million from insurance companies through subrogation. Subrogation is a legal term unique to Insurance Law. It means “the right to recover costs for an injury caused by the fault or negligence of another person.” The ministry’s right to subrogation is enforced through legislation.
By being familiar with the principle of subrogation, those representing an injured person can ensure costs for appropriate health care and treatment are included in claims for damages.

Providers of health care services should read the fact sheet, Who Pays for Health Care: Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents to ensure costs for services are billed appropriately.

The most common examples of personal injury accidents for which the ministry recovers health care and treatment costs are :

slip and falls
boating, air and rail accidents
product liability or manufacturing defects
medical malpractice or professional negligence
dog bites
municipal liability
assaults
some motor vehicle accidents
class actions.

The ministry is notified by the injured person, their legal counsel or by the at-fault party’s liability insurer.

The ministry’s right of recovery applies to any incident regardless of the location. This includes other provinces, and foreign jurisdictions that allow subrogation or other reimbursement rights.

The ministry can recover costs for :

OHIP insured services including :

physician services;
hospital services including in/out patient, acute and chronic care;
air ambulance; out-of-country/out-of-province medical and hospital services;
Extended care services typically arranged or provided through Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) in the home, school or community including :
professional services such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, social work or nutritional services.

non-professional services :

personal support including assistance with personal hygiene and homemaking services such as house cleaning, laundry, banking, shopping, preparing meals;
attendant care services such as assistance with personal hygiene and activities for daily living;
long-term care accommodation and services in nursing homes, charitable homes and homes for the aged (accommodation costs cannot be claimed in other facilities such as supportive housing);
community support services such as meals and transportation, caregiver support, adult day programs, home maintenance and repair, social or recreational services.

Recovering Past and Future Health Care Costs

The ministry recovers the cost from insurance companies (or at-fault parties) for all OHIP insured health services provided up to the time of settlement or judgment. It also claims the costs for future insured health care services that an injured person may need.

Where an injured person has been assessed for long-term care services and benefits, funding is provided on a bridge or interim basis until settlement funds have been received. The ministry's claim includes these costs, and the subrogation unit endeavours to contact CCAC or other funding agencies upon settlement.
Subrogation does not apply for future non-professional health care services or benefits (such as attendant care, personal support and homemaking). The injured person must include a claim for the cost of these services in his or her personal claim for damages. Once settlement funds are received, he or she can then purchase these services directly. (source: www.health.gov.on.ca)."

OHIP at the moment (February, 2012) does not claim subrogated interest claims in cases of injured persons who are injured due to motor vehicle accidents in Ontario.

The relevant section of the Health Insurance Act is section 31 which reads as follows:

Subrogated claim included in action

31. (1) Any person who commences an action to recover for loss or damages arising out of the negligence or other wrongful act of a third party, to which the injury or disability in respect of which insured services have been provided is related shall, unless otherwise advised in writing by the General Manager, include a claim on behalf of the Plan for the cost of the insured services. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.6, s. 31 (1).

Recovery paid to Ontario

31. (2) Where a person recovers a sum in respect of the cost of insured services, the person shall forthwith pay the sum recovered to the Minister of Finance. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.6, s. 31 (2); 2006, c. 19, Sched. L, s. 11 (5).

Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP - Ottawa accident and injury lawyers. We provide free consultations and no fee until you win agreeemnts. Call us for a free consultation at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Another pedestrian car accident in Ottawa - Ottawa Car Accident Lawyers Report

News of an Ottawa pedestrian accident which caused injury on February 4, 2012 in Ottawa.

Ottawa Accident Lawyers report - Legal Information about pedestrian accidents.



It is unfortunate but another two accidents occurred in Ottawa over the weekend and two persons were seriously injured suffering head injuries as well as other significant injuries.



As car accident lawyers, we see too many pedestrian accident cases that could have been avoided and we know how difficult it is for the families when they need to care for their loved ones but have so many unanswered legal questions.



As Ottawa car accident lawyers, we handle all types of vehicle accident claims such as claims for compensation, accident benefit claims and disability benefits claims. No matter what the injury, be it a head injury, spinal cord injury, fractures, soft tissue injuries or brain injuries, we can help.



A Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, we have a team of lawyers that focus only on injury lawyers. We work with a team of medical and health care experts. Unlike some lawyers who simply dabble in injury cases, we focus only on injury and accident cases. That is why many other lawyers in Ottawa and throughout Ontario refer their clients' accident and injury claims to us.



Our thoughts are with any persons injured in motor vehicle accidents in Ottawa or elsewhere. We are here to help families deal with the legal issues arising out of car accidents.



Visit us at www.pqtlaw.com or www.ottawapersonalinjurylawyernetwork.com or call us for a free consultation at 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131.



The lawyers of Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP - Ottawa Accident and Injury Lawyers write blogs regularly on issues affecting the rights and interests of accident victims in Ontario, with a focus on eastern Ontario and Ottawa accident victims. As an addition to the basic news local news media provides, we offer more detailed legal information on injury and accident law. The lawyers at our law firm are dedicated to providing access to justice and we take all personal injury cases on a No Fee Until You Win basis, so that every injured person can afford to have top Ottawa injury lawyers handle their cases. Our blogs report often and we have received numerous kind comments on how our blogs and web sites have helped injured persons and their families.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Did you know that in most cases you are entitled to only one personal injury settlement? Don't sign a release until you read this article!

Did you know that in most cases you are entitled to only one personal injury settlement? Don't sign a release until you read this article!

If you settle your injury case, in most cases, you cannot seek additional compensation at a later stage, even if your medical condition worsens and you were unaware that you would get worse. A final settlement is final and you will be barred from advancing another claim for the same accident no matter what your injuries were. If your health condition worsens or your injuries expand and you signed a release, you cannot claim more money.

Therefore, it is vital that your claim is handled right from the very beginning and that all your injuries are fully known, that your damages are fully properly calculated and assessed and all contingencies are accounted for (such as a possibility of getting worse in the future), before signing any documents and finalizing any settlement.

As one of Ottawa's (and Ontario for that matter) leading personal injury and accident law firms, we will represent your interests and protect your rights. We will ensure that your claim is handled right and you receive all the compensation you deserve. We have a long standing track record of success.

We are experts at injury law. Call us for a free consultation at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878. Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP - Ottawa accident and injury lawyers - protecting injured persons throughout Ontario.

WE CAN’T UNDO THE PAIN, BUT WE CAN FIGHT FOR YOU! – OTTAWA ACCIDENT CLAIMS SPECIALISTS

WE CAN’T UNDO THE PAIN, BUT WE CAN FIGHT FOR YOU! – OTTAWA ACCIDENT CLAIMS SPECIALISTS

As your Ottawa accident and personal injury lawyers, we know that we cannot undo the immense pain, suffering and life disruption caused by the negligence, misconduct or recklessness of another person which caused you injuries. It is frustrating to know that in most cases, the incident causing the injuries was entirely foreseeable and preventable.

However, as your dedicated personal injury lawyers, we will do everything within our power and control to obtain the best possible settlement for you so that, at the very least, you receive the compensation you need and deserve.

When you are involved in an accident which caused you injury, you should hire a specialist. You want to hire a lawyer that works with a law firm (a team of lawyers, not just 1 or 2 other lawyers) that focuses exclusively on personal injury rather than one that practices general law and occasionally handles a personal injury case.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki, our personal injury lawyers only practice accident and injury law. We are litigators; we focus on accident and injury issues only. We specialize in personal injury lawsuits. We have extensive experience in handling all types of accident and personal injury litigation cases.

We have been through the insurance process and the legal system pertaining to personal injury hundreds of times each year.

Call us for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not charge anything unless we win your case and obtain compensation for you. Reach us at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Ottawa Man Falls and is Injured? Ottawa Weather Causes Car Accidents and Falls - Watch for freezing Rain

Bad Weather and Freezing Rain causes MVA Accidents and Falls in Ottawa

The weather in Ottawa is often unpredictable and slippery surfaces are everywhere. The risk increases with freezing rain.

We represent all persons who are injured due to slippery surfaces, whether it is a car accident, a cycling accident or a slip and fall by a pedestrian.

The Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers of Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP are experts at handling injury and accident cases. To learn more about your rights as an injured person, call us at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878.

This Ottawa Accident Blog is written by the Ottawa injury law team of Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP, Ottawa's best accident lawyers. We report on all issues converning victims of accidents and their families.

Call us for a free consultation at 613-563-1131 or 613-315-4878.

Read one of our articles on accident and injury law issues at www.pqtlaw.com or www.ottawapersonalinjurylawyernetwork.com. See our videos and news reports.

Ottawa Bicycle Lawyers - Ottawa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers - Ottawa Car Accident Lawyers - Bicyclist suffers serious injuries in Ottawa - Carling Ave

Ottawa Bicycle Lawyers - Ottawa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers - Ottawa Car Accident Lawyers - Bicyclist suffers serious injuries in Ottawa - Carling Avenue

It is reported that the Ottawa police have laid charges in connection with an alleged drunk driving incident which occurred on Carling Avenue, in Ottawa last Thursday afternoon. The car crash seriously injured a cyclist who was taken to hospital with critical injuries. The charges include impaired driving and dangerous driving causing bodily harm. The person was also reported to have been charged with two counts of assaulting a peace officer, failing to remain at the scene of an accident and refusing to provide a breath sample.

The bicyclist suffered serious head injuries The collision was serious.

Riding a bicycle at any time, especially in the winter can be dangerous. It is so sad to hear that someone has been injured in this fashion. Our prayers are with the family of the injured person.

At Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki, we know how difficult it can be for families who have members injured in accident and we provide support. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, let us take care of the legal issues so you can concentrate on getting better.

Call us free of charge at 613-563-1131. Ottawa car accident lawyers supporting victims of accidents in Ottawa.

SLIPPED ON ICE AND WAS INJURED? WE CAN HELP!

Ottawa Winter Slip And Fall Injury Lawyers - Ottawa Winter Trip and Fall Injury Lawyers

Owners of commercial property and private property in Ontario, such as business owners and homeowners have a positive responsibility to maintain and repair their properties, which in winter includes sidewalks, driveways and walkways. Owners must keep their properties free from any hazardous or unsafe conditions, such as ice and snow or uneven surfaces. If a person has been injured because of a property owner's failure to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition, the injured party may be entitled to receive compensation for the pain and suffering they endured as well as other damages like loss of income, medical bills and other expenses related to the accident.

At our law firm, we handle many cases in this area every day, including:

Sidewalk Accidents
Sidewalk Disrepair
Snow and Ice Sidewalk Accidents
Temporary Sidewalk and Roadway Construction Slippery Floors Department Store Accidents Supermarket Accidents Platform and Stairs Accidents Etc...


Trip and fall and slip and fall accidents are commonly caused by:

Cracked and broken sidewalk flagstones
Uneven or broken sidewalks
Raised sidewalk gratings and covers
Improper snow and ice removal
Non removal of ice or snow
Poorly constructed temporary sidewalks
Roadway construction hazards
Slippery surfaces
Uneven surfaces
Poor lighting
Lack of railings
Loose carpets and surfaces
Uneven stairs
Etc...

Our law firm has significant experience in handling trip and fall cases and slip and fall cases that have led to broken bones, back injuries, head injuries, shoulder and knee surgeries, arm injuries, soft tissue injuries and many other types of injuries that have required extensive medical treatment and time away from work. We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients.

Our team of injury lawyers has significant experience in providing representation to injured persons injured in slip and fall or trip and fall accidents that occur in any location.


We know that trip and fall and slip and fall cases require thorough investigation, requires experience and knowledge of the law regarding premises liability. We have the training, experience and skill that your case deserves. We only handle injury cases, that's all we do every day.

Call us to speak with an experienced injury lawyer if you have been injured in a trip and fall or slip and fall accident to learn what our firm can do to help you through the recovery process and get you the compensation you deserve. Call 613-315-4878.

If you have been injured in a trip and fall or a slip and fall accident in Ontario, it is important that you speak with an experienced attorney about your rights as soon as possible. Call to schedule a free consultation. 613-315-4878 or 613-563-1131.

Need a car accident lawyer?

Ottawa Ontario Personal Injury Lawyers Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP

Web Site: www.pqtlaw.com

The lawyers at our law firm regularly engage in discussions with third parties such as news personnel, health care providers and experts on issues affecting the rights of injured persons in Ontario.

We are sometimes asked to appear on television to discuss issues affecting injured persons in Ontario. We handle all types of accident and injury cases such as slip and falls, trip and falls, car accidents and more. We maintain our superior experience by attending continuing legal education, lecturing ourselves to other lawyers and legal professionals. We handle cases involving any type of injury such as serious brain injury cases, spinal cord injuries, traumatic injuries, catastrophic injury claims and more.


If you have any questions about your rights as an injured person whether you suffered a personal injury in Ottawa or anywhere else in Ontario, contact us for a free consultation - 613-563-1131. We handle all types of injury cases throughout Ottawa and eastern Ontario.

The Ottawa Injury and Accident Blog is written regularly by Ottawa personal injury lawyers Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLP. We have experience as a law firm of injury lawyers for more than 15 years focusing on accident and injury cases. We represent accident victims and their families who need excellent legal advice. We work on a no fee until you win basis. We don't get paid until you get paid. 613-563-1131 (Ottawa accident lawyers)