Every year, thousands of Ontarians suffer personal injuries, but many don’t know their rights as they relate to who is at fault and how to take legal action.

“Personal injury” is a type of tort law where the plaintiff (the person who has suffered the injury) alleges that he or she has suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. This can include:

• A not-at-fault car accident
• Dog bite(s)
• Medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Dangerous premises (slip-and-falls)

For those who have experienced any one of these causes of action, dealing with the resulting health issues is only one consequence. When you’re supporting yourself or your family, facing medical and treatment bills along with lost wages can be devastating.

Where Do I Start?

Holding those legally responsible for your injuries accountable allows you to secure the damages (compensation) required to cover your expenses. If you have a cause of action, you have the option of pursuing that cause of action in court while concurrently trying to negotiate a settlement with those involved.

If you have an action that you would like to pursue, you’re going to need a reputable personal injury lawyer on your side. At Petrone & Partners, we will assist you in understanding your rights and entitlements for the type of claim that you have.

We seek compensation through negotiations, mediations and even private arbitrations, whenever possible, to avoid lengthy court battles and additional stress. However, if court is the only reasonable option, rest assured that you'll have knowledgeable lawyers with years of litigation experience and a successful track record in your corner.

What Can I Seek Compensation For?

Damages are designed to ultimately help you get back to your pre-injury health and financial situation. There are a number of damages to consider depending on your injury, including:

• Pain and suffering (including decreased quality of life) for your physical, mental or psychological injury
• Past and future medical and other treatment expenses (i.e. physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, counselling)
• Past and Future loss of income or loss of earning capacity
• Past and Future loss of housekeeping and/or handyman capacity
• Special damages for out of pocket expenses
• Your family’s loss of guidance, care, and companionship under the Family Law Act

Do I Have a Case?

Merely stating that you have suffered an injury as a result of someone’s negligence is not enough. There are limitations on personal injury lawsuits in Ontario, including the fact that a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the claim, and that evidence must be presented to quantify the injury and the damages entitlement.

From slip-and-falls, to complex traumas including traumatic brain injury, our team has extensive experience getting our clients the settlements they deserve. Call Petrone & Partners to make a no-obligation appointment to discuss your options.