Personal Injury Claims in Alberta

Q: How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. Typically, their fee is a percentage of the final settlement or court award.

Personal injury claims can arise from various incidents, including car accidents, slips and falls, and medical malpractice. They are essential for individuals seeking compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. Whether you’re a victim seeking justice, a concerned family member, or simply curious about the personal injury claims in Alberta, this article will provide you with the information you need.

Types of Personal Injuries

Personal injuries encompass a diverse range of accidents and mishaps that may warrant the pursuit of legal claims. Each case presents unique circumstances and varying degrees of severity.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries in Alberta. They occur when vehicles collide, resulting in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-changing conditions.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Cause	Description
*Distracted Driving*	Using phones, eating, or distractions.
*Speeding*	Exceeding posted speed limits.
*Impaired Driving*	Alcohol or drug-related impairment.
*Adverse Weather Conditions*	Snow, ice, rain, and reduced visibility.
*Reckless Driving*	Aggressive and dangerous maneuvers.
*Fatigue*	Drowsy or tired driving.
*Poor Road Conditions*	Potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of signage.
*Mechanical Failures*	Vehicle malfunctions and breakdowns.

According to Alberta’s 2021 collision statistics:

Passenger cars (34.0%), Mini-Van/MPV/SUVs (33.3%), and Pick-Up/Van <4500kgs (20.4%) were the types of vehicles most often involved in accidents resulting in injuries.
Only 1.0% of the vehicles involved in these injury accidents had some defect, with faulty brakes being the most common issue.
Regarding where the collisions happened in the vehicles, the majority (45.3%) took place at the front center of the vehicle.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur when individuals lose their footing and fall due to hazardous conditions. These accidents can happen in various settings, including homes, workplaces, and public places.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Cause	Description
Wet or Slippery Floors	Spills, water, or slippery surfaces.
Uneven Surfaces	Cracks, uneven tiles, or damaged flooring.
Inadequate Lighting	Poorly lit areas lead to visibility issues.
Lack of Handrails	Absence of handrails on stairs or ramps.
Obstructed Walkways	Objects or debris blocking walking paths.
Negligent Snow/Ice Removal	Failure to clear snow or ice on walkways.
Poorly Maintained Premises	Neglected maintenance causing hazards.

According to data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada in 2017:

There were 48,891 injury claims from workplace falls across Canada.
These falls resulted in 63 worker fatalities.
Falls were the third most common reason for lost-time claims, following incidents involving objects and equipment and physical strain.

Moreover, the Government of Canada’s surveillance report reveals that falls are the primary cause of injuries leading to hospitalization and death among individuals aged 65 and older. The World Health Organization reports that approximately one-third of older adults experience falls yearly, from 32% to 42% for those aged 70 and above.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice refers to instances where healthcare professionals fail to provide a standard level of care, leading to patient harm. This can result in severe injuries, worsened medical conditions, or even loss of life.

Examples of Medical Malpractice

Type of Medical Malpractice	Description
Misdiagnosis	Incorrect diagnosis of a medical condition.
Surgical Errors	Mistakes made during surgery.
Medication Errors	Administering the wrong medication or dosage.
Birth Injuries	Harm to the baby or mother during childbirth.
Delayed Treatment	Failing to provide timely medical care.
Inadequate Informed Consent	Not properly informing patients of risks.
Nursing Home Neglect	Negligence in care at nursing homes.

According to Canadian Dimension Magazine, around 40,000 deaths occur yearly due to mistakes in Canada’s healthcare system, which is essentially a medical malpractice.

A similar article points out that Canada also has a culture of fewer lawsuits compared to the United States. An American Medical Association (AMA) report reveals that Canadian doctors are sued only a quarter as often as their American counterparts.

In the last five years, the number of legal actions against doctors, overseen by the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), has steadily decreased, from 891 in 2016 to 732 in 2020. Most of these cases (94.3%) were resolved through settlement or dismissed.

The Personal Injury Claim Process

Navigating the process of filing a personal injury claim can be intricate, but diligently following each step is necessary to ensure you receive the rights and compensation you deserve.

1. Filing a Claim

To initiate a personal injury claim, follow these essential steps:

Seek Medical Help
Gather Evidence
Identify Responsibility
Consult a Lawyer
Notify the At-Fault Party
File Legal Documents
Negotiate with Insurance
Consider Mediation/ADR
Prepare for Trial (if Necessary)
Attend Trial

2. Investigation and Evidence

Investigation and evidence are the bedrock of any successful legal case. These elements are essential in upholding the rule of law.

Importance of Evidence Gathering:

Establishing Liability – Strong evidence helps identify the responsible party.
Proving Damages – Evidence supports calculating fair compensation.
Negotiation Leverage – Well-documented evidence aids in negotiations.

Role of Medical Records:

Function	Importance
Medical History	Documents injuries, treatments, and recovery.
Causation	Establishes a link between the accident and injuries.
Treatment Costs	Reveals medical expenses for compensation calculation.

3. Negotiation and Settlement

Negotiating a settlement is a critical phase in a personal injury claim. To help you navigate this process, here are the negotiation tactics and strategies:

Negotiation Tactics and Strategies

Tactic/Strategy	Description
Starting with a Strong Offer	Initiating negotiations with a reasonable demand.
Documentation	Providing evidence to support your claim.
Patience	Avoiding hasty decisions and allowing for discussion.
Willingness to Compromise	Being open to negotiation and finding a middle ground.
Understanding the Opponent	Knowing the other party’s position and motivations.
Timely Responses	Promptly addressing counteroffers and inquiries.
Legal Representation	Having a skilled attorney negotiate on your behalf.

How Settlements Are Reached:

Demand Letter: Your lawyer sends a demand letter to the at-fault party or their insurer.
Initial Offer: The at-fault party or insurer responds with an initial offer, which can be lower than your demand.
Counteroffers: Both sides exchange counteroffers, adjusting the proposed settlement amount and terms.
Discussion and Review: Negotiations can involve discussions, clarifications, and reviews of evidence and documentation.
Middle Ground: Through negotiation tactics and strategies, both parties work toward finding an agreeable middle ground.
Settlement Agreement: Once an agreement is reached, both parties draft and sign a formal settlement agreement.
Payment: After signing, you receive compensation as outlined in the settlement.

4. Litigation

Taking a personal injury claim to court is significant when negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement.

Overview of Taking a Personal Injury Claim to Court:

The personal injury lawsuit process involves several key steps: filing a formal complaint, serving legal documents, exchanging information and evidence in discovery, pre-trial procedures, trial, judgment issuance if in your favour, and the option for either party to appeal if they believe errors occurred during the trial.

Court Procedures:

Your attorney files a complaint outlining your claims and demands.
Legal documents are served to the at-fault party.
Both sides exchange information and evidence.
Meetings to discuss case status and potential settlements.
Your case is presented in court before a judge and jury.
If you win, the court issues a judgment for compensation.

Compensation in Personal Injury Claims

The level of compensation awarded in personal injury claims varies significantly, contingent upon the severity and circumstances of the case being pursued.

Types of Compensation

Type of Compensation	Description
Economic Damages	Reimbursement for financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Compensation for property damage and future medical expenses.
Non-Economic Damages	Compensation for intangible losses like pain and suffering. Emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.
Punitive Damages	Awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Designed to punish the at-fault party and deter future wrongdoing.

When determining compensation in a personal injury claim, several factors are considered:

Injury severity
Medical costs
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Liability degree
Insurance limits
Pre-existing conditions
Negligence
Evidence strength
Legal representation

Common Challenges in Personal Injury Claims

Throughout the claims process, it’s essential to remain vigilant about the strategies employed by opposing parties or institutions to keep the compensation rightfully owed to you.

Insurance Company Tactics

Tactic	Description
Lowball Offers	Offering settlements below fair compensation.
Delay Tactics	Protracting the claims process to pressure claimants.
Denial of Liability	Contesting fault to avoid paying claims.
Surveillance	Monitoring claimants to challenge the severity of injuries.
Medical Reviews	Obtaining independent medical evaluations to dispute injuries.

How to Handle Challenges from Insurers:

Approach	Description
Consult an Attorney	Seek legal representation to protect your interests.
Document Everything	Maintain thorough records of your injuries and losses.
Negotiate Wisely	Carefully review settlement offers and consult professionals.
Stay Persistent	Don’t succumb to pressure; pursue a fair settlement.

Proving Liability and Negligence

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that the at-fault party was negligent and liable for your injuries.
Collect relevant evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and professional opinions, to build a strong case and meet the burden of proof.

Dealing with Pre-existing Conditions

Address how the accident exacerbated pre-existing conditions, leading to your injuries.
Consult medical professionals and provide a clear medical history to establish the link between the accident and your injuries.

Potential Delays and Obstacles

Identifying Common Delays and Obstacles:

Challenge	Description
Lengthy Legal Process	Lawsuits can take time, delaying compensation.
Insurance Company Tactics	Insurers can create obstacles in the claims process.
Court Backlogs	Courts can have significant case backlogs.
Complex Cases	Intricate cases can require extensive legal procedures.

Tips for Overcoming These Challenges:

Strategy	Description
Patience	Understand that legal processes take time.
Legal Expertise	Engage experienced attorneys to navigate complexities.
Timely Action	Initiate your claim promptly to reduce delays.
Persistent Advocacy	Stay committed to securing fair compensation.

Personal Injury Attorneys Assist You on Court

In the world of personal injury claims, knowledge is power. Understanding the types of compensation, how settlements are reached, and the challenges you could face empowers you to make informed decisions.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face the journey alone. Consult with us in Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary for your personal injury claims in Alberta. We have the skilled attorney able to navigate the complexities of your claim. Your path to justice and fair compensation starts with the right legal representation.

Frequently Asked Question

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. Typically, their fee is a percentage of the final settlement or court award.