In the context of a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, a “catastrophic” designation entitles the injured person to much higher policy limits with respect to various benefits and expenses. For example, the limit of medical benefits for non-catastrophic injuries is $50,000 compared to $1,000,000 in the case of a catastrophic injury. Insurance companies in Ontario will often fight the catastrophic designation and it is necessary to use medical evidence to support the claim for such designation.In general, injuries are labelled catastrophic if they involve one or more of the following:
If your injury is serious but not accepted as catastrophic by the insurance company, you should contact us so that we can fight the insurance company to get you classified under the catastrophic designation.
When you suffer a serious injury, your ability to work and take care of your home and family is tremendously affected. You may even have difficulty dressing, driving and doing most normal activities. You may need a great deal of assistance to cover the costs of medical, rehabilitative and attendant care. You may require modifications to your home and vehicle, which the insurance company should pay for. Without the catastrophic classification, your accident benefits are likely to run out quickly.
If you have been in a serious accident, it’s important to speak to a lawyer right away. Your injuries may be severe, but insurance companies are often reluctant to label them catastrophic unless they are obviously within the definition of the catastrophic designation.
With the help of medical professionals, Rooz Law can help you qualify your injuries as catastrophic. Our catastrophic injury lawyers for North York and Toronto can help you beat the insurance company and prove your injuries are catastrophic.
We can also help you become aware of the possibility of a catastrophic injury classification for injuries that may not seem catastrophic right after your accident.
For example, some spinal injuries may not seem severe at first, but as time goes on, the pain and disability you experience may worsen until you are severely disabled and in too much pain to carry out your normal activities. Some head injuries that initially have a good prognosis for full recovery may end up far more serious than doctors initially predict: emotional instability, chronic headaches and personality changes may make it impossible for you to continue your life as before.
The earlier you can make this determination, the better your chances are for receiving proper benefits and compensation for your serious injuries.
If you have been injured in the Greater Toronto Area, contact Rooz Law at 416-229-6000. The sooner you call, the faster we can get you the compensation you deserve