Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer

You are not required to have one, but the insurer has adjusters and lawyers whose job is to limit what it pays. A lawyer protects your deadlines and makes sure you claim both accident benefits and compensation from the at-fault driver. Speak with Elena Pelz before giving a recorded statement: 647-250-9912.

Personal injury lawyers in Ontario typically work on a contingency fee, using the Law Society of Ontario's standard agreement. You pay nothing up front, and the fee is paid from the settlement or award. At Pelz Law Group, there are no fees unless your case is won or settled.

Generally two years from the date of injury, under the Limitations Act, 2002. Shorter deadlines often apply first: 7 days to notify your auto insurer, 10 days for falls on city property, and 60 days for snow and ice falls on private property.

Only if the injury is a permanent, serious impairment of an important physical, mental or psychological function. In 2026, a $47,913.01 deductible applies to pain and suffering awards under $159,708.71. Learn more about car accident claims.

No-fault benefits paid by an auto insurer after a collision, regardless of who caused it. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care are mandatory, up to $65,000, or $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries. Since July 1, 2026, income replacement and other benefits depend on the policy.

Yes. If a vehicle was involved, you can apply for accident benefits, through your own auto policy first if you have one, and sue the at-fault driver. The same applies to cyclists, e-bike riders and e-scooter riders struck by a vehicle.

A provincial rule that caps treatment funding at $3,500 for sprains, strains, whiplash and similar injuries. Insurers often apply it too early. Chronic pain, psychological injury or a pre-existing condition can take a claim outside the cap.

Serious claims typically take two to four years. A case should not settle until your recovery and future needs are clear. Accident benefits continue to pay for treatment in the meantime.

Rarely. Most cases resolve through negotiation or mediation. Preparing each file as if it will go to trial is what produces fair settlement offers.

Get medical care, photograph the hazard and your footwear, report the fall and collect witness names. Ask the property owner in writing to preserve any video. For snow and ice, written notice is due within 60 days. Learn more about slip and fall claims.

Yes, but written notice must reach the city clerk within 10 days of the fall. For snow and ice on a sidewalk, you must also prove gross negligence. If you fell on city property, call 647-250-9912 now.

A legal designation for the most severe injuries, including paralysis, amputation, serious brain injury, loss of vision and severe psychological impairment. It raises medical and care benefits from $65,000 to as much as $1,000,000. Learn more about catastrophic injury claims.

Yes. A concussion is a brain injury, and headaches, memory problems and fatigue can persist even when scans are normal. Consistent treatment and medical records are what prove it. Learn more about brain injury claims.

Get the denial letter and your full policy, and continue treatment. You generally have two years from the denial to sue, and an internal appeal does not stop that clock. Speak with Elena Pelz before you appeal. Free consultations are available.

Yes. At 24 months, most policies change from being unable to do your own job to being unable to do any job. This is the most common point for a cut-off, and it can be challenged with medical and vocational evidence. Learn more about long-term disability claims.

Yes. Under the Family Law Act, spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and siblings can claim for loss of care, guidance and companionship, lost financial support and funeral costs. The claim generally must start within two years of the death. Learn more about wrongful death claims.

Yes. Under the Negligence Act, compensation is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found 25% at fault, you recover 75%. Accident benefits are paid regardless of fault.

Not before it is reviewed. A settlement is final, and early offers often leave out future care and income loss. Elena Pelz will review an offer at no cost: 647-250-9912.