Car Accidents

 

    1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Ontario?
      Document the scene, exchange information, report to police if required, seek medical attention, and contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to your insurance company.
    2. Do I need to report my car accident to the police in Ontario?  
      You must report to police if there is injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000. Otherwise, report to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
    3. Can I sue the other driver if they were uninsured? 
      Yes. Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund can compensate victims of uninsured drivers. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate this process.
    4. What is a “no-fault” accident in Ontario and how does it affect my claim? 
      Ontario has a no-fault insurance system for accident benefits, meaning your own insurer pays for medical and rehabilitation costs regardless of who caused the accident. However, you can still sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, as well as income loss.
    5. How much compensation can I get for a car accident injury in Ontario? 
      There is no fixed amount, compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, impact on your life, lost income, and medical costs. Serious injuries can result in five or six-figure settlements.
    6. What is catastrophic impairment/injury (CAT)? 
      CAT stands for catastrophic impairment, which includes quadiplegia, severe brain injury, blidndess or execptional behaviourals. To qualify, your injuries must meet strick legal and medical criteria verified though official asessments, which we assist in navigating.
    7. How does the catastrophic designatoin affect my claim? 
      Meeting the definition of catastrophic impairment, grants you access to significanly higher funding limits for medical rehabilitation and attendant care benefits. It may result in a settlement of six -figures.
    8. What does MIG mean? MIG stands for the
      Minor Injury Guideline and includes injuires like whiplash, sprains, strains and bruises. It caps your medical rahabilitation accident benefits at $3,500.00

Disability Claims 

    1. What is the difference between short-term and long-term disability?
      Short-term disability typically covers the first 3–6 months of inability to work. Long-term disability kicks in after that, often lasting years or until age 65.
    2. My long-term disability claim was denied, what can I do?
      You can appeal the decision. Insurance companies deny many valid claims on the first try. A disability lawyer can review your file, gather supporting medical evidence, and fight the denial.
    3. How long does a CPP disability application take?
      Initial decisions typically take 3–4 months. If denied, the appeals process can take 12–24 months. Having legal help significantly improves your odds and can speed up the process.
    4. What conditions qualify for CPP disability benefits?
      CPP disability requires that your condition is both severe (prevents you from doing any work) and prolonged (expected to last indefinitely or result in death). Many physical and mental health conditions qualify if presented properly.
    5. Can I receive both CPP disability and long-term disability benefits at the same time?
      Yes, but most LTD insurers will offset (reduce) your payments by the amount you receive from CPP disability. A lawyer can help ensure this is calculated correctly. 

 

 

Slip & Falls and Other Injuries

    1. Who is responsible if I slip and fall on someone’s property in Ontario?
      Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they failed to do so and you were injured, they may be liable under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
    2. What is the deadline to file a slip and fall claim against a municipality in Ontario?
      You must give written notice to the municipality within 10 days of the incident, much shorter than the standard 2-year limitation period. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing legal action. Contact a lawyer immediately.
    3. Can I make a claim if a dog bit me in Ontario?
      Yes. The Dog Owners’ Liability Act holds dog owners strictly liable for bites, meaning you don’t need to prove the dog had a history of aggression.
    4. What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
      Ontario follows a contributory negligence system. If you were partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages.

Working with BKK Law

    1. How does BKK Law charge for its services?
      BKK Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or award.
    2. What happens at a free consultation with BKK Law?
      We review the details of your situation, assess whether you have a valid claim, explain your legal options, and answer any questions, at no cost and no obligation.
    3. Does BKK Law handle cases outside of Waterloo?
      Yes. While our office is in Waterloo, we assist clients across Ontario. Many steps in a claim can be handled remotely.
    4. How does BKK Law communicate with clients during a case?
      We keep clients informed at every key stage. You can reach us by phone or email, and we respond promptly, you’ll never feel left in the dark.
    5. What information should I bring to my first meeting with BKK Law?
      Bring any accident reports, medical records, photos, insurance correspondence, employment records showing lost wages, and any written communication from the other party or their insurer.

    1. What is the litigation process for a personal injury case in Ontario?
      It typically involves: claim filing → discovery (exchanging evidence) → mediation → settlement negotiation → trial (if no settlement). Most cases resolve before trial.
    2. What is mediation and do I have to participate?
      Mediation is an important step in personal injury cases where a neutral mediator helps both sides reach a settlement. It’s confidential and often resolves cases without going to court. Your participation is requiered.
    3. Will I have to testify in court?
      Most cases settle before trial, so the majority of clients never appear in court. If your case does go to trial, your lawyer will prepare you thoroughly in advance.
    4. What is an “Independent Medical Examination” (IME) and do I have to attend?
      An IME is a medical assessment requested by the insurance company. In many cases you are required to attend, but your lawyer can advise you on your rights and help you prepare.
    5. Can I change lawyers in the middle of my case?
      Yes. You have the right to change legal representation at any time. BKK Law can take over an existing file, we’ll review where things stand and advise you on next steps.
    6. What happens if the person who injured me has no money to pay?
      In most personal injury cases, you’re actually claiming against an insurance company, not the individual. This is true for car accidents, property accidents, and many other claims.
    7. How long does the legal process take in Ontario?
      The avarage life-span of a personal injury or disability file is 2-3 years. However, it can be shorther or longer, depending on unique circumstances of each file. At BKK Law we are using the latest technology, which assists us in processing files as efficintly as possible.