Statutory Accident Benefits Lawyer in Ottawa
In Ottawa and across Ontario, any person involved in an accident with a motor vehicle (whether it is a car, bus, tractor-trailer, motorcycle, etc.) is entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits, also commonly referred to as “SABS”. These are “no-fault” accident benefits which mean even if you were at fault for the accident, you still have coverage.
If you have your own automobile insurance, your insurance company will provide you with accident benefits. If you do not have automobile insurance of your own, you are covered through one of the insurance companies of another party involved in the accident. For example, if you are a pedestrian without insurance, the insurance company of the driver of the vehicle that hit you will provide accident benefits coverage.
Before hiring a Statutory Accident Benefits lawyer, it is important to find out whether he or she has significant experience not only in suing at-fault drivers but also handling complex Statutory Accident Benefit claims, which can provide millions of dollars to catastrophically injured car accident victims.
Sean Giovannetti is a Statutory Accident Benefits lawyer who has extensive experience with accident benefits. From 2010 until 2015, handling accident benefits claims for insurance companies formed the majority of Sean’s practice. Sean now acts only for accident victims. His experience and significant knowledge of the accident benefits legislation and the insurance industry will level the playing field with the insurance company. Sean will help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that is available.
Some of the benefits you may be entitled to receive under the SABS include:
Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits
These benefits include the cost of therapies such as physiotherapy, massage, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, etc. For those who suffer more serious injuries, the benefits can include items such as the cost of college or university and home modifications (or even the purchase of a new home) if necessary.
Attendant Care Benefit
This benefit may be available if you require aid to help with your personal care. This assistance can include bathing, cleaning, assistance dressing, cooking, grooming, etc.
Income Replacement Benefit
If you are unable to work because of your accident, you may be entitled to an Income Replacement Benefit. Unless you have purchased enhanced benefits, the income replacement benefit is limited to 70% of your gross income and a maximum of $400 per week. If you were self-employed you may be entitled to additional benefits.
Caregiver Benefit
Depending on the date of your accident and the extent of your injuries, if you were the primary caregiver for someone at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to a caregiver benefit of $250 per week for the first person in need and an additional $50 per week for each additional person in need.
Non-Earner Benefit
If you do not qualify for an income replacement benefit, you may qualify for a non-earner benefit of $185 per week if you have a complete inability to carry on a normal life. If your accident was before June 1, 2016, this benefit is payable until age 65 (and then paid beyond at 65 at a reduced rate) or as long as you have a complete inability to carry on a normal life. If you were a student at the time of the accident, this sum will increase to $320 per week after 2 years. The Ontario Government has recently reduced this benefit significantly. If your accident was on or after June 1, 2016 this benefit is payable only for two years at the rate of $185 per week. It is not payable for the first four weeks following the accident and there is no increase to $320 for students who suffer a complete inability to carry on a normal life.
Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Benefits
If you have purchased optional accident benefit coverage or if you have suffered a catastrophic injury you may qualify for a housekeeping and home maintenance benefit. This benefit provides up to $100 per week of assistance with your housekeeping and home maintenance needs.
Other Benefits
Other benefits available under the SABS include transportation expenses for treatment, payment for the expenses of people who visit you during your hospitalization and recovery, a death benefit, funeral expenses, and compensation for damage to clothing, glasses, hearing aids, etc.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Statutory Accident Benefits lawyer to discuss whether you are eligible for accident benefits or to ensure you are receiving all of the accident benefits coverage you deserve. We can be reached in any of the following ways: Call (613) 518-2416 or fill out our Contact Form.