If you’ve been injured and are considering making a personal injury claim, you might have come across confusing or conflicting information. Many people don’t fully understand the legal process, leading to misunderstandings that can impact their claims. At Zuber Brioux, we help people in Kingston and Ottawa clear up these common misconceptions about personal injury cases in Ontario. Below, we break down the facts you need to know.
Misconception 1: Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Too Expensive
One of the most common misconceptions about personal injury cases is that hiring a lawyer is too costly. While it’s true that some legal services, like family or estate law, require high upfront fees, personal injury lawyers typically work on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. This means you won’t pay anything unless your lawyer wins your case and secures compensation for you. This fee structure makes it affordable for anyone to hire a personal injury lawyer, ensuring that both you and your lawyer are focused on getting the best possible outcome.
Misconception 2: I Don’t Need a Lawyer If I Have Insurance
Many people believe that they don’t need a personal injury lawyer because they have insurance. However, insurance companies aim to settle claims for as little money as possible. They may offer you less than you deserve, and negotiating with them can be difficult without legal experience. Personal injury lawyers know the strategies insurance companies use and can negotiate to get you the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Misconception 3: I Can Wait to Hire a Lawyer
Time is critical in personal injury claims. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather important evidence and locate witnesses. In Ontario, there are strict time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing personal injury claims. For most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file, but in certain cases, such as a slip and fall involving a municipality, you have only 10 days. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to sue altogether.
Misconception 4: Personal Injury Cases Take Too Long to Resolve
While some people think personal injury cases take years to settle, this isn’t always the case. Many cases are resolved without ever going to court. In Ontario, around 67% of personal injury claims are settled out of court, often speeding up the process. The complexity of your case will determine the timeline, but insurance companies are often motivated to settle quickly.
Misconception 5: Filing a Lawsuit Feels Wrong
Some people feel uncomfortable about filing a lawsuit, especially if they know the person responsible for their injury. But it’s important to understand that most personal injury claims are paid by insurance companies, not the individual. Filing a claim is your legal right and ensures that you aren’t left covering the costs of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses caused by someone else’s negligence.
Misconception 6: Any Lawyer Can Handle a Personal Injury Case
Not all lawyers are equipped to handle personal injury cases. Just as you wouldn’t go to a general doctor for surgery, you shouldn’t hire a lawyer without personal injury experience to handle your claim. Personal injury law is a specialized area and hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that your case is built properly and has the best chance of success.
Understanding the common misconceptions about personal injury cases in Ontario can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. At Zuber Brioux, we serve the Kingston and Ottawa areas and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate their personal injury cases. If you’ve been injured and need legal assistance, contact us for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve and protect your rights.