A personal injury lawyer helps people who were hurt because of someone else's carelessness: car and truck collisions, slips and falls, dog bites and other accidents. They explain what you may be entitled to claim, deal with insurers on your behalf, and take the claim to court if it cannot be settled.
When to speak to a personal injury lawyer
- You were injured in a collision, a fall or another accident that was not your fault.
- An insurance company has offered a settlement and you do not know whether it is fair.
- Your injuries are keeping you from work, or are expected to last.
- You have been told that you are partly at fault.
- A family member was seriously hurt, or died, because of someone else's negligence.
What a personal injury lawyer does
- Explains whether you have a claim and which insurance or compensation system applies.
- Gathers medical records, accident reports and other evidence.
- Deals with insurers so that you do not have to negotiate while you recover.
- Values the claim, including future care costs and lost income.
- Takes the case to court if it cannot be settled.
How the rules differ across Canada
Car accident claims work differently across the country. Quebec and Manitoba rely on public no-fault insurance for injuries from vehicle collisions, and British Columbia moved to a no-fault model for most crash injuries. In other provinces, such as Ontario and Alberta, you can generally pursue the at-fault driver as well as claim no-fault benefits, subject to rules and limits. Time limits for starting a claim are strict and vary by province and type of claim, so speak to a lawyer early.
Questions to ask before you hire a personal injury lawyer
- Do you handle injury claims regularly, and have you taken cases like mine to trial?
- How are you paid? Many injury lawyers work on contingency, so ask what that means for me in writing.
- What costs could I owe if the claim does not succeed?
- What do you need from me, and what should I avoid saying to the other side's insurer?
Frequently asked questions
How much is my injury claim worth?
It depends on the injuries, your recovery, lost income and the rules that apply in your province, so no website can tell you. A lawyer can assess your case once they have seen your medical records and the circumstances of the accident.
Should I accept the insurer's first offer?
Not before you understand what it covers. Early offers may not account for future treatment or lost earning capacity, and signing a release usually ends the claim. Consider getting advice first.
What does a contingency fee mean?
The lawyer is paid a share of the amount recovered instead of hourly fees, on the terms set out in a written agreement. Rules about these agreements differ by province, so ask what you would owe in each possible outcome.
How do I find a personal injury lawyer near me?
Choose your province or city on this page to see the personal injury firms LawDB lists there, with their public Google ratings, addresses and phone numbers.