Blog

Summer Vacation Guide To Slip And Fall

May 30, 2018 by Dev Leave a Comment

Summer is the best time of year, according to almost anyone you ask. The weather is fine, there’s plenty of opportunities to get outside and play tennis or team sports, and it’s often when folks use their vacation time to get up north and soak in the natural beauty of Canada. After a long harsh winter, the warmth and long days are extremely welcome – not to mention the fact that the threat of slipping on ice and being pummeled by snowstorms disappears. However, even in the summertime there are many hazards that can lead to a slip and fall or equivalent injury that can leave you sidelined for weeks or months. Missing out on the summer is no fun, and if an accident occurs due to somebody else’s negligence, you aren’t helpless; an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help you obtain a fair settlement for physical and emotional trauma suffered.

While the vacation industry used to be regulated through resorts and hotels, the rise of peer-to-peer services such as Airbnb (which connects customers directly to private property owners) has opened up a Pandora’s Box that has transformed the way people travel and throws some of those regulations to the wind. For example: while all hotels and resorts are carefully scrutinized by inspectors making sure they are up to code, the property of private individuals is only as safe as the owner is diligent. Therefore, a whole new frontier of legal complications arises; if the owner who rents you their property is not performing maintenance and keeping their home safe, then there is a very strong possibility that an injury and subsequent legal action could follow.

At Goodman Elbassiouni LLP in Toronto and the GTA, we hope that you and your family have a safe, joyous summer. If, however, you or someone you care about hurts themselves on vacation, know that we’re here to guide you through the ensuing chaos and help spearhead the legal battle if in fact there has been an issue of liability and negligence. We highly recommend doing an in-depth inspection of the landing page for the rental property your considering, reading the specs and reviews and looking carefully at the pictures. If there aren’t many pictures, or they are of a lower quality, this is usually a sign that the property is not well kept and should probably be avoided.

One of the best tactics is to rely on word-of-mouth from friends and family: if someone you trust had an excellent experience and found a vacation property to be up to snuff, then you can feel confident booking it. Key issues to look for are wooden staircases that look old and dilapidated, missing or damaged railings, poor lighting and uneven flooring that can pose a tripping hazard. If you have small children, be especially vigilant when doing a background check on the place and be sure to identify any trouble spots where toddlers or young children could hurt themselves.

Hopefully, you can enjoy a safe and fun summer without needing to enlist a workers comp lawyer in Ontario – but if you find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t be a victim; call Goodman Elbassiouni LLP!

Automobile Injury Checklist: Following Proper Protocol

May 25, 2018 by Dev Leave a Comment

If you are a car owner in the city of Toronto, then you know from firsthand experience: the roads can get pretty crazy. While the winter can pose many unique challenges with poor visibility, slippery roads and freezing rain, the spring and summer also have their own unique pitfalls. Primarily, summer traffic can get out of hand when people are converging on a baseball game downtown or heading up to Algonquin or Muskoka for camping or a weekend at the cottage. With Victoria Day long weekend on the horizon, you can expect to see the OPP out in full force ticketing Ontario drivers on the 400 and 401 (Torontonians are notorious for driving too fast) and doing ride checks – Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere – to discourage people from getting behind the wheel when they’ve had one too many.

The sad truth is that while most people out there are responsible, conscientious drivers, there are a few terrible drivers that pose a threat to everyone. Thus, no matter how cautious you are, there’s always an outside chance that you will be involved in an accident. This unfortunate fact will hopefully encourage you to be even more mindful on the road and practice defensive driving wherever possible. Until such a time as Google or Tesla have perfected the self-driving car and reduced accidents to virtually zero, car crashes are a statistical certainty; if you’re involved in an accident this summer, get a professional legal team working for you and make sure you are fairly compensated!

In the wake of an automobile accident, it’s important to act quickly and establish several pieces or information. If any or all of the following is true, call 911 immediately:

Anyone appears to be seriously injured
the damage to either vehicle appears to be in excess of $2,000
Anyone involved in the accident appears to be in violation of the criminal code (typically by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)

If you do not need to call 911, get out of your car, take extensive pictures of the damage and exchange information with the other party. If there are any witnesses who saw the crash clearly, get their information as well. If it’s safe, you can then move your vehicle out of the road so that traffic can resume as normal. If you are not in need of medical attention, call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident – the sooner the better, as the details will be fresh in your mind. Once you’ve spoken to a representative from your insurance company, you may want to consult with a Toronto based slip and fall lawyer from Goodman Elbassiouni LLP who also specializes in auto collisions.

In Ontario, the Accident Benefits System is the branch of government responsible for making sure that you are paid out by your insurance company – or the insurance company of any other individual involved – in the wake of an accident. The benefits can cover rehabilitation and medical benefits for physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage and income replacement benefits while you are disabled and unable to work.

The second course of action is to take legal action against the driver who is at fault, and if this is an avenue you choose to pursue, you will most certainly want to seek the counsel of a top-notch WSIB lawyer from the Goodman Elbassiouni LLP.

2 Challenges You May Face When Seeking Compensation

May 16, 2018 by Dev Leave a Comment

Here at Goodman Elbassiouni LLP, we’ve dealt with hundreds of WSIB cases over the years, and we have an in-depth understanding of how the system works. We even have lawyers and paralegals working with us who spent years working for the WSIB, and thus know all the tricks and ins and outs of how the process works. As we’ve said before, the WSIB has a tremendous amount of information to sort through at all times, and naturally certain cases are not going to be fairly decided – it would be unreasonable to expect so much.

While law deals with what’s right and what’s wrong and tries to nail that down to a science, the truth is that the world of human affairs is messy and nothing is ever cookie cutter perfect and easy to understand. When people get hurt and money is involved, it can become a tense and emotional time where people are often anything but cool-headed and analytical. For this reason, it is always wise to speak with a workers compensation lawyer in Toronto if you are hurt on the job – there will likely be unforeseen challenges in the process of seeking fair compensation.

Toronto is a city that is growing at an alarming rate, and as such, there are thousands of construction jobs – big and small – going on all over the city at any given moment. Statistically speaking, there are bound to be accidents, and when these accidents occur, you need a lawyer to help navigate the complex world of WSIB policy and to keep a cool head. Furthermore, if you’ve been badly injured, you need time to rest and recover. Stressing over the prospect of the appeals process or a legal battle is the last thing you should be worrying about when your health has been compromised.

Our slip and fall lawyers in Toronto have seen it all, and while we’re ready to consult with you at the drop of a hat, today we’ll also describe three tricky situations that can arise when you are hurt at work that may stand in the way of you obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Machiavellian Managers:

There is, of course, the possibility that your manager will do everything in their power to make it seem like the work accident was your fault, rather than the result of dangerous work conditions. Sometimes extremely ambitious managers with upward mobility in mind will conflate the facts to cover their own butts and leave you out in the cold. This is why we recommend vigilance and accountability as part of a workplace culture. When workers look out for each it lowers the incidence of injury and makes it easier to lay the facts out clearly for when you file for compensation or end up appealing.

Lack of Medical Evidence:

Perhaps the single most important thing you can do to ensure fair compensation following an accident is to visit a responsible doctor who will carefully document your injuries and conditions. If you are well on your way to recovery by the time you have to fight for your compensation, it’s going to be a tough sell if you don’t have those documents handy.

Goodman Elbassiouni LLP provides a free consultation for anyone who thinks they may need a competent and responsible personal injury lawyer, so speak with our lawyers today if you are hurt at work, in a slip and fall or in an automobile accident. You’ve got nothing to lose!

The Wisdom Of WSIB Fluent Paralegals

April 30, 2018 by Dev Leave a Comment

When you are injured at work and your claim comes in at much less than you’d anticipated – or even worse, is outright denied – you need to have a backup plan. If you’re not familiar with the WSIB, let us fill you in: the WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Board) is the branch of provincial government in Ontario that deals with assessing workplace injury claims and sending out compensation cheques. If you’ve never heard of the WSIB, congratulations, it means that you’ve managed to get this far without hurting yourself on the job.

If you are familiar with the WSIB – because you’re a naturally cautious person or because you’ve had to deal with them before – then you probably know that while the reach of its bureaucracy is ambitious, it does not always rule fairly, likely due to the fact that it is stretched thin by so many claims. Here at Goodman Elbassiouni LLP in Toronto and the GTA, we are here to support you when something goes wrong with your claim and you need to appeal. If you feel the WSIB has not assessed your case fairly, remember, you are not helpless, you need not simply accept what fate hands you and grin and bear, you have options. The best option, indeed, is to reach out to a personal injury law firm such as yours truly.

While our staff’s expertise is spread across three broad areas: slip and fall, WSIB law and automobile accidents, we handle a lot of WSIB cases and are bolstered by a strong staff of paralegals who have worked with the WSIB in the past, and thus, are familiar with the painstaking protocol and the fine print. If you’re looking for a really good workers compensation lawyer and the services of top WSIB experts, our law firm is second to none! Whether or not you feel you are in the right, you won’t get far unless you enlist the help of someone who knows the system inside out.

In the city of Toronto, Ontario, there is a tremendous amount of construction – condo and otherwise – going on at all times. Between all of the workers on all of the job sites, there are bound to be some injuries. Here on the Goodman Elbassiouni LLP blog, we’ve often written of prevention methods and proper safety training as a means to avoid injury. However, statistically speaking, a certain number of accidents and injuries is simply unavoidable. Thus, we take it upon ourselves to provide a service to injured workers in need when the system fails.

While you may be dubious of accepting help from a paralegal, rather a lawyer, you should reconsider. Paralegals also need to pass a rigorous exam before they can work at a law firm. Paralegals take on the brunt of the day-to-day work when we have a full caseload; they can be an inexhaustible source of knowledge concerning the minutiae of the WSIB.

If you’re hurt on the job and you need a good slip and fall lawyer in Toronto, call Goodman Elbassiouni LLP or fill out an assessment on our website today. Because we work on a contingency basis, we won’t charge you a cent until you have a satisfactory settlement. Don’t leave your fate to chance, call Goodman Elbassiouni LLP and fight for your right to fair compensation!

The Ontario Car Insurance Crisis

April 19, 2018 by Dev Leave a Comment

At Goodman Elbassiouni LLP in Toronto, Ontario, we’ve made no secret over the years of how we feel about car insurance rates in the province. Ontario’s car insurance rates are 55% higher than those in the rest of the country, which is completely ridiculous. Car owners pay an average of $1,500 per year, per car. If this wasn’t ridiculous enough, this rate is actually still going up and will soon reach $1,700 per year. While it is legal to purchase auto insurance, the amount that you will be compensated depends on the nature of the accident and also the subjective opinion of whomever is tasked with assessing the nature of the accident and establishing culpability.

Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits is the branch of provincial government responsible for deciding what sort of compensation you are eligible for above and beyond your insurance payout. The insurance payout should cover the fair market value for the necessary repairs. If your car is totaled, the insurance company should pay market price for the same model of car, with similar features and comparable mileage. Because you pay such a high insurance premium as an Ontario resident, you should make sure that you get fair value. As if your insurance wasn’t already expensive enough, it will increase after an accident, even if you were not responsible.

When you need a Toronto slip and fall lawyer or an automobile accident lawyer for your tort case, Goodman Elbassiouni LLP should be at the top of your list. In the event of a car accident, you may experience physical or emotional trauma that requires specialist care. These kinds of bills can add up quickly, and depending on your medical coverage they can certainly add up quickly. Make sure to keep all of your receipts and keep meticulous notes when you are being treated so that you have ample evidence in the event that you go to court over your accident.

Other factors that may influence your tort case are: income statements, accident reports, witness testimony. If the other driver was at fault, make sure you get the contact information of anyone who clearly saw what happened: this can be the most decisive factor in the courtroom.

At Goodman Elbassiouni LLP, we understand that the time following a car accident can be very traumatic. Taking on all of the little details and chores of obtaining fair compensation can be strenuous, and while you may feel responsible to take this on, it is much better if you delegate to our expert services. You or a loved one can fill out a case assessment on our website, or set up a meeting in person at our offices.

The cost of living is high enough in Toronto without throwing a car crash into the mix. The culture of our city is extremely fast-paced and can be cut-throat, it can be difficult to take the proper time to heal after an accident and treat yourself right, but in the long run, it is the much better option.

If you’re already sweating your insurance bill and the high cost of living in Toronto and you end up getting in a car crash, reach out to a Toronto slip and fall lawyer and automobile accident lawyer at Goodman Elbassiouni LLP for help. Check back soon for more great legal advice!

Spring Thaw Slip And Fall Guide

April 11, 2018 by Dev Leave a Comment

Spring is a wonderful time of year. Trees and flowers are in bloom, the Frisbees are flying, the barbecues are heating up and all is well with the world – for the most part. If you’ve had a long, cold, stormy winter, such as the one we’ve had in Toronto this year, it means there will be a lot of snow melt and slippery ice around. With all of the beautiful trees and flowers to take in, you may not be focused on where you’re walking, and this can be very dangerous. At Goodman Elbassiouni LLP our number one priority is getting our clients fair compensation for their trauma and hardship, so if you take a nosedive on a patch of melting ice this spring season, call us immediately for a free consultation.

Slip and falls can certainly happen any time of year, and while here in Canada ice and snow are often the culprits, there are countless other legitimate factors that could lead to a slip and fall. Even if a property manager is shoveling and salting their walkways and stairs sufficiently, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re performing maintenance on the stairs and railings every few years to make sure they are safe. Our Toronto based slip and fall lawyers will be able to figure out pretty quickly whether or not you’re eligible for compensation, and what the limit of compensation might be, based on your description of the accident. If you’ve been hospitalized for the duration of your recovery, you could send a trusted friend or relative for the consultation, fill out an assessment form online, or simply give us a call!

Ontario’s Occupier’s Liability Act states that you have the right to pursue compensation if you sustain an injury on someone else’s property. Keep in mind, however, that the burden of proof is very high in these cases, so gathering as much evidence as possible and producing reliable witnesses is crucial. Because we specialize in slip and fall cases, we should be able to tell you whether or not to evidence you have gathered is sufficient to obtain the compensation you deserve.

In general, it is wise to wear shoes with very good tread until all of the snow and ice have completely melted and disappeared. You may be tempted to bust out your Chuck Taylors or Vans early this season when you see that shining sun, but trust us, it’s beneficial to wait for the streets to dry. Spring and summer are a terrible time to be stuck in the hospital or at home recovering from an injury.

Another point that’s important to keep in mind is that if you suffer a slip and fall related injury anywhere on the premises of your workplace, it may qualify as a WSIB or work-related injury. Much in the same way that an auto accident falls into WSIB jurisdiction if you are running an errand for your boss, there is also overlap with slip and falls. It’s your boss’ job to ensure that your workplace is clear of hazards, so don’t hesitate to file for compensation when you are hurt at work. If you need a workers compensation lawyer in Toronto and the GTA, Goodman Elbassiouni LLP should be number one on your contact list. Call us for a free consultation today!

Blog

Footer