What types of cases does a personal injury lawyer Edmonton handle? When you hear this term, the first thing that likely comes to mind is accident cases, and you’re not wrong. In fact, car accidents are among the most common cases handled by personal injury lawyers. However, their experiences extend beyond just vehicle-related incidents. Injury attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including some you may never have even considered.
Key Takeaway:
- Fall accidents make up nearly 40% of all injury-related hospital admissions across the country.
- Car accidents remain the leading cause of personal injury cases in Edmonton.
- In Alberta, there are roughly 25,000 reported dog bites.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Major injuries saw an 8.0% spike over the past year, rising from 2,030 cases in 2022 to 2,164 in 2023. So, it’s no surprise that car accidents remain the leading cause of personal injury cases in Edmonton.
In personal injury accidents, the injured person is entitled to compensation from someone else’s negligence. The coverage includes lost wages, future medical bills, such as those from spinal cord injury, auto repairs, and the psychological toll that the accident has taken.
Despite the fact that you can get compensation from insurance companies, sometimes it isn’t enough. The best option is to get legal representation or legal assistance.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Insurance companies may try to underpay — we won’t let them. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer at Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton.
Sample Case
In Artindale-Eeles v. Mercer, the plaintiff, Ms. Artindale-Eeles, was involved in two car accidents within 45 minutes while driving to work. The first was a minor collision with a stopped van, and the second occurred when an RCMP vehicle rear-ended her while she was waiting in her car after the first crash. She claimed soft-tissue injuries from the second collision.
The court awarded her over $166,000 in damages for pain and suffering, income loss, and future care.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slips, trips, and tumbles might seem like everyday mishaps, but they can have serious consequences. A simple fall can lead to life-changing injuries. In fact, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, fall accidents make up nearly 40% of all injury-related hospital admissions across the country.
In a slip-and-fall case, it’s not just about the event; it’s about proving that the property owner or occupier didn’t take proper care to keep the area safe. If their negligence caused harm, the injury victim may be entitled to personal injury compensation. You can use the maximum compensation you get to relieve you of your financial burden, such as medical expenses.
Sample Case
Mrs. Smith, a 65-year-old retiree, slipped on a freshly mopped floor at her local supermarket and broke her wrist and ankle. She filed a personal injury claim, stating the store was negligent for not putting up warning signs. After reviewing video footage, it was confirmed that staff failed to warn customers about the wet floor.
The store’s insurance company accepted responsibility and offered a settlement to cover her medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Mrs. Smith accepted the offer and was fully compensated for her injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
Did you know that an overwhelming 86.7% of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents happen on busy city streets, where traffic, distractions, and dense populations collide. That’s a lot compared to living in rural areas.
In Alberta, the Traffic Safety Act sets the rules when a pedestrian is hit by a car. Unlike most situations, the driver is automatically assumed to be at fault unless they can prove otherwise. This is called a reverse onus, and it means the driver must show that a careful, responsible driver couldn’t have avoided the accident. In many cases, this law leads to the driver being found fully at fault for the incident.
Even when the driver is fully at fault and you’re entitled to compensation, the insurance company refuses to pay what you’re rightfully owed. Your best choice is to speak with our Edmonton personal injury lawyers to help you with the legal process and receive fair compensation.
Sample Case
In the 2001 case Willier v. Lajeunesse, a pedestrian was hit from behind while walking along the shoulder of a highway. Although the RCMP initially blamed the pedestrian and praised the driver for trying to avoid the crash, the court saw it differently. Evidence showed the driver knew pedestrians often used that stretch of road and had taken his eyes off the road for a few seconds. The court ruled this behaviour was not reasonable and found the driver fully at fault.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
In Alberta, there are roughly 25,000 reported dog bites. Pet owners are legally responsible if their animal injures someone, particularly if the dog has shown signs of aggression in the past.
Common injuries from dog bites include:
- Deep cuts and puncture wounds
- Infections such as rabies
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, especially in children
If you’ve been bitten, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any lasting physical or psychological effects from the attack.
Sample Case
In the case of Gulash v. Meier (1997), a police officer was bitten on the hand by the defendant’s Rottweiler. The dog had a known history of aggression, was used as a guard dog, and “Beware of Dog” signs were posted on the property. The court found the owner fully responsible for the attack based on strict liability, occupiers’ liability, and negligence. The officer was awarded $7,500 in damages for pain and suffering, as the injury affected his hand.
Victims of One of the Cases Above? Contact Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyer Edmonton
Personal injury claims are one of the most common cases in Edmonton. There are more accidents occurring, and the right lawyer to see your case is what you need. Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers in Edmonton have spent years handling various personal injury claims, such as truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and serious injuries.
You are not our first client, so you get to work with experienced Alberta personal injury lawyers. An accident victim can get a free consultation, and we will treat you with the utmost respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do personal injury lawyers handle cases like wrongful deaths?
Yes, our attorneys handle cases of this nature. Although wrongful death involves a fatality, because it is founded on someone’s negligence or wrongdoing that resulted in the death, it falls under the more general heading of personal injury law.
What evidence do I need for a personal injury claim?
You can make a compelling argument without a witness in every situation. With additional evidence, such as photographs, dashcam footage, medical records, or accident reports, many claims are successful. For instance, dashcam footage is used in place of witness statements in traffic accident claims.
What is the appropriate settlement amount for my personal injury claim?
Since every claim is different, your legal team won’t be able to provide you with an exact amount until they have more information about your case. The kind and extent of your injuries will determine how much compensation you may receive for a personal injury.