Accident Benefits in Ontario - Do I Qualify
In Ontario, you do not automatically qualify for accident benefits from your insurance company following a car accident. In fact, each type of accident benefit that your may be entitled to has its own qualifying criteria. This article briefly outlines when you are entitled to certain accident benefits. This article does not provide a comprehensive list of qualifying criteria nor does this article address all accident benefits to which you may be entitled. You should contact a qualified car accident lawyer for a complete assessment of your case and the accident benefits to which you may be entitled.
Income Replacement Benefits: When you have been injured in a car accident in Ontario and have been rendered unable to work as a result of the injuries you may qualify for Income Replacement Benefits. This accident benefit is to be provided to persons who were employed for at least twenty-six out of the last fifty-two weeks prior to the collision. As a result of the injuries sustained in the collision, the injured person must have suffered a substantial inability to perform the essential tasks of their employment. The term ‘income replacement’ is a bit of a misnomer. This accident benefit does not necessarily replace all of your income
Non-Earner Benefits: When you have been injured in a car accident in Ontario and were not working prior to the accident (or do not qualify for the income replacement benefits) you may be entitled to payments for non-earner benefits. This accident benefit is for people who were not employed at the time of the accident and suffer a complete inability to carry on a normal life as a result of the collision.
Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Benefits: When you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision in Ontario you may be entitled to a housekeeping and home maintenance benefit. To qualify for payment of this accident benefit, a person must suffer a substantial inability to perform the housekeeping and home maintenance that they normally were able to complete prior to the accident. This accident benefit is for persons who incur housekeeping and home maintenance expenses they would not otherwise have incurred if not for the injuries suffered in the accident.
Caregiver Benefit: This accident benefit is intended to be paid to injured persons who are the primary caregiver of a child or children, who as a result of the injuries suffered in the collision can no longer perform those care giving activities.
Attendant Care Benefits: When you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision in Ontario and you incur attendant care expenses as a result of your inability to care for yourself, you may be entitled to an attendant care benefit. Attendant care accident benefits can be paid for care provided by family members, friends, or hired aides.
Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits: When you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision in Ontario and a doctor or medical caregiver proposes that you require treatment as a result of that collision, then you may be entitled to medical and rehabilitation benefits. These accident benefits cover expenses such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, prescription medications required as a result of the collision, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and other devices deemed necessary
If you have suffered injury in a motor vehicle collision (including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, single car collisions, motorcycle accidents, etc) in Ontario, or anywhere in North America, you may be entitled to any or all of the accident benefits mentioned in this article. These accident benefits are provided to you whether you were at fault for the accident or not. If you feel you are entitled to any of these accident benefits but your insurer is denying payment of the accident benefit, it is wise to contact a qualified motor vehicle lawyer immediately to assist you with your accident benefit claim.
*This article is not intended to provide legal advice. Each case is different. It is recommended that you consult your lawyer for advice concerning your particular case.
