Personal Injury Lawyer for Bedford & Lower Sackville

Getting Help With Your Personal Injury Claim

Accidents often happen in a matter of seconds, but the impact can last for far longer. Whether you were injured in a car accident or slipped and fell in a grocery store in Bedford or Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia you may have legal options. Our personal injury law firm is here to guide you through the process and help you understand what compensation may be available for your financial losses and other damages. Call 902-706-2298 today to learn more.

What Situations Could Result in a Personal Injury Claim?

Personal injury cases involve situations in which one person is injured or harmed due to another person’s negligence or willful conduct. Below are some of the most common types of cases our firm sees.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

This can include regular car accidents as well as truck accidents involving tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. This category also includes car accidents that involve bicycles or pedestrians, which can be extremely serious and result in catastrophic injuries, such as brain and spinal injuries. Motor vehicle accidents are common on the highways that run through and around Bedford and Lower Sackville, but they can also happen on city blocks as you’re driving to work or running errands.

Premises Liability Accidents

Accidents that occur due to a property owner’s failure to maintain safe premises or to take appropriate action to reduce known hazards fall under premises liability. Slips and falls due to wet or slippery conditions are among the most common premises liability accidents, but they can also occur when there are trip hazards or other obstacles.

Medical Malpractice Incidents

Medical negligence can include everything from a delayed or missed diagnosis to major surgical errors. Medical malpractice cases often involve severe physical and psychological harm to the victim, and these situations can even result in fatalities.

Are Personal Injury Cases in Nova Scotia Fault-Based?

Personal injury lawsuits in Nova Scotia follow the fault-based tort system. This means that compensation is paid by an at-fault party who owed the victim a duty of care and breached it, causing injury and damages. The duty of care is established differently depending on the type of case. For example, motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to others on the road, making the duty of care relatively easy to establish. This also isn’t usually a point of dispute in medical malpractice cases, given the doctor-patient relationship. However, in premises liability cases, especially those involving noncommercial properties, proving the duty of care can be more difficult.

Pursuing a fault-based claim for your injuries requires you to prove that the other party breached their duty of care. This can be the most challenging part of many cases. In car accidents and premises liability cases, it’s also possible that more than one person could share fault, including the victim. Legally, this concept is called contributory negligence. While victims who share fault can still seek compensation under Nova Scotia law, their damages can be reduced in proportion to their share of the responsibility. Insurance companies will often try to reduce payouts by trying to put more fault on the victim. A lawyer can help you determine what is fair and how best to prove your case.

What Is Fair Compensation for Your Personal Injury Claim?

Many people don’t pursue a personal injury case because they don’t understand the true value of their claim. Getting fair compensation for your injuries isn’t limited to reimbursement for uncovered medical expenses. It can also include compensation for the future cost of care, including any household help that may be required, lost income, and diminished earning capacity.

These claims also go beyond financial losses. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for nonpecuniary damages, such as physical pain and suffering and emotional distress. For example, if you developed anxiety after a car accident that resulted in serious injuries and has limited your ability to drive and, therefore, affected your quality of life, this could be included in your claim.

The insurance company will often try to get you to settle quickly after an accident because they are hoping that you will accept the initial offer before you understand the true value of your claim. Our firm can help you build a strong case for fault-based insurance claims, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, and take your case to trial if an agreement can’t be reached.

Do All Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial?

Your case will likely be settled out of court, as that is the normal course for most fault-based claims. Settling out of court allows both sides to save time and resources that would be spent on litigation and move forward as quickly as possible. However, it’s still important to ensure that you have a strong case when entering into negotiations.

Insurance adjusters will often try to dispute fault or try to give the victim a bigger portion of the shared fault to lower the settlement amount. A lawyer can help you advocate for fair compensation that accurately reflects how much your injury affects your daily life. Because there is a limitation period for filing a claim, it is crucial to seek legal advice as quickly as possible after an accident. This will ensure you are aware of all relevant deadlines.

Insurance law can be complex, and trying to figure out what you can do or what your claim may be worth after an accident can be overwhelming. The experienced legal team at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers can handle this for you, explaining your rights and acting on your behalf. Call 902-706-2298 today to set up a free consultation.