There’s no doubt that suffering a life-changing injury, being denied disability or losing a loved one unexpectedly can be a devastating event. One moment your life seems normal, and the next, you’re depending on others to get through your day. Unintentional injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and psychological health. Even worse, family members who experience the unexpected deaths of a loved one can experience especially strong feelings of depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as other psychiatric disorders and a heightened risk for prolonged long-term grief reactions.
Depending on how serious your injuries are, you may need to stop working or change careers, undergo prolonged therapy, or modify your home to accommodate your disability – which can be a tremendous financial burden.
Matt Lalande is a Burlington Personal Injury Lawyer who has been representing Burlington area accident victims since 2003. If you are a Burlington resident who has suffered serious injuries, call us today at 905-333-8888. Remember – no matter what type of serious injury you suffered, if it was caused by someone else – you deserve to receive compensation for your losses from that responsible party, and our Burlington personal injury lawyers can help.
If you or a loved one has suffered life changing injuries in an accident, it is very important that you hire an experienced Burlington personal injury lawyer who understands not only what it takes to win personal injury cases, but also a law firm that has an extensive and successful track record with verdicts and settlements.
Personal injury law in Ontario can be very complex. Additionally, hiring the wrong lawyer can be very costly. While we cannot turn back time to change what has happened, or change the pain and suffering that your family has endured, we can control what happens next in terms of compensation to protect you and the future of your family. A successful compensation claim can make a significant difference in your recovery and in the process of returning to life post-injury.
Our Burlington Personal Injury Lawyers also assist victims and their families in wrongful death cases, wrongful dismissal cases, denied long-term disability benefits, critical illness cases and more. If you believe you have a case, you are always welcome to contact us for a free consultation to determine what your options are.
Car Accidents
Car Accidents are a leading cause of traumatic and severe injury across Canada and around the world. Every year, there are approximately 160,000 car accidents on Canadian public roads, and of those 160,000 accidents, it’s estimated that up to 2,900 incidents cause death.
The impact and sheer force of a 5,000 pound vehicle colliding with an object or another vehicle is enough to cause catastrophic destruction to everyone involved. Injuries that result from a car accident can range from minor aches and pains to severe broken bones, scarring and disfigurement, facial fractures, and concussions, as well as catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.
Since 2003, our Burlington car accident lawyers have represented victims who have suffered severe, life-changing injuries or wrongfully lost loved ones in the following types of car accidents:
The most common causes of car accidents include driver neglect or error, improper use of seatbelts, medical conditions, disobeying traffic signals (such as running red lights), and speeding. However, impaired driving is a significant factor in many car accidents: MADD Canada estimates that every year, over 1,200 people are killed and approximately 63,000 people are severely injured in accidents caused by impaired driving in Canada. Further, approximately 80% of car accidents have reported distracted driving as a factor (from CAA). Distracted and impaired driving are negligent actions. If your injuries have been caused by driver negligence, you have the legal right to file a personal injury claim against the liable party to seek compensation for your pain and suffering.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles make up a small percentage of vehicles on the road in Ontario, but despite this small number, motorcycle accidents cause 5 times more deaths than motor vehicle accidents, and 3 times more injuries. Motorcycle accidents are particularly devastating because motorcyclists are at a higher risk for severe catastrophic injury or death in the event of a collision. While the occupants of a motor vehicle have walls, seatbelts, airbags, and other safety precautions to protect them in a collision, a motorcyclist is exposed and vulnerable to the sheer force of the impact. Therefore, when a motorcycle collides with a motor vehicle, the results are almost always more devastating and life-threatening for the motorcyclist than the driver of the vehicle.
Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns and disfigurement, amputations, and chest injuries. Injuries to the extremities are also common: according to the CDC, 30% of all non-fatal motorcycle injuries occur in the victim’s lower body, specifically their legs and feet. These injuries can also lead to secondary long-term consequences such as emotional distress, psychological issues, social anxiety, and permanent disability or impairment.
At Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers, we have represented many victims of motorcycle accidents and their families. We have witnessed the devastating aftermath of a severe motorcycle accident, and understand the burden it can cause on the victim and their loved ones, especially in cases of wrongful death. If you or a loved one have suffered a tragic, devastating loss or life-changing injury after a motorcycle accident, call us right away to get started on filing a claim for compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
When you or a loved one is struck by a car as a pedestrian, the outcome can be severe and sometimes fatal. Pedestrian accidents could occur at any time or place, such as crossing the street, at intersections, in parking lots, or on residential roads. According to Statistics Canada, 30% of pedestrian accident fatalities are caused by impaired driving, and another 30% are caused by driver misconduct (such as failing to stop, improper turns, failing to obey traffic signs, or speeding).
Pedestrian accidents could happen to anyone, but there are certain demographics that are more at risk. Senior citizens comprise the majority of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in Ontario, as they often move at a slower pace or may be cognitively impaired and require more time to cross. Children ages 5 to 9 years old are the second largest group of individuals that comprise pedestrian injuries and fatalities, as children often do not fully understand the rules of the road and can be unpredictable. They are also smaller, and therefore more difficult to see. Other at-risk groups include individuals with disabilities and individuals walking at night when visibility is lower.
Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, the burden of proof in a collision involving two or more vehicles is on the victim to prove that the other party was negligent. However, in a pedestrian accident, the burden of proof is on the defendant to prove that they were not negligent. While this seems like an advantage for the pedestrian, it’s important to work with a Burlington pedestrian accident lawyer to ensure you are properly represented and that there is a strong enough case to receive the maximum possible amount of compensation.
Trucking Accidents
There is no doubt that trucking accidents can be terrifying, devastating, and often fatal. When most people think about trucking accidents, they turn to the images in the news of multi-vehicle pileups, jackknifed trailers, and crushed vehicles. These cases can seem extreme, but they highlight the dangers of trucking collisions. Trucking accidents can lead to devastating consequences for everyone involved, especially those in motor vehicles.
A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds depending on the load, while the average car typically weighs about 5,000 pounds. As a result, the 80,000-pound vehicle needs much more space to stop, maneuver, or brake than others on the road. This factor alone adds a significant risk for collisions, and the impact from this size difference can cause devastating, life-threatening injuries. Victims of trucking accidents are often at risk for severe, catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, internal organ injuries, psychological pain and suffering, severe orthopedic injuries, head and neck injuries, and disfigurement.
Trucking accident claims are particularly complex to navigate. Truck drivers are generally employed and insured under their employment contract, which makes filing a claim and determining liability more difficult. Working with a Burlington personal injury lawyer who has significant experience in trucking accident claims will give you the best chance at ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand how these claims work and will take care of the legal proceedings for you, giving you some peace of mind while you focus on recovery.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are required to share road space with motor vehicles on city roads, and as a result are often at a high risk of catastrophic injury or death. A cyclist has little to no protection against the force and weight of a vehicle, and is often exposed to the elements. Additionally, motor vehicle drivers are not always inclined to scan their surroundings for cyclists in the same way they would look out for other vehicles. As a result, cyclists are frequently not seen by drivers and must be alert to their surroundings.
The majority of bicycle accidents occur from collisions with motor vehicles or commercial vehicles, but they could also be caused by dangerous road conditions, potholes, or raised manhole covers. However, 92% of bicycle fatalities are the result of car crashes. Injuries sustained from a bicycle accident can be tragic, life-threatening, and devastating. Common injuries include broken bones and fractures, spinal cord injuries, severe road rash or burns, scarring and disfigurement, head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death.
Our Burlington bicycle accident lawyers understand how frustrating and devastating these accidents can be for the victims as well as their families. As the victim, you are entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical and rehabilitation costs, income replacement benefits, future expenses, and more. To determine what your case is worth, book a free consultation with us to go over your case details. We will never charge you up front costs, and you have no obligation to work with us after we meet.
Slip and Fall Accidents
In Ontario, slip and fall accidents comprise a large portion of personal injury claims. A slip and fall could occur anywhere, such as in a parking lot, on a side walk, in a public park or space, inside a grocery store, or even at a private residence. Factors such as icy surfaces, uneven steps, wet floors, and hazardous debris can cause an individual to suffer a dangerous fall that could lead to life-threatening injuries. All it takes is a simple misstep and your entire life could completely change.
Slip and falls can have serious and life-changing consequences. In Ontario, slip and falls are a leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injury, and a common cause of orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, head and neck injuries, knee injuries, and facial fractures. For elderly individuals, the risk is even greater. Slip and falls contribute to the majority of hospitalizations among senior citizens in Canada, and often the injuries sustained can cause permanent damage due to the impact of aging on the body’s healing process.
Under the Ontario Occupiers’ Liability Act, individuals are able to file a claim for compensation if they suffer severe, catastrophic injuries after slipping and falling on someone else’s property. In order to file a successful claim, however, the victim must be able to prove that the owner of the property did not exercise the degree of reasonable care that was required of them. This can be difficult to determine. A personal injury lawyer will be able to assist you in navigating your claim and ensuring that the liable parties are held responsible for your severe and life-changing injuries.
Wrongful Death
Anytime a family loses a someone due to another person’s negligence, there are many questions they must endure while simultaneously grieving the loss of their loved one. As mortgage payments, household bills, and tuition fees continue come in, it is common for loved ones to worry about how they will pay for their expenses without the income the victim contributed. At the same time, it is difficult to determine how to carry on while their beloved family member is no longer with them.
The last thing you should be worrying about is finances when you are forced to bury someone prematurely. Filing a wrongful death claim can help grieving families seek financial relief to assist with the costs and burden of losing their loved one. Close family members such as parents, children, and grandparents are legally permitted to file a claim against the liable party for costs such as (but not limited to):
As Burlington wrongful death lawyers, we have worked closely with families who have lost loved ones due to tragic accidents and understand the emotional turmoil you are going through. Our team has worked with families who have lost loved ones throughout Ontario since 2003. We will take care of the legal aspects of your case to ensure you have as much time available as you need to grieve properly without worrying about financial distress.
Employment Law and Wrongful Dismissal Cases
Our Burlington personal injury lawyers also specialize in employment law cases. Since 2003, we have assisted individuals throughout Ontario who have been wrongfully terminated recover millions of dollars in severance pay. Many employees do not realize that they have more rights than they think when it comes to termination. It is important that you do not sign any severance packages or paperwork until you have had it reviewed by an employment lawyer.
If you have been wrongfully terminated, or feel that your dismissal was unfair even if your employer stated there was cause for termination, you could be entitled to recover severance pay. However, the process of filing a wrongful dismissal claim can be tedious and complicated. For this reason, it’s best to work with a legal team that has substantial experience in employment law within Ontario.
Denied Long-Term Disability
Another area of specialization we focus on is disability law in Ontario. If you are too sick to work, but your claim for disability has been denied, we can assist you in filing a claim to recover your benefits. Additionally, after a 24-month period, most long-term disability benefit policies have a change of definition period where you must prove you are unable to work any occupation for which you are trained, educated, or otherwise experienced. It is at this point in your claim that you may be unexpectedly or unreasonably cut off. Our disability lawyers can assist you in filing an appeal for cut off benefits as well.
If your insurance carrier has cut off your disability benefits before you are able to return to work, or if you are totally disabled but have been denied long-term disability benefits, you still have options. Our Burlington disability lawyers can assist you in filing a claim, appealing a denied claim, and recovering the income replacement benefits you are owed.
You will have many questions after experiencing a severe injury. What are my legal rights? How do I find a Burlington personal injury lawyer? How will I pay the bills? Will I be able to pay for my therapy? Many of your questions may not be easy to answer, but we can help.
For more information, call our Burlington personal injury lawyers today at 905-333-8888 or by emailing us through our contact form. We are always happy to help answer your questions and give you advice, even if you are not planning on hiring our firm.
Since 2003, our Burlington personal injury lawyers have been dedicated to serving the needs of injured victims and claimants who have been denied long-term disability benefits. We have worked closely with victims and worked tirelessly to ensure that they are given the best representation for a fair settlement claim. Today, we are one of the premier law firms in southern Ontario and we are known for our success in complicated personal injury, disability and wrongful death legal matters. Our longstanding experience in handling complex legal matters gives us unmatched expertise in handling a variety of types of cases. If you find yourself searching for experienced personal injury lawyers in Burlington, you’ve come to the right place.
You will have many questions after experiencing a severe injury. What are my legal rights? How do I find a Burlington personal injury lawyer? How will I pay the bills? Will I be able to pay for my therapy? Many of your questions may not be easy to answer, but we can help.
For more information, call our Burlington personal injury lawyers today at 905-333-8888 or by emailing us through our contact form. We are always happy to help answer your questions and give you advice, even if you are not planning on hiring our firm.
Since 2003, our Burlington personal injury lawyers have been dedicated to serving the needs of injured victims and claimants who have been denied long-term disability benefits. We have worked closely with victims and worked tirelessly to ensure that they are given the best representation for a fair settlement claim. Today, we are one of the premier law firms in southern Ontario and we are known for our success in complicated personal injury, disability and wrongful death legal matters. Our longstanding experience in handling complex legal matters gives us unmatched expertise in handling a variety of types of cases. If you find yourself searching for experienced personal injury lawyers in Burlington, you’ve come to the right place.
Personal injuries, though often preventable, are an all-too-common occurrence. They can happen when someone is injured by another’s negligence, careless disregard, or premeditated act. Serious injuries can be debilitating and lead to long-term physical, mental, and financial challenges. If this happens to you, you hold the legal right in Ontario to seek proper compensation to put you in the same place you were the day before you were hurt.
Securing the services of a Burlington personal injury lawyer will provide the legal assistance you need in terms of:
We have been handling Burlington personal injury cases since 2003, and our lawyers will make sure that you receive individualized service specific to your situation and needs. Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers specialize in catastrophic and serious personal injury law that includes (but is not limited to):
The idea of pursuing legal help may be daunting. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Burlington understand that the last thing you need to worry about are legal fees. For that reason, our consultations are always free. It never costs a thing to speak to our lawyers. Additionally, there is no obligation to retain our firm after meeting with us. The first step is to contact our Burlington injury lawyers by filling in a contact form or by calling us at 905-333-8888 today. We will be happy to schedule a free no obligation consultation at your convenience.
Our Burlington personal injury lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf. In Ontario, the contingency fee exists because most personal injury victims cannot afford to access justice and hire a lawyer and pay his or hour hourly rates. The contingency fee allows victims who have a valid personal injury claim to seek justice and the compensation they deserve. If we do not win your case, we do not charge you legal fees, nor do we get paid.
In Ontario, you are entitled to seek compensation if you have been hurt. After proving that the defendant in your case is liable for your injuries, our Burlington personal injury lawyers will then need to prove your economic and non-economic losses so that you can rightfully claim the compensation that you are owed to help rebuild your life. You are entitled to advance various claims in Ontario if you have suffered physical, cognitive, emotional or psychological pain such as:
In regards to pain and suffering, it’s important to understand that injuries are not quantifiable in monetary terms such as a debt or money owed. Even though we recognize that money cannot compensate the victim for these losses, a financial award is provided in recognition of these losses and in an attempt to provide you with a pool of funds with which to make your injuries more bearable.
We are careful in selecting the cases we accept. We do this so that you will never feel as though you are working with a legal settlement mill that moves cases through the system for quick and low settlements. Our law firm treats you like the individual you are and never like a number. We are focused on seeking the financial compensation our clients need for their accident-related expenses, such as lost income and future health care expenses so that you are never out of pocket.
You have a right to expect this kind of personalized service when you are suffering from an injury caused by the negligence of another person. Our firm assists you in every aspect of your case during this very difficult time. To protect your rights and to ease the stress on your family, our Burlington personal injury lawyers assume all contact with the insurance companies and law enforcement agencies involved in your case.
Being hurt by a negligent party no doubt causes serious physical, emotional, and financial stress. Whether you suffered pedestrian or bicycle accident, the person that caused your injuries will be held responsible for your damages. Our Burlington personal injury lawyers know that the time immediately after a serious accident can be very challenging time for you and your family. Therefore, it’s important that you not only hire a lawyer that specializes in personal injury, but also a lawyer that you have a good relationship and whom you connect well with.
It’s not easy to find the best Burlington personal injury lawyer. Many people are inundated with marketing and advertisements. Some tips we can offer are the following:
Hire local – Do not hire out-of-town lawyers or lawyers that are more than a comfortable driving distance from your home. It’s important that you can visit your lawyer in person whenever you need. It is very important to hire local.
Meet your lawyer in person – Do not hire a lawyer over the phone if possible. It’s important that when you need, you can attend your lawyer’s office, and meet with him or her in person to discuss your expectations, and listen to his or her advice in person.
Hire a lawyer that’s open to talking about legal fees – If you interview a personal injury lawyer in Burlington and they are hesitant to discuss legal fees with you or do not provide a full and complete picture of what they will charge you, down to the last cent, move on. Transparency is a necessity.
Hire a lawyer with expertise – Make sure the lawyer that you hire specializes in representing victims. Do not hire your family lawyer or real estate lawyer to prosecute a complicated personal injury civil claim. Hire a lawyer that specializes in personal injury law and who has worked for a number of years in the field.
Hire a lawyer that has been to trial – There’s always a chance your case will be tried by judge or jury. It’s extremely important that you hire a Burlington personal injury lawyer with trial experience. The last thing you need is for your life to be put in front of a jury by a personal injury lawyer that does not have trial experience. This is vital.
Hire a lawyer that has results – Don’t be afraid to ask the lawyer you are interviewing about results. It’s important that you know that the Burlington personal injury lawyer that you are thinking of hiring has had successful results in the past with cases similar to yours.
Trust your instincts – In the end, you will know who the right person is for you. You will know to hire the person you have the best connection with, whom you feel you trust, and whom you have a connection with.
The following is a summary of the legal process you will go through in the event that you have been hurt by someone else’s negligence in your seeking compensation:
We evaluate your case – When you contact our Burlington personal injury lawyers, we will evaluate your case and if we determine we could help you, we will provide a free consultation where you would share your experience with us and we would decide the best route possible for recovery.
Investigation – With serious injury cases, we will investigate the accident and determine exactly what happened and obtain the relevant and necessary details to support your case and prove the defendant’s negligence.
We will put the negligent party on legal notice – No matter if you been hurt in a motorcycle accident, trucking accident, car accident, salt, etc., we will place the other party on legal notice of claim.
Clinical investigation – We understand that because you been seriously injured, you may be in the hospital and rehabilitation centre for quite some time. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, we will request the hospital trauma records immediately in order to support your catastrophic application. If you’re not catastrophically impaired but have suffered serious injuries, we will typically request your medical records within 3 to 6 months.
We will speak with your adjuster – During the course of the process we will communicate with your adjuster. Some senior adjusters have a significant amount of authority to settle claims. Sometimes claims could be settled with insurance adjusters prior to litigation if liability is not an issue in the damages are fairly clear. Again, the adjuster must have significant authority to pay the claim.
Filing your personal injury lawsuit – If we are unsuccessful at resolving your case at the insurance adjuster level, we will file your lawsuit with the Superior Court of Justice. If the injuries are extremely severe, we will file your claim sooner rather than later.
Once your personal injury lawsuit has been filed, the insurance company will defend the at fault driver or negligent party. We will proceed to examinations for discovery, or depositions as they are known in the US. From that point on, we will continue to build your claim the appropriate experts, attend mediation, attend pretrial eventually file or trial readiness.
if you have been hurt by someone else’s negligence, you should hold them liable for their careless actions. Seeking compensation to recover damages for personal injury claims Ontario however, is quite complicated. There are serious legal issues, legislation and case law which can be quite confusing for victims. It’s important that you hire a Burlington personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process.
Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers work tirelessly on behalf of our Burlington clients to ensure that each client achieves the best possible outcome for his or her circumstances. Call us for a free case evaluation at (905) 333-8888 to learn more about our services and how legal action may be the best course of action for you. You can also fill in a contact form or chat with our live operator 24/7, who will be pleased to arrange a free no obligation consultation with you and your family in home, hospital or at your rehabilitation facility.
I was a dental hygienist that suffers from really bad scoliosis. My insurance company ignored my doc & cut my benefits off & told me I could do “something”. Matt got me CPP Disability and and LTD settlement – I don’t know what I would have done without him.
My daughter was killed by a drunk driver and it forever changed all of our lives. It seemed that for two years time stopped. This was no an easy journey. Matt let me sit in on the discovery of the driver and boy, he never let up. In the end, our grand-daughter was taken care of and we were compensated for our loss – which we then donated to a cause we believed in.
I call Matt my knight in shining armour. After I was struck by a car while cycling and permanently crippled, he fielded all communications with my especially difficult and downright nasty insurance adjuster. Every step of my care was a battle and I did not have the strength to fight alone.
I lost my leg in a terrible motorcycle accident and Matt help me recover compensation I need because I could not work and the cost of prosthetics and rehab are out of this world. I don’t know what I would have done without him.
My brother ended up paralyzed after a car accident and Lalande did SO MUCH to help get things straight from him getting out of the hospital to all his care for life. We are so grateful for Matt & Heather. I don’t know how my family could have done this without them.
