Ontario is a city known for its diverse communities and bustling urban centers. The city is home to the ninth-busiest airport in the US. This means there is heavy vehicle and people movement in the city, which directly correlates to an increased number of accidents and personal injury claims.
Handling personal injury claims can be stressful, especially with all the wrong information out there. Misunderstandings about who’s eligible, how long it takes, and what compensation you can get can stop people from making the right decisions, causing extra stress or missed chances to get what they deserve.
If you are pursuing a claim, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Ontario can be instrumental in dispelling these myths and ensuring you approach your case with clarity.
Here are five of the most common misconceptions about personal injury claims.
1. Filing a Claim Means a Large Settlemen
This myth raises very unrealistic expectations of injury claims. Obviously, settlement amounts are controlled by a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, the determination of fault, and the other party’s insurance limits.
For example, a claim involving permanent disability or lost income might get a larger payout than one for minor injuries. However, even with strong evidence, there’s no guarantee of a big settlement, as negotiations and court decisions play a big role in the final result. Each case is different, so it’s important to have realistic expectations.
2. I Don’t Need a Lawyer to Handle My Claim
You can file without a lawyer, but it really does harm your chances of success. Insurance companies make money by paying the least amount possible and sometimes offer low settlements to uninformed people.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to assess your claim, gather evidence, and deal with insurance adjusters. They also know what legal steps to take, the deadlines, and any possible problems that may arise. Without a lawyer, you risk undervaluing your claim or missing compensation for certain damages, such as future medical expenses or emotional distress.
3. Minor Injuries Don’t Qualify for Compensation
Even minor injuries, such as soft tissue damage or minor burns, can have long-term effects on the victim, including chronic pain or limitation of mobility. What seemed minor at the scene of the accident could become worse over time.
For instance, whiplash can gradually develop into more serious pains or result in higher medical costs later on. Talking to a lawyer or doctor can help you figure out if your injuries deserve compensation. Remember, claims can also be made for things like emotional stress or the inconvenience caused by an injury.
4. Personal Injury Claims Are Resolved Quickly
Personal injury claims can take months or even years, particularly when there is a dispute over who is at fault or the injuries are serious. Rushing a claim could mean settling for less than it’s worth, but taking the time to build a strong case improves your chances of fair compensation.
5. I Can File a Claim at Any Time
All states have to abide by the statute of limitations, which are deadlines for filing a lawsuit. They typically range from one to three years. If you miss that deadline, you will have no chance of compensation, regardless of how valid your claim might be.
There are exceptions for cases where the injury wasn’t apparent at first, but generally speaking, the sooner, the better. And most importantly, a conversation with a lawyer will help in knowing your timeline and not missing such deadlines.
