We posted some new videos on You Tube, video.google.com and various other sites. Yes, they are home made. No, we did not hire Hollywood writers. But, we think they might actually be helpful!!
The first one is about what to expect when you first meet a personal injury lawyer. I describe what I think you should hear at the meeting (such as a plan for handling the case) and what you should not expect to hear (such as a hard sell) and some other tips I hope you find useful.
Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7zvFeMzGf0
The second video explains the merits of seeing a lawyer early after the accident. There are important steps after an accident that really should be taken right away. Have a listen to see if you agree. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNBQasLTzsA
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Holidays are Over...For Now
It was back to the grind today after a beautiful week in Prince Edward County.
We have had a lot of great articles that have been picked up on the web over the past few weeks.
Here they are some for starters:
Answers to 7 Questions Accident Victims Must Know is at http://searchwarp.com/swa347430.htm
Sexual Assault Primer: Legal Options for Victims is at
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1001233
Myths About "Impaired Driving", "Drunk Driving" or Driving "Over 80" Charges is at
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1000201
Settlement Savvy: 5 Tips for the Car Accident Scene is at
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1000201
Let us know what you think.
We have had a lot of great articles that have been picked up on the web over the past few weeks.
Here they are some for starters:
Answers to 7 Questions Accident Victims Must Know is at http://searchwarp.com/swa347430.htm
Sexual Assault Primer: Legal Options for Victims is at
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1001233
Myths About "Impaired Driving", "Drunk Driving" or Driving "Over 80" Charges is at
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1000201
Settlement Savvy: 5 Tips for the Car Accident Scene is at
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1000201
Let us know what you think.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Settling an Accident Claim
I was happy for an Ottawa car accident victim whose claim we settled today. A day of mediation is tough for everyone-- especially the client who was talked about and talked at hour after hour. I was very glad I had spent the time with her yesterday to prepare her for what was in store. Because she had been briefed in advance, the developments were at least somewhat expected. This is a good news story. The accident was less than 2 years ago and she is very happy to be receiving a nice-sized cheque.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Back to the Grind
The first real summery weekend is done. Rich and I were supposed to record our new videos for the firm...but it was too nice out. We just couldn't get it done.
I have one video on You Tube now. The lighting isn't great but it gives a good sense of who I am, at least as a lawyer. Take a peak. Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYLWh4_GrAk
Looking forward to making more soon.
I have one video on You Tube now. The lighting isn't great but it gives a good sense of who I am, at least as a lawyer. Take a peak. Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYLWh4_GrAk
Looking forward to making more soon.
Friday, July 4, 2008
More about Accident Benefits
Let me follow up on Wednesday's post.
Yesterday I wrote to the insurance company to claim the attendant care benefits back to the date of the accident. I also claimed the client's housekeeping benefits back to the date of the accident.
This morning, by the time I arrived at the office, I had received a fax from the adjuster saying a cheque for almost $10,000 would be sent to my client right away.
This is money Ms. X never would have received if she had not hired a lawyer. She is not someone who was ignoring her accident benefits. She was handling them on her own, dealing with the adjuster directly.
It just goes to show...and it made my day.
Yesterday I wrote to the insurance company to claim the attendant care benefits back to the date of the accident. I also claimed the client's housekeeping benefits back to the date of the accident.
This morning, by the time I arrived at the office, I had received a fax from the adjuster saying a cheque for almost $10,000 would be sent to my client right away.
This is money Ms. X never would have received if she had not hired a lawyer. She is not someone who was ignoring her accident benefits. She was handling them on her own, dealing with the adjuster directly.
It just goes to show...and it made my day.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Some Thoughts About Accident Benefits
Among other services, we represent clients dealing with their accident benefit insurers.
Today I received a report from an occupational therapist indicating that a new client, whose accident was 18 months ago, is entitled to attendant care in the amount of $250 per month. Not a lot of money, maybe. But, over the past 18 months, it would have been an extra $5000 in her pocket instead of the insurance company's. And that assumes that her need wasn't higher right after the accident, which it probably was.
This is a prime example of the problem with not getting a lawyer early. It does not take too many missed benefits before those legal fees are paid for...
Today I received a report from an occupational therapist indicating that a new client, whose accident was 18 months ago, is entitled to attendant care in the amount of $250 per month. Not a lot of money, maybe. But, over the past 18 months, it would have been an extra $5000 in her pocket instead of the insurance company's. And that assumes that her need wasn't higher right after the accident, which it probably was.
This is a prime example of the problem with not getting a lawyer early. It does not take too many missed benefits before those legal fees are paid for...
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Titanic, Part 2
We did in fact spend Canada Day at the beach, which was lovely. Our plan was to divide our time between the beach and our small motor boat which we had towed to the park.
However, as we loaded it off the trailer it promptly began to, uhm, fill rapidly with water. At first, Rich was pretty sure that the water was the result of the rainy weather. He assumed the boat had filled up while outside at the mechanic's shop...yes, that's another story. But, it soon became clear that the water going in was keeping pace with the water pumping out. Not good. So we abandoned ship, onto the dock, and went back to the lawn chairs. No harm. No foul.
As we towed the boat back to the beach our 5-year-old broke into a rousing rendition of the Titanic, changing the words to suit the occasion.
That's my segway into the topic of boating accidents and boating safety. Pretty slick.
Early in my career I was involved in a tragic boating case resulting in two fatalities and a severe brain injury. Speed, darkness, alcohol and inexperienced boating all played a role in that terrible accident. The case took ten years to get to trial and was successful. But in the end, all anyone got was money. Shattered lives remained shattered.
The better route, of course, is to operate safely. www.safecanada.ca has some important information about boating safety for Canadian waters. In particular, I like their take on the importance of lifejackets, even for adults. They make the point:
Research has shown that unexpected immersion in water can place a boater at serious risk if they are not wearing a flotation device to assist them in those first moments. This is true regardless of the experience of the boater, the nearness to shore and even swimming ability. The body's reaction to the surprise of going overboard and the shock of cold water can profoundly affect breathing, nerves and muscle strength. Wearing a lifejacket gives you time to adjust to the emergency and allows you to assist others.
I am a pretty good swimmer, was a life guard, etc. Nevertheless, I cannot sit comfortably in a boat with my kids without wearing lifejacket myself. I worry that I wouldn't be able to help them if I needed to.
I wish someone would invent a stylish lifejacket. Not a scuba / windsurfer look but an actual piece of clothing that looks presentable even on someone who is not hanging ten. But I digress...
I hope you all had a happy Canada Day and happy July.
However, as we loaded it off the trailer it promptly began to, uhm, fill rapidly with water. At first, Rich was pretty sure that the water was the result of the rainy weather. He assumed the boat had filled up while outside at the mechanic's shop...yes, that's another story. But, it soon became clear that the water going in was keeping pace with the water pumping out. Not good. So we abandoned ship, onto the dock, and went back to the lawn chairs. No harm. No foul.
As we towed the boat back to the beach our 5-year-old broke into a rousing rendition of the Titanic, changing the words to suit the occasion.
That's my segway into the topic of boating accidents and boating safety. Pretty slick.
Early in my career I was involved in a tragic boating case resulting in two fatalities and a severe brain injury. Speed, darkness, alcohol and inexperienced boating all played a role in that terrible accident. The case took ten years to get to trial and was successful. But in the end, all anyone got was money. Shattered lives remained shattered.
The better route, of course, is to operate safely. www.safecanada.ca has some important information about boating safety for Canadian waters. In particular, I like their take on the importance of lifejackets, even for adults. They make the point:
Research has shown that unexpected immersion in water can place a boater at serious risk if they are not wearing a flotation device to assist them in those first moments. This is true regardless of the experience of the boater, the nearness to shore and even swimming ability. The body's reaction to the surprise of going overboard and the shock of cold water can profoundly affect breathing, nerves and muscle strength. Wearing a lifejacket gives you time to adjust to the emergency and allows you to assist others.
I am a pretty good swimmer, was a life guard, etc. Nevertheless, I cannot sit comfortably in a boat with my kids without wearing lifejacket myself. I worry that I wouldn't be able to help them if I needed to.
I wish someone would invent a stylish lifejacket. Not a scuba / windsurfer look but an actual piece of clothing that looks presentable even on someone who is not hanging ten. But I digress...
I hope you all had a happy Canada Day and happy July.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Canada Day Safety
We are looking forward to a relaxing Canada Day at a provincial park-- away from it all. However, undoubtedly our kids will insist at about 8 p.m. that we hightail it downtown to watch the fireworks over Parliament Hill.
Despite the crush of being surrounded by a hundred thousand of our closest friends, this is still probably a wise idea. Do-it-yourself fireworks can be a problem. Canada does not keep statistics on injuries from fireworks. However, in May 1998 the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program examined its information for this type of injury. There were 175 fire-works-related injuries. 42% of the injuries were to kids aged 10 to 14.
Your odds probably don't improve if you have enjoyed a few cold ones over the course of the day...
At minimum, if you are going to use consumer fireworks, follow these important safety tips from the Canada Safety Council:
*Purchase your fireworks from a reliable source that sells products meeting safety standards.
*Stay away from illegal firecrackers and do not improvise and make your own fireworks.
*Read the Instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework item.
*Store unused fireworks in a closed box away from the firework being lit and do not smoke around the fireworks.
*Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to insure stability.
*Check the wind and have the wind blowing away from the spectators.
*Spectators should be at least 25 feet away from display, keeping special supervision on children.
*Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand.
*Only adults (18 years or over) should handle the fireworks. If you are impaired (alcohol or drugs) do not handle the fireworks.
*Light only one firework item at a time.
*Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Light at arm’s length and then stand back.
*Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources.
*Never attempt to re-light a “dud” or defective firework.
*Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand.
*Sparklers should be immersed in a bucket of sand to cool down after burning out, as they remain very hot for some time.
*Fireworks should be disposed of safely and properly.
So, Happy Canada Day but BE SAFE!
Despite the crush of being surrounded by a hundred thousand of our closest friends, this is still probably a wise idea. Do-it-yourself fireworks can be a problem. Canada does not keep statistics on injuries from fireworks. However, in May 1998 the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program examined its information for this type of injury. There were 175 fire-works-related injuries. 42% of the injuries were to kids aged 10 to 14.
Your odds probably don't improve if you have enjoyed a few cold ones over the course of the day...
At minimum, if you are going to use consumer fireworks, follow these important safety tips from the Canada Safety Council:
*Purchase your fireworks from a reliable source that sells products meeting safety standards.
*Stay away from illegal firecrackers and do not improvise and make your own fireworks.
*Read the Instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework item.
*Store unused fireworks in a closed box away from the firework being lit and do not smoke around the fireworks.
*Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to insure stability.
*Check the wind and have the wind blowing away from the spectators.
*Spectators should be at least 25 feet away from display, keeping special supervision on children.
*Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand.
*Only adults (18 years or over) should handle the fireworks. If you are impaired (alcohol or drugs) do not handle the fireworks.
*Light only one firework item at a time.
*Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Light at arm’s length and then stand back.
*Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources.
*Never attempt to re-light a “dud” or defective firework.
*Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand.
*Sparklers should be immersed in a bucket of sand to cool down after burning out, as they remain very hot for some time.
*Fireworks should be disposed of safely and properly.
So, Happy Canada Day but BE SAFE!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
A Different Kind of Law Firm
We try to do the opposite of what other law firms do. That seems to work for us. Check out the Yellow Pages if you want proof. No two-page spread for us. Instead we have a tiny box inviting people to order our free book.
Why?
Well, in our view what people really need after an accident is information. You can't say anything meaningful in the Yellow Pages. But a 27-page book? Lots of important tips and information, including:
-29 Steps to Take After an Accident
-7 Common Misconceptions about Your Accident
-The Steps of a Law Suit...
and more.
Obviously some people will order the book and then not hire us to represent them. Is that okay? Absolutely. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is, well, personal. You have to feel the fit is right.
Plus, many people who read the book realize they don't need a lawyer and reach a settlement with the insurance company on their own, often using our tips and suggestions. This is also perfectly alright.
However, for many other people, the book establishes a relationship with our firm and helps accident victims realize that they have stumbled upon a law firm that is keen on communication, speaks their language and knows a thing or two about accidents.
Why don't you order the book to see which category you fit into? It's free and available on our website http://www.ottawalawfirm.ca/ or by emailing info@ottawalawfirm.ca. You can call for it too if you want: 613.233.4529.
Oh, sorry. The book is not available to you if you work for an insurance company or if you are an insurance defence lawyer.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Ottawa Facing Longer Medical Wait Times
Worrisome news for Ottawans... The head of the provincial wait time committee says Ottawa is lagging behind in the improvement of wait times for medical services. Significantly, the areas' medical facilities did not meet their wait time targets for certain services like MRIs and knee replacements.
In another article earlier in the week, the Ottawa Hospital was proposing to free up beds by having elderly patients transfered to home care. Sounds like squeezing the balloon to us. There may be a few more hospital beds if they elderly are kept home but the publicly-funded home care capacity of the Community Care Access Centres is also strapped, chronically underfunded and struggling to meet demand.
There has to be another solution...
In another article earlier in the week, the Ottawa Hospital was proposing to free up beds by having elderly patients transfered to home care. Sounds like squeezing the balloon to us. There may be a few more hospital beds if they elderly are kept home but the publicly-funded home care capacity of the Community Care Access Centres is also strapped, chronically underfunded and struggling to meet demand.
There has to be another solution...
Two Women Die Near Stittsville
Sadly, two women died on Saturday when one car was struck head-on by another car that drifted into the wrong lane. There is one survivor of the crash who is in stable condition, although one of the victims was his wife. The couple was visiting Ottawa from the maritimes.
Neighbours in the area are wondering about the role that contruction near the accident site may have played in the accident. However, police are not confirming that this was a factor. The police are stressing the need for drivers to stay focused on the roads. With construction everywhere and the kids out of school, this is important advice.
Neighbours in the area are wondering about the role that contruction near the accident site may have played in the accident. However, police are not confirming that this was a factor. The police are stressing the need for drivers to stay focused on the roads. With construction everywhere and the kids out of school, this is important advice.
Buckle Up Baby!
An important reminder to parents of young children was in Friday's Ottawa Citizen. A baby boy was spared serious injury in an accident between a minivan and a Para Transpo bus near Trainyards and Belfast Road. Apparently, his properly secured car seat gets the credit for his well-being. Unfortunately, a 21-year-old female driver and her 15-year-old passenger received more serious injuries. The article does not explain how the accident happened.
Welcome to our Blog
Thanks for checking us out.
Auger Hollingsworth is a boutique litigation firm in Ottawa that focuses on personal injury cases and criminal defence. Some people might think that is an odd combination, but we don't. In both practice areas we fight for the little guy against BIG government, BIG insurance and BIG business. We truly are advocates for individuals. That's what sets us apart.
Anyway, we hope you enjoy the postings and we look forward to hearing from you.
By the way, if you want to know more about our firm, we're at www.ottawalawfirm.ca.
Auger Hollingsworth is a boutique litigation firm in Ottawa that focuses on personal injury cases and criminal defence. Some people might think that is an odd combination, but we don't. In both practice areas we fight for the little guy against BIG government, BIG insurance and BIG business. We truly are advocates for individuals. That's what sets us apart.
Anyway, we hope you enjoy the postings and we look forward to hearing from you.
By the way, if you want to know more about our firm, we're at www.ottawalawfirm.ca.
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