Personal Injury Settlements: Things You Should Know – Part 2

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may choose to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver or their insurer to recover compensation for losses you have suffered. Although the common perception is that this type of claim will involve going to court, the reality is that most personal injury claims are resolved through a settlement.

In a previous blog post, Personal Injury Settlements: Things You Should Know, we discussed some common questions about why to settle and how the settlement and negotiation process works. In this post, we supplement that information by discussing factors that may affect the dollar value of any settlement you might be able to reach with the opposing party. Continue reading

Returning to Work After an Injury: Gradual Return to Work and the Duty to Accommodate

If you have suffered an injury and been off work, you may be considering what will happen once you are ready to go back to your job. Will you be expected to jump back into your old position immediately? What do you have to disclose to your employer and co-workers about your injury? What if you aren’t able to carry out all the tasks that were part of your job before you were injured?

Anyone who has suffered an injury has a duty to mitigate their losses; that is, they have the responsibility to try to improve their situation. This is true not only from a physical standpoint (for example, an injured person must follow the medical advice and treatment plans set out by their health care providers), but also from a financial standpoint. Continue reading

Alberta’s Family Protection Endorsement (SEF 44) Explained

This blog post reviews why you may want to consider purchasing Alberta’s Family Protection Endorsement (SEF 44) in addition to your standard auto insurance policy coverage. We also review some limitations concerning “who” is covered and what is covered.

What does the Family Protection Endorsement Offer?

For a modest premium increase, you can add Family Protection Endorsement (SEF 44) when you purchase your automobile insurance policy. This additional coverage allows you to claim up to your third-party liability limits, (commonly $1 million or $2 million) in the event you are injured in an accident and:

  • the at-fault driver is underinsured; that is, they have less liability coverage than your claim is worth
  • the at-fault driver is uninsured, or
  • you are injured by a hit and run driver, or the at-fault driver is otherwise unknown

What does the Family Protection Endorsement (SEF 44) cover?

Continue reading