Suffering a serious injury is overwhelming. In the span of a few moments, life can change; work is interrupted, medical appointments fill the calendar, and bills start to accumulate. For many in Ottawa, this may also be the first time they have had to navigate the legal system. Understandably, most people do not know what rights they have or how the law protects them after an accident.
As personal injury lawyers based in Ottawa, my colleagues and I at Bergeron Clifford regularly meet people who are unsure about where to start. They have questions about timelines, insurance, and whether pursuing legal action is even worth the effort. While every case is unique, there are some fundamentals that every injured person in Ottawa should understand about personal injury law.
Here are five things to keep in mind.
1. You have rights, even if insurance suggests otherwise
One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that an insurance company has the final word on an injury claim. In reality, your rights are broader than what an insurer may initially suggest.
Ontario’s legal system allows injured people to pursue compensation not only for medical costs but also for lost income, pain and suffering, and the impact on family life. Insurance companies often focus on minimizing payouts, but that does not mean you must accept their first offer. Speaking with a lawyer can clarify what your claim is actually worth.
2. Timelines matter more than you think
After an accident, it is natural to prioritize medical recovery over legal steps. But waiting too long can limit your options. Ontario law sets strict deadlines for filing claims and notifying insurers.
For example, suppose you have been in a motor vehicle collision. In that case, there are time-sensitive requirements for notifying your insurance company, even before fault has been determined. In some cases, lawsuits must be started within two years of the incident. Missing a deadline can mean losing the right to compensation altogether.
This does not mean you need to rush into litigation. But it does mean that seeking timely advice is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.
3. Personal injury law is about more than car accidents
When most people think of personal injury law, they think of car accidents. While these are common, they are far from the only type of case we see in Ottawa.
Injuries can also arise from unsafe premises, medical negligence, defective products, or serious accidents. Each category of case has its own rules and nuances. For example, a slip and fall on icy steps at a commercial property raises very different legal issues than a surgical error.
Understanding this breadth is important because it highlights the need for legal guidance tailored to your specific situation.
4. Trial lawyers make a difference
Not every case goes to trial, but the reality is that strong trial experience can change the outcome of a claim. Insurance companies know which firms are prepared to go to court and which are not.
At Bergeron Clifford, we are trial lawyers first and foremost. This matters because it means we are ready to stand in front of a judge and jury if that is what it takes to achieve fair compensation. Many cases do settle outside of court, but having a team with proven trial experience shifts the balance of power.
For individuals in Ottawa who have been injured, it is crucial to select representation that not only understands the law but is also willing and able to advocate forcefully when necessary.
5. The right lawyer meets you where you are
Injury recovery is demanding. Travelling downtown for legal appointments is not always realistic when you are dealing with mobility issues, medical treatments, or the day-to-day realities of disrupted life.
That is why accessibility matters in choosing a lawyer. Our firm has five offices across Eastern Ontario, and we regularly travel to meet clients where they are. For our Ottawa clients, this means you are not just hiring a law firm with a nameplate Downtown, you are working with a team deeply connected to the Ottawa community, supported by a regional network.
Being client-centred is not just about convenience. It is about respect, recognizing that your time, energy, and dignity matter during one of the hardest periods of your life.
You Have Rights
No one expects to need a personal injury lawyer. Yet when an accident happens, knowing your rights can make a world of difference. Remember that you are not limited to what insurance tells you; timelines matter, and injury law covers far more than car accidents. Keep in mind, too, that the lawyer you choose should be prepared to go to trial if necessary, and should meet you where you are, both literally and figuratively.
In Ottawa, personal injury law is about more than legal claims. It is about ensuring that injured people have the support, advocacy, and dignity they deserve as they rebuild their lives.
Kanon Clifford is an injury lawyer with Bergeron Clifford LLP based in the National Capital Region. Bergeron Clifford is a recognized Top 10 Canadian Personal Injury Firm in Ontario by Canadian Lawyer Magazine.Â
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