In an effort to reduce insurance premiums, the Government has promised to make significant changes to statutory accident benefits.
The changes include:
- An amendment to the test for catastrophic impairment;
- Including attendant care services with the $1 million medical and rehabilitation benefit for catastrophic impairments;
- Reducing the standard duration of medical and rehabilitation benefits from 10 years to five years for all claimants except children; and,
- Eliminating the six month waiting period for non-earner benefits, and limiting the duration of non earner benefits to two years post accident ;
Tort claims
In addition to the above Statutory Accident Benefit changes, the Government has indicated that it will propose amendments to the Insurance Act, these amendments are as follows:
- An adjustment to the deductible on awards for pain and suffering damages to reflect inflation and future changes in inflation;
- An adjustment to the monetary thresholds beyond which the tort deductible does not apply to reflect inflation.
These changes will serve to increase the $30,000.00 deductible introduced in 2003.
The full list of proposed changes to both SABS and Tort Claims can be found at http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2015/papers_all.pdf.
With the amounts available to victims of motor vehicle accidents set to be dramatically reduced, it is important to ensure that those involved in accidents receive the full amount they are entitled to. A lawyer familiar with the legislation can help you make sure you receive your entitlement.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please feel free to contact a member of the Mann Lawyers personal injury team at 613 722 1500.
