Helpful or Hurtful? The dark side of social media sleuthing
This post explores the troubling rise of online speculation in high-profile missing persons cases and the legal risks of cyberbullying.
Drawing on recent examples from Nova Scotia, including the disappearances of Jack and Lilly Sullivan and Dylan Ehler, Allison Harris examines how well-intentioned online activity can quickly spiral into harmful speculation, harassment, and defamation. She highlights the increasing use of Nova Scotia’s Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act, a unique piece of legislation designed to offer civil remedies to victims of cyberbullying, online threats, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Read More
Motor Vehicles, Pedestrians, Cyclists and more: Tips and Road Rules in a Busy City
As Halifax streets grow busier, it’s more important than ever for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and e-scooter users to understand how to share the road safely and legally.
From helmet laws to crosswalk rules, this post breaks down what everyone needs to know to help prevent accidents.
Read More
Understanding Judicial Settlement Conferences
The eighth post in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case, walks readers through the in-person and virtual Judicial Settlement Conference process, including etiquette, the judge’s role, and how discussions are conducted.
Read More
What is a Mediation?
The seventh post in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case, provides information about mediation, including what to expect and the potential benefits of negotiating a settlement of your personal injury claim at a mediation.
Read More
What Happens After a Discovery Examination?
The sixth post in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case…. From accident to settlement or trial explores what happens after your discovery examination and the next steps in your case.
You’ve taken a big step in your personal injury case by completing your discovery examination. But what comes next? From gathering additional documents (undertakings) to potential negotiations and trial preparation, there are key steps ahead. Learn what to expect and how your case may progress.
Read More
Discovery Examinations
The fifth blog in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case provides information about the discovery examination. Suppose your lawyer has advised that your case may be headed to a discovery examination (aka a discovery hearing). You likely have questions about what this means and how the process works. In this blog post, we explain what you can expect and how to prepare for your discovery examination.
Read More
What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The fourth post in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case, offers insight into how the value of personal injury claims are assessed and what factors are considered. Determining the value of a personal injury case involves a detailed assessment tailored to everyone’s unique circumstances. Due to the complexity involved, consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Read More
Negotiating Your Personal Injury Claim
The third post in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case, offers insight into the negotiation process to help you decide the best course of action in your case.
“How long does it take to settle?” This is a common question we hear in our personal injury cases. You may also wonder whether settling is the best way to resolve your case. This blog provides information to help you answer those questions.
Read More
Understanding Limitation Periods in Nova Scotia: What You Need to Know
The second post in our series, The Life of a Personal Injury Case, focuses on the importance of understanding limitation periods in legal cases. In Nova Scotia, most (but not all) civil claims, including personal injury cases, must be filed within two years of the incident. This blog post explains how the limitation clock may be paused in certain cases as well as important exceptions to the 2-year limitation period. It is essential to file claims within the limitation period to preserve your right to bring the claim and seek compensation.
Read More
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Two critical elements are required for a successful personal injury claim: liability and damages. Liability involves proving that the injury was caused by another party's negligence, while damages refer to the losses suffered due to the injury.
The post also covers the concept of shared liability, where more than one party might be responsible for an accident. It details the types of damages that can be claimed, including pain and suffering, loss of income, and medical expenses.
Read More
Understanding Subrogated Claims: Why You are Required to Repay Health Insurance Benefits from your Settlement
When you're injured in an accident, your private health plan may cover medical expenses or short/long-term disability benefits for lost wages. If you file a personal injury claim against the responsible party, your private insurer can also bring a claim to recover amounts they paid on your behalf, known as a "subrogated claim." It is crucial to understand whether your private insurer is presenting a subrogated claim in your personal injury claim. In this blog you can learn more about subrogated claims, what they are and how they work.
Read More
Liability For Left Hand Turn Cases: Am I At Fault?
In collisions involving a left-hand turn and an oncoming vehicle, the left-turning driver is often assumed to be at fault. However, liability can be shared depending on the circumstances.
Liability may be split if the oncoming driver is also negligent in his/her actions such as speeding, accelerating to beat a light, or failing to pay attention. This blog post reviews the law in Nova Scotia surrounding left-hand turns and explores the circumstances when liability may not rest 100% with the left-turning vehicle.
Read More
OFF WORK DUE TO ILLNESS OR INJURY: Insurance Benefits Available
Coping with the injury or illness itself is challenging, but when compounded with the financial strain of being unable to work, the burden can feel overwhelming. In this blog post we’ve compiled essential information concerning benefits you may be entitled to if you are not able to work due to an illness or injury.
Read More
Is My Ligament Tear A Minor Injury?? New Guidance from the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal In Personal Injury Cases
The recent ruling by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal (NSCA) in Cameron v Pratt sheds light on the classification of injuries under the minor injury legislation and related regulations. The case involved a personal injury claim following a motor vehicle accident, where the plaintiff suffered various injuries, including knee ligament tears. The ruling clarified that unless they result in serious impairment, ligament tears could be classified as minor injuries under the legislation, leading to implications for compensation. This decision offers crucial guidance for lawyers and their clients navigating similar cases involving minor injury legislation.
Read More
Vehicle Damaged in an Accident? Understanding the Role of Collision Coverage
When your vehicle suffers damage in an accident, who pays to have it repaired? The answer depends on what coverage you have and who is at fault. What if the driver who hit you is uninsured or has left the scene of the accident? By ensuring that you have Collision coverage in your auto insurance policy, you can rest assured knowing that your property is safeguarded against hit-and-run accidents.
Read More
2024 Minor Injury Cap Amount Released
The Superintendent of Insurance has released 2024 "Cap" amount for Minor Injuries (sprain, strain or whiplash associated disorder grade 1 or 2). The Cap for 2024 accidents is $10,40
Read More
Scan Documents and Create PDFs Using Your Smartphone
Did you know your smartphone has an invaluable feature that could significantly enhance your document-sharing experience? Many people are unaware that their iPhone comes equipped with a scanner capable of transforming any document into a polished PDF. This seamlessly converts your documents into a professional format, allowing easy sharing via text or email.
Read More
Fly Ball! Who Pays for the Property Damage?
Errant baseballs, soccer balls and footballs can come at people and vehicles if they are near a field in use. Foul balls can strike cars, smashing windows and leaving dents. People can be struck by balls that go out of bounds in all sports. Balls into the siding of houses can leave dents, requiring parts of it to be replaced. What to do if you find yourself in those situations?
Read More
In Loving Memory of an Exceptional Companion: Boo Boo Bear, 2008-2023
Carter Simpson says goodbye and pays tribute to their Chief Happiness Office, Boo Boo
Read More
FATAL CAR ACCIDENTS: A Guide to Insurance Benefits
A tragic accident has the power to shatter lives, especially when it leads to the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a loved one. Coping with such a devastating event is challenging, and dealing with insurance companies only adds to the overwhelming burden. To assist you during this difficult time, we provide the following essential information as your guide.
Read More