What Is A Tort Claim?
If you’ve sustained an injury in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, there are many types of compensation you may be entitled to. Some of the most common claim types include disability and accident benefits claims, as well as tort claims.
A tort claim is a legal claim made when you have been injured in an accident for compensation (also referred to as damages) to help pay for the costs incurred due to the accident.
In a tort claim settlement in Ontario, you have the ability to sue the other party for many expenses, some tort claim compensation items include:
- medical bills,
- continued treatment expenses
- hospital parking costs,
- lost wages,
- loss of earning opportunity
- pain and suffering
Every car accident situation is unique and the amount of compensation you will receive in your tort claim settlement will be determined by the specific circumstances of your accident. You are only eligible to file a tort claim if your injury is due to someone else’s negligence.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Tort Claim in Ontario?
With more than 95% of car accident claims being settled out of court, negotiated settlements are common. Negotiated tort claim settlements may be agreed upon at any time before the judge determines the outcome of the case. Because of a long process of evidence gathering and collecting expert opinions, it can take two or more years for a lawsuit to be settled or go to trial. The defendant’s actions during the case, the court schedule, and your actions can also impact the tort settlement time. Your personal injury lawyer is the best person to consult with to determine the timeline and to advise you on tort settlement negotiation.
How to File a Tort Claim
Although it’s not possible to determine how long a tort claim settlement in Ontario will take, there are several steps that commonly occur in any type of lawsuit. These steps may happen in a different order, depending on the specifics of your case.
Fact and Evidence Gathering
The first step in your tort claim is gathering facts and evidence to support your tort settlement claim. You and your lawyer will gather witness statements, police reports, and any other documentation that will support your claim. Evidence will be gathered over the course of your lawsuit.
What Does Tort Claim Mean? What Are The Steps in a Tort Claim?
Tort Law as stated by The Canadian Encyclopedia – “provides compensation for people who have been injured; or whose property has been damaged by the wrongdoing of others.” A tort claim involves a number of steps that an experienced personal injury attorney will help you navigate.
1. Statement of Claim
Your tort claim lawsuit will officially begin once you file a Statement of Claim. A document that outlines the fact that you are submitting a tort claim against another party and the reasoning behind the claim. The court will then date and make copies of this Statement, which will be delivered to the defendant. The defendant’s lawyers will then send back a Statement of Defense.
2. Interim Application Process
Between the time your lawsuit begins and the time it goes to trial, lawyers on either side may make specific requests for a court order or interim application. These applications request that the lawsuit be handled in specific ways. For example, your lawyer might submit an interim application in order to get a specific document or piece of evidence that has not been provided by the other side.
3. Examinations for Discovery Process
Examination for discovery occurs after the fact-gathering step has concluded. During this examination, your lawyer will question the defendant and ask about specific documents in their possession. The defendant’s lawyer will also question you about the accident and your lawyer will provide documents related to the case. All questioning will happen under oath. During this process, your lawyer will learn more about the accident to create a stronger case. If the defendant’s lawyer asks you a question that isn’t allowed, your lawyer will intervene.
4. Medical Exams
Medical exams can be requested by your lawyer and the other lawyer in a tort settlement case. Each side will choose the physician you visit, and you may have to be examined more than once by the same physician. Any conclusions the physician arrives at will become part of the evidence used for the case.
5. The Undertaking Process
During a tort claim, lawyers may make specific promises to each other called undertakings. These promises usually relate to exchanging information, such as requesting crucial documentation or information that is necessary to the case. For example, medical, employment, or financial information may be requested by a defense lawyer during a car accident lawsuit. Your lawyer will also ask for important documentation that will support your case.
6. Law Review
Later in your case, once a large amount of evidence and information about your case has been gathered, your lawyer will review the law and give you an updated opinion about how the trial may be resolved, what the outcome will be, or how large a settlement you can expect.
How Long does a tort claim take to settle?
During your case, your lawyer and the opposing lawyer may try to settle the claim or agree to a claim resolution so the case doesn’t have to go to trial. This can happen at any point prior to the judge’s final decision. Most motor vehicle accident claims are settled out of court, so this is a scenario you should expect.
Trial
In some cases, a tort claim settlement may occur during a trial. If not, the case will typically be decided several days to several weeks after the trial concludes.
Completion of Your Tort Settlement Claim for Compensation
Many people wonder ‘How Much Money Can You Get for a Tort Claim in Ontario?’ Once the trial is over, your lawyer will deduct fees and expenses and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. A judgment may also be enforced which requires the defendant to pay what is owed to you. Because most defendants are insured, this does not happen very often. If you do not agree with the judgment, your lawyer may try to appeal it by asking for a higher court to reconsider your case.
Contact A Tort Claim Compensation Lawyer Near You
If you have more questions about tort claim compensation it is best to speak with a lawyer in your area. Contact the Himpro team online or call 1-855-446-7765 for any questions you might have or to schedule your free case evaluation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence, speak with a personal injury lawyer.
Content Updated: Originally published April 19, 2016
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