How to Access Car Accident Benefits in Ontario For Your Injured Child
As a personal injury lawyer, I work extensively with the parents of children who are permanently injured as a result of car accidents.
Any person who is injured as a result of the use or operation of a motor vehicle has access to statutory accident benefits under either an automobile policy of insurance or through the Ontario government. Examples would be:
- child is a passenger in a vehicle that is involved in an accident
- child is a pedestrian struck by a vehicle
- child is riding a bike and struck by a vehicle
- child is operating an ATV or snowmobile
- child trips and falls or slips and falls while getting into or out of a vehicle
Accessing Financial Help to Care for Your Disabled Child in Ontario
Various benefits are available under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule: to cover medical and rehabilitation needs relating to the injuries from the accident, to provide payment of additional attendant care required, to pay lost educational expenses etc. If the injuries are “catastrophic”, enhanced benefits are available to pay increased amounts over the lifetime of the injured person.
There may also be benefits available to any family members under the statutory accident benefits schedule to compensate for expenses relating to visiting the child, lost income, etc.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario
Details of benefits available under the statutory accidents benefits schedule can be found at the FSCO website.
In particular, it is recommended that you review the brochure found at the link: After an Auto Accident: Understanding the Claims process. You may also wish to read our post explaining the deadlines and limitation periods for car accidents in Ontario to understand how these important timelines can affect your ability to get financial assistance to care for your child.
Many personal injury lawyers are willing to provide a free initial consultation to discuss the merits of a case and the options available. It is always wise to speak to a lawyer very soon after an accident to discuss your child’s rights and obligations.
You can call our office at 1-800-563-63481 or click here to contact an Ontario personal injury lawyer today