Injured in the Hospital? We Understand What You’re Going Through

If you’re reading this, chances are you or a loved one is currently in the hospital or a rehabilitation center recovering from an accident. We want you to know that we understand how overwhelming and challenging this time can be. Your health and recovery are the top priority right now, and the last thing you should worry about is navigating complex legal and insurance systems. That’s where we come in.

At Auger Hollingsworth Personal Injury Lawyers, we specialize in helping individuals like you—people dealing with the pain of injury, the uncertainty of recovery, and the stress of what comes next. We understand the emotional and physical toll that an accident can take on you and your family. It’s not just about the immediate impact of your injuries but also about the long-term challenges you may face as you heal and rebuild your life.

While you focus on getting better, our team is here to take care of the legal details. We’ll help you activate your Accident Benefits, guide you through the insurance claims process, and protect your right to compensation for things like pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. We know that every recovery journey is unique, and we approach each case with the care and attention it deserves.

You don’t have to do this alone. From the moment you’re admitted to the hospital or rehab center, we’ll work with you to ensure you receive the benefits and legal support you need to move forward. Our goal is to ease your burden so that you can focus on what matters most—your health.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help and guide you every step of the way. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovering and rebuilding your life. Your future is important to us, and we are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

You can contact us anytime in the hospital or home for a free consultation. We’re here for you.

Richard Auger, Brenda Hollingsworth, and the AH Team

Resources Available Below:

• How an Ontario Lawyer Can Help an MVA Patient with Hospital Discharge Planning
• Five Reasons a Personal Injury Lawyer Should Help You With Your Application for Statutory Accident Benefits While You Are Still in the Hospital or Rehabilitation Centre
• 25-Point Checklist: What to Do While in the Hospital After an Accident
• The 3 Most Important Pieces of Information a Patient Should Have Before Being Discharged from the Hospital

How an Ontario Lawyer Can Help an MVA Patient with Hospital Discharge Planning

Recovering from a motor vehicle collision is challenging for you and your family. It’s crucial for patients to have the right support as they transition from hospital care to a rehab centre, home, or another care setting. In Ontario, a personal injury lawyer can play a vital role in this process, ensuring the patient’s discharge planning is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Discharge planning involves organizing the necessary resources and support to aid recovery, and a lawyer can help navigate this complex process in several ways.

Accessing and Maximizing Insurance Benefits

Ontario’s car insurance system allows collision victims to access benefits through their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits can cover a wide range of care, including rehabilitation services, home care, medical supplies, and more.

Sometimes, a patient needs extra care that isn’t covered by OHIP while IN the hospital.  Car accident benefits may fund that care as well.  We can work on that with you.

A personal injury lawyer can help ensure that the patient fully activates their no-fault insurance to access these benefits, filing the claim correctly and ensuring that the patient is receiving the complete coverage they’re entitled to.

Clients who hire us after they are discharged from the hospital often express regret that they didn’t know all the benefits available to them while they were in the hospital. They comment on how much easier their lives would have been—and the lives of the family members who are caring for them.

Coordinating with Healthcare Providers

Discharge planning often involves coordination between the hospital, community healthcare providers, and home care services. Patients / Clients are often surprised that the rehabilitation team that treated them while they were inpatients does not follow them after their discharge from the hospital.

A lawyer can help streamline the treatment planning process by ensuring that medical reports, treatment plans, and rehabilitation recommendations are accurately documented and shared with all relevant parties. This ensures that the patient’s care continues seamlessly after discharge and that the necessary services, whether in-home care, therapy, or specialized medical equipment, are available.

Lawyers also ensure that the community health care providers you select are on the victim’s side and not too cozy with the insurance company. (Trust us, that can happen.) Your needs are always paramount!

Securing Additional Support Services

Some MVA victims require modifications to their living environment or additional assistance, such as wheelchair ramps or transportation services. A personal injury lawyer can assist in arranging these services, making sure that the patient’s insurance covers the costs where applicable. If insurance coverage falls short, the lawyer can help explore alternative funding options, including government assistance or other resources, to meet the patient’s ongoing care needs.

If a community team works on this before your discharge date, your life will be better—and you will avoid a big scramble.

Preventing Delays in Discharge

One key role of a lawyer is to ensure that all necessary paperwork, insurance claims, and medical documents are processed in a timely manner. By helping to eliminate delays, the lawyer can expedite the patient’s discharge and help them begin their recovery as quickly as possible in a supportive and well-prepared environment.

Why Choose Us?

For MVA patients in Ontario, contacting a personal injury lawyer early in the recovery process — especially while still in the hospital or rehabilitation centre — can make all the difference. From accessing Statutory Accident Benefit Insurance benefits to coordinating healthcare and securing necessary support services, a lawyer helps ensure that patients have everything they need to transition successfully from hospital care to home recovery, providing peace of mind during a difficult time.

Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss how we can help you protect your rights.

Five Reasons a Personal Injury Lawyer Should Help You With Your Application for Statutory Accident Benefits While You Are Still in the Hospital or Rehabilitation Centre

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) in Ontario, you are entitled to apply for Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) through your automobile insurance policy or another insurance policy, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. These benefits are designed to help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, income loss, and other needs that arise from your injuries.

However, applying for these benefits can be difficult. If not done correctly, you may have your benefits denied or delayed. Having an Auger Hollingsworth personal injury lawyer assist with—or at least review—your application before submitting it to the insurance company can significantly increase your chances of receiving the full benefits you are entitled to.

Applying for benefits is even harder if you are still admitted to the hospital. We have helped many hospitalized clients manage the challenges of getting records from the hospital and doctor sign-offs.

1. Understanding the Complex Application Process

The application for SABs involves filling out several forms that require detailed information about:

• your injuries,
• the accident itself,
• treatment plants,
• medical history,
• employment,
• social benefits and other personal details

Each section of the application has specific requirements, and errors or omissions can delay your claim or lead to its rejection.

We have the experience to ensure that all your forms are completed accurately and comprehensively. We can also help you gather and organize the necessary documentation to support your application.

2. Meeting Strict Deadlines

There are timelines for submitting your application for SABs. In most cases, the completed application must be submitted to your insurance company within 30 days of the accident.  Failing to meet this deadline can result in a loss or delay of benefits.

An Auger Hollingsworth personal injury lawyer, can ensure that all required forms are submitted on time and help you track important deadlines, minimizing the risk of missing them and jeopardizing your claim.

If, for some reason, your application is late, we can help you get an after-the-fact extension of the time for submitting your forms, which can also avoid additional delay or denial.

3. Maximizing Your Benefits

Statutory Accident Benefits are designed to cover a wide range of expenses depending on what options the policyholder purchased, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, and income replacement.

However, not all benefits may be automatically offered by your insurance company.

We will know what benefits you may be entitled to and can ensure that you request and obtain the appropriate benefits. We can also help you understand the full scope of your entitlements, such as housekeeping expenses or vocational rehabilitation, that may not be immediately obvious.

4. Preventing Denials and Delays

Some insurance companies look for any reason to deny or delay a claim. A lawyer can ensure that your application is complete, properly supported by medical records, and consistent with the facts of the accident and your injuries. Having a lawyer involved can reduce the likelihood of the insurance company challenging your claim, helping you receive timely and fair compensation.

5. Complications From Determining Which Insurer is Liable

If you do not have your own car insurance policy, the process of applying for Statutory Accident Benefits becomes more complicated. For instance, if you are a pedestrian, passenger, or cyclist, you may not know which insurer is liable for your claim, leading to confusion and delays in getting the benefits you need. In these situations, a personal injury lawyer can help determine which insurance company is responsible for paying your benefits.

We will investigate the details of your accident to determine the appropriate insurer to contact. For example, if you were a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, the insurance company for the driver at fault may be the one responsible for your benefits. Your insurance company may be liable if the accident involved a hit-and-run. In some cases, if you were a passenger, your lawyer can determine whether the driver’s or another party’s insurance should cover your benefits.

By navigating these complexities, a lawyer can avoid delays in starting your claim and ensure that the appropriate insurer is contacted promptly. This prevents potential issues with coverage and speeds up the process of obtaining the necessary benefits.

Why Choose Us?

Having a personal injury lawyer assist with or review your application for Statutory Accident Benefits is essential in protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. We can help you navigate the complex process, meet strict deadlines, maximize your benefits, and prevent costly mistakes. Our clients are incredibly thankful for the help we provide while they are in a hospital, rehabilitation centre, or care facility. If you do not have insurance, our lawyers can help determine which insurer is liable, ensuring your claim is processed efficiently and without delay.

With expert legal guidance, you can avoid unnecessary setbacks and increase your chances of a successful claim.

25-Point Checklist: What to Do While in the Hospital After an Accident

From the Desk of Your Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are currently in the hospital due to injuries from an accident, taking the proper steps to protect your rights, activate your benefits, and preserve your tort case is crucial. Here’s a checklist to guide you through what you should do while an inpatient in the hospital.

1. Focus on Your Health and Recovery

• Prioritize your treatment and recovery. Your health is the most important aspect at this moment. Follow your doctor’s orders carefully, and ensure all physical and psychological injuries are documented.

2. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

• If you haven’t already done so, direct your lawyer to notify your insurance company about the accident immediately. This will initiate the Accident Benefits (AB) process, which includes medical care, rehabilitation, and income replacement.

3. Begin the Accident Benefits Application

• Ask your lawyer to start completing the Accident Benefits (AB) claim application on your behalf so you can begin accessing medical, rehabilitation, and income replacement benefits while you are in the hospital.

4. Keep Your Medical Team Informed

• Ensure your medical team is aware of all injuries from the accident. Ask them to document everything, including any changes to your condition or additional treatments.

5. Request Copies of Your Medical Records

• Have your personal injury lawyer request a copy of your medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, and any procedures you undergo while hospitalized. These records will be vital for your case.

6. Direct Your Lawyer to Obtain the Police Report

• Ask your lawyer to obtain a copy of the police report from the accident scene. This is a key piece of evidence that will help substantiate your case.

7. Keep a Pain and Symptom Diary

• Start documenting your pain levels, symptoms, and how your injuries are affecting your daily activities. This information will help support your claim for compensation.

8. Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Advice

• If an insurance adjuster contacts you, direct them to your lawyer. Never provide any statements without consulting your lawyer first.

9. Contact Your Lawyer as Soon as Possible

• If you haven’t already, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. They will handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

10. Record All Treatments and Appointments

• Make sure all treatments, doctor’s visits, surgeries, and physical therapy sessions are documented by your medical team. You’ll need this documentation for your claim.

11. Request Witness Information

• If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask family members or hospital staff to gather witness names and contact details. Your lawyer can use this information later.

12. Preserve Evidence from the Accident Scene

• If possible, ask a family member or friend to take photos or collect other evidence from the accident scene (e.g., vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, etc.).

13. Notify Your Employer or Educational Institution

• If your injuries will impact your ability to work or attend school, notify your employer or school while you are still in the hospital to keep them informed.

14. Avoid Social Media Posts

• Refrain from posting about your accident, injuries, or recovery on social media. Anything you post can be used against you by insurance companies or opposing parties.

15. Track All Hospital and Medical Expenses

• Ask your hospital or a family member to keep records of all medical expenses related to your hospital stay, treatments, medications, and any rehabilitation costs.

16. Do Not Accept Any Settlement Offers

• While in the hospital, avoid accepting any early settlement offers from the insurance company. Consult with your lawyer first to ensure the offer is fair and comprehensive.

17. Stay Compliant with Your Treatment Plan

• Follow all prescribed treatments, including any surgeries, physical therapy, or medications. This will assist in your recovery and ensure the insurance company has evidence of your efforts to heal.

18. Document How Injuries Affect Your Daily Life

• While you’re in the hospital, keep a record of how your injuries are affecting basic activities such as dressing, eating, or moving around. This will be important for your compensation claim.

19. Keep Track of Lost Wages or Income

• If your injuries prevent you from working, document any lost wages or income. Your Accident Benefits may cover some of your lost income; this documentation will support that claim.

20. Discuss the Potential for a Tort Claim with Your Lawyer

• If another party’s negligence caused the accident, ask your lawyer to evaluate the potential for a tort claim for pain and suffering. This could provide additional compensation.

21. Prepare for Long-Term Medical Needs

• Discuss with your doctor any potential long-term care or rehabilitation needs that might arise from your injuries. This information will help your lawyer assess future damages.

22. Hire a Community Discharge Team for Post-Hospital Care

• If you need help transitioning from the hospital to your home, direct your lawyer or a family member to arrange a community discharge team. They can assist with home care, rehabilitation, and organizing support services as you leave the hospital.

23. Understand the Limitation Period for Legal Action

• Ontario law typically gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Ask your lawyer to explain this limitation and ensure timely legal action is taken if necessary.

24. Maintain a Log of All Communications

• Keep a detailed record of all conversations, emails, or letters with insurance companies, medical providers, and other parties involved in your case.

25. Get Legal Help to Maximize Your Compensation

• Direct your lawyer to take charge of your case so that they can protect your rights and ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose Us?

As experts in personal injury law, we specialize in helping accident victims like you get the compensation they deserve. We’ll handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery. From the moment you are hospitalized, we’ll ensure your medical benefits are activated and your case is protected.

Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss how we can help you protect your rights.

The 3 Most Important Pieces of Information a Patient Should Have Before Being Discharged from the Hospital

If you have been admitted to the hospital due to injuries from an accident, the discharge process is a critical time to ensure that you are properly equipped to continue your recovery and protect your legal rights.

Before you leave the hospital, there are three key pieces of information you must have to ensure a smooth transition and to safeguard your future, including any personal injury claims or Accident Benefits you may be entitled to.

1. Detailed Medical Records and Discharge Summary

One of the most important documents you need before discharge is your medical records and a discharge summary. This document outlines your diagnoses, the treatments you’ve received, any surgeries or procedures performed, and your doctor’s recommendations for future care.

For personal injury claims, this record is essential, as it serves as the foundation of your case. It provides a clear link between the accident and your injuries, demonstrating the severity and long-term implications of your condition. Having a discharge summary helps your lawyer accurately assess the extent of your injuries and ensure that you receive the appropriate medical and rehabilitation benefits under the Accident Benefits (AB) scheme in Ontario.

Be sure to ask for a complete copy, as this document will be used to support your claim for compensation.

If you have already retained your personal injury lawyer, your lawyer will get this info on your behalf.  Not to worry!

2. Instructions for Follow-up Care and Rehabilitation

Before you leave the hospital, make sure you receive clear instructions for follow-up care and rehabilitation. This includes information on any required medications, ongoing treatments, physical therapy, or specialist appointments that will help with your recovery. These instructions are not only crucial for your health but also for your legal case.

In Ontario, your personal injury lawyer will need to know what care you will require after your discharge to help ensure you can access the full range of benefits available to you. This could include income replacement, rehabilitation benefits, and other treatments related to your injuries. By ensuring you have a detailed plan for follow-up care, you are helping to establish the necessity for these benefits.

If you need in-home care or specialized rehabilitation services, consider discussing this with your lawyer to ensure these costs are factored into your personal injury claim.

If you have already retained a lawyer, we will help you to implement your rehab plan by connecting you with community rehabilitation providers.

3. Accident Benefits Information and Insurance Details

Before you leave the hospital, make sure you have all the necessary information related to your Accident Benefits (AB) coverage and any insurance details. This includes a clear understanding of the benefits you are eligible for, such as medical treatments, rehabilitation costs, and income replacement.

If you don’t yet have a personal injury lawyer, you can ask your hospital social worker or case manager to guide you through the process of submitting the appropriate forms and documentation to your insurance provider. If you are unsure of the steps, your personal injury lawyer can assist you with this process to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines and that you receive the full benefits to which you are entitled.

In conclusion, having these three pieces of information before being discharged from the hospital is crucial.

Why Choose Us?

Detailed medical records, clear instructions for follow-up care, and a thorough understanding of your insurance and Accident Benefits will not only aid in your recovery but also protect your legal rights and ensure you are compensated for your injuries. Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer early in the process can help guide you through this critical time and ensure that you are fully supported as you move forward with your recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss how we can help you protect your rights.