Ottawa Lawyer | Changes to Ontario Accident Benefits
As a personal injury lawyer I know that if you have been injured in a car accident in Ontario, you have probably dealt with Ontario’s accident benefits. These benefits are also known as “AB’s”, no-fault benefits, or SABS. Starting September 1, 2010, there will be significant reductions of the benefits available to victims who have not topped up their policies.
The biggest change is a major reduction in the amount of funding available for medical and rehabilitation needs. For people who are not automatically deemed catastrophic, the amount available drops from $100,000 to $50,000. That’s right, the amount is cut in half! It is going to be very important to manage that money very closely to ensure that your health needs are met as well as possible.
Another very serious change is the introduction of the cap on funds available to people who fit into the Minor Injury Guidelines (MIG). If your injury falls into the MIG, you are limited to $3,500 for all your medical rehabilitation requirements. That’s not much folks and the minor injuries are not all that minor. You can fall into the MIG if your injuries are:
* a sprain –> including a partial tear or a ligament or tendon!
*a strain –> including a partial muscle tear!
*whiplash –>unless it is a WAD 3 or includes a spinal fracture!
*contusion
*abraision
*laceration; or
*subluxation.
These are just some of the changes and they are coming your way.
Have questions about the Ontario Accident Benefits? Contact us at 613-233-4529 to learn more.
