Accident Benefits in Ontario: What You Need to Know
Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. If you have been injured in an accident in Ontario, you may be entitled to receive accident benefits. These benefits are designed to help you cover the costs of medical care and other expenses associated with your injury. However, navigating the accident benefits system can be complicated and confusing. In this blog post, we will go over everything you need to know about accident benefits in Ontario.
What are Accident Benefits?
Accident benefits are a form of insurance coverage that is available to individuals who have been injured in a car accident or other type of accident in Ontario. These benefits are provided through the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) and are meant to help injured individuals pay for expenses such as medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income.
Who is Eligible for Accident Benefits?
In Ontario, anyone who is injured in an accident may be eligible for accident benefits. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. However, in order to be eligible for accident benefits, the accident must have occurred in Ontario, and the injured individual must have a valid insurance policy.
What Do Accident Benefits Cover?
Accident benefits cover a wide range of expenses related to your injury. Some of the benefits that may be available to you include:
Medical and rehabilitation benefits - These benefits cover the cost of medical care and rehabilitation services, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and occupational therapy.
Attendant care benefits - If you require assistance with daily living activities as a result of your injury, attendant care benefits may be available to help cover the cost of a caregiver.
Income replacement benefits - If you are unable to work due to your injury, income replacement benefits may be available to help you cover your lost wages.
Non-earner benefits - If you are not able to work and do not qualify for income replacement benefits, non-earner benefits may be available to help you cover your expenses.
Caregiver benefits - If you are the primary caregiver for a dependent and are unable to provide care due to your injury, caregiver benefits may be available to help cover the cost of care.
Housekeeping and home maintenance benefits - If you are unable to perform household tasks as a result of your injury, housekeeping and home maintenance benefits may be available to help cover the cost of these services.
Death and funeral benefits - If a loved one is killed in an accident, death and funeral benefits may be available to help cover the cost of funeral expenses and provide financial support to the family.
How to Apply for Accident Benefits
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to apply for accident benefits as soon as possible. You can apply for accident benefits by contacting your insurance company and submitting a completed Application for Accident Benefits form.
It is important to note that there are strict time limits for applying for accident benefits. In most cases, you must notify your insurance company of the accident within seven days and submit your application within 30 days of the accident.
What If My Accident Benefits Claim is Denied?
If your accident benefits claim is denied or you are not satisfied with the amount of benefits you have received, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an independent adjudicative body that hears disputes related to accident benefits.
Final Thoughts
If you have been injured in an accident in Ontario, accident benefits can help you cover the cost of medical care and other expenses related to your injury. However, navigating the accident benefits system can be complex and confusing. If you have any questions or concerns about accident benefits, it is important to speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.