Last month, proposed changes to Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) were passed in the Ontario legislature. Many Ontario drivers oppose these changes because they slash the accident benefits injured Ontario drivers can receive after Ontario car accidents.
The changes to the SABS do not affect the types of accident benefits offered; however, they do affect the amount Ontario drivers and passengers may receive in the event of auto accidents.
One of the most important accident benefits is the medical and rehabilitation care benefits. When insured motorists are injured in car accidents, they are put in one of three injury groups:
- minor injury,
- non-minor injury, and
- catastrophic injury.
Prior to the changes, injured insured motorists, passengers or pedestrians in the minor injury category may receive up to $3,500 of medical and rehabilitation care benefits. Injured victims in the non-minor injury category may receive up to $50,000 medical and rehabilitation care benefits. Victims in the catastrophic injury group may receive up to $1,000,000 in medical and rehabilitation care benefits.
In addition, catastrophically injured car accident victims may also receive up to $1,000,000 in attendant care benefits. These benefits cover services provided in a nursing home and other long term care facility or services provided by an aide or attendant.
The most drastic change to the SABS involves accident benefits paid to catastrophically injured victims. The change drastically cuts the amount of medical and rehabilitation care benefits and attendant care benefits for catastrophically injured victims. These 2 types of benefits are combined, and catastrophically injured auto accident victims in Ontario will now only receive $1,000,000 in TOTAL for both benefits.
This will no doubt have a significant impact on those who suffer catastrophic injuries, such as permanent brain injuries or catastrophic orthopedic injuries. These individuals may need constant care from rehabilitation therapists to help them for the rest of their lives. Once the accident benefits are exhausted, individuals will have to figure out a way to pay for these services. OHIP does not cover these services. Catastrophically injured victims may not be able to receive the rehabilitation services they need.
Help After an Ontario Catastrophic Auto Accident
The lawyers at Bergeron Clifford are committed to their clients. They have helped countless car accident victims in Kingston, Ottawa and Whitby. Our car accident lawyers are well versed in Ontario’s statutory accident benefits. They will fight to get the maximum financial compensation their clients deserve. FREE consultation – 866-384-5886.
