Moving to Canada is a major life change, often filled with hope, opportunity, and new experiences. But if you or your family member suffers an injury after arriving in Ontario, the legal system here may feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming.
At Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers, we often receive calls from new Canadians, individuals and families who are new to the country, who were injured in car accidents, slips and falls, workplace incidents, or other traumatic events. A common concern we hear is:
“I didn’t know I had the right to sue.”
This blog is written especially for new Canadians who are trying to understand how personal injury law works in Ontario, and what legal protections you have after being injured in an accident.
Personal injury law in Ontario is part of civil law – a system designed to resolve disputes between individuals and organizations. When someone is injured due to another person’s negligence (carelessness), the injured person may have the right to seek compensation through the courts or a negotiated settlement.
Some common examples of personal injury claims include:
Even if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you still have legal rights under Ontario law if you were injured in this province.
Yes. If you are injured in Ontario due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim, regardless of your immigration status. Whether you are a:
…you are protected by Ontario’s laws and may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Compensation, or “damages,” in personal injury cases can include:
Each case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injury and the impact on your life.
Yes. Even if you are not yet covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), you may still receive treatment at hospitals, and some of your medical expenses may be recoverable as part of a personal injury claim.
It is not about causing trouble. It is about protecting your health, your financial future, and your family. Personal injury claims are not criminal proceedings; they are civil matters meant to hold the at-fault party accountable and help you rebuild your life.
Not at all. Our team has worked with clients from all over the world and can provide interpretation services if needed. Your background or language should never be a barrier to getting justice.
Here is what you can expect if you contact a personal injury lawyer in Ontario:
At Bergeron Clifford, we offer a free consultation where we listen to your story, explain your options, and answer your questions, no pressure, no obligation.
If we move forward, we gather evidence to support your case: medical records, witness statements, photographs, accident reports, and more.
Depending on the situation, we may file a lawsuit or pursue a negotiated settlement with the insurance company.
Most cases settle out of court. But if necessary, we will represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay unless we win. There are no upfront legal fees, and we are transparent about costs throughout the process.
Ontario’s legal system is based on common law, which means that past decisions and legal principles help guide how cases are resolved. The most important legal concept in personal injury cases is negligence: when someone fails to take reasonable care and causes harm to another person.
Examples:
In these situations, Ontario law allows you to pursue compensation from the responsible party or their insurance provider.
There are strict deadlines (called limitation periods) for starting a personal injury claim in Ontario. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury, but there are exceptions, especially if a government body or municipality is involved (in which case notice must be given within 10 days in some situations).
If you are unsure, the best thing you can do is speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal advice can make all the difference.
At Bergeron Clifford, we are passionate about helping injury victims across Eastern Ontario—including Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, and surrounding communities. Our firm is known for:
We understand that navigating Canada’s legal system can be intimidating, especially if you are new here. That is why we take the time to explain things clearly, keep you informed, and stand by your side every step of the way.
Being injured is difficult enough. Being injured in a new country—without knowing your rights—can be overwhelming. But you do not have to go through this alone. You have rights, and you have options.
If you or someone you love has been injured in Ontario, contact Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
Your journey brought you to Canada. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
The ability to make a meaningful change in people’s lives is what attracts Kanon to injury law. For Kanon, the clients’ right to fair compensation is the pillar of his deep commitment to improving the lives of injured persons and their families. Kanon started at Bergeron Clifford as a summer student learning the ins and outs of injury law. He then completed his articles at our firm before being called to the Ontario bar in 2020.
KINGSTON | OTTAWA | PERTH | CARLETON PLACE | PEMBROKE
Consistently ranked as a Top 10 Injury Law Firm by Canadian Lawyer Magazine.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
ALMONTE | AJAX | AMHERSTVIEW | ARNPRIOR | ATHENS | BANCROFT | BELLEVILLE | BOWMANVILLE | BROCKVILLE | CARLETON PLACE | COBDEN | COBOURG | CORNWALL | CARDINAL | DURHAM | ELGIN | HASTINGS | HAWKESBURY | IROQUOIS | KANATA | KEMPTVILLE | KAWARTHA LAKES | KINGSTON | LINDSAY | MORRISBURG | NAPANEE | NEPEAN | NORTHUMBERLAND | NUNAVUT | ORLEANS | OTTAWA | PEMBROKE | PERTH| PETERBOROUGH | PICKERING | PICTON | PORT HOPE | PRESCOTT | RENFREW | SMITHS FALLS | STITTSVILLE | TRENTON | WHITBY
