(Photo credit: Victims Matter)
On April 23, Ontario’s Liberal Government released its 2015 Budget, which includes the multi-billion dollar Moving Ontario Forward infrastructure plan, a $250 million investment in the Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy, and a $200 million contribution to the Jobs and Prosperity Fund. While the Liberal government has been more than happy to boast about its many big ticket investments, it has stayed largely silent on the damaging effects the new budget will have on some of Ontario’s most vulnerable motor vehicle accident victims, who Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers’ personal injury lawyers are proud to represent.
The 2015 Budget includes several major changes to the benefits available to catastrophically injured accident victims, including a $1 million reduction in the maximum amount of medical benefits a person can claim from a catastrophic injury caused by an automobile accident. In response, associations like Victims Matter and the Accident Benefit Coalition (ABC) have joined a loud outcry from accident victims’ families and the personal injury lawyers representing them in protest of the cuts, which the province has justified by suggesting they will help lower insurance rates.
Victims Matter is hosting an online petition protesting the proposed cuts and preferential treatment shown to for-profit insurance companies. As of August 17, it has accumulated 1,053 signatures.
“I was in a near-fatal car accident last year, which resulted in a serious brain injury and many fractures through my body,” commented petition signee Justin M. “Under the current auto insurance system, I have 8 therapists to help me rehabilitate, as well as access to 24 hour care to ensure that I am safe and well taken care of while at home and in the community. However, if the proposed changes pass as suggested by the Liberal government, I would have half the amount of funding to allow me to get better and heal. This would feel like punishment having to choose between learning to walk again and showering safely.”
Under the 2015 Budget, the $1 million reduction in maximum benefits represents a 50 per cent decrease from the $2 million maximum which has been in place for approximately 20 years. The benefit cuts will effect Ontario’s most injured motor vehicle accident victims – those considered “catastrophically impaired” – most acutely.
“The cost to care for an individual with severe injuries can add up quickly,” reads Victims Matter’s website. “In many cases, victims of catastrophic accidents require extensive medical attention, physiotherapy, nursing and rehabilitation. [Ontario Premier Kathleen] Wynne is leaving injured individuals with the responsibility of paying out of pocket.”
Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers’ team of personal injury lawyers supports Victims Matter’s petition against Ontario’s Budget 2015, which will also constrict the definition of “catastrophic impairment,” making it more difficult to understand who will qualify for maximum benefits.
“The newly proposed level of benefit is grossly insufficient considering that those effected suffer from paralysis, amputations, and severe brain injuries,” commented Nick Gurevich, Executive Director of Function-Ability, an occupational therapy service provider. “These cuts will rob the most severely injured not only from a chance to recover but from dignity itself.”
Please visit www.victimsmatter.ca and sign the petition protesting the Government of Ontario’s 2015 Budget and its discriminatory stance against Ontario’s most injured accident victims. The petition will be delivered to Premier Wynne, MPP for Mississauga South Charles Sousa, MPP for Vaughn Steven Del Duca, and MPP for St. Paul’s Dr. Eric Hoskins.
The personal injury lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from an automobile accident, all us at 416-920-4242 to set up a free consultation today.
Greg Neinstein
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