Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is a legal system established in Ontario for people to deal with minor disputes. The system is quite informal but still has many rules and applicable legal principals.

One of the most common questions I get asked about Small Claims Court is whether or not a lawyer is needed. My answer is always no, but starting or defending legal proceedings in Small Claims Court can take up a lot of time. There are deadlines, filing requirements and court attendances.

Generally, you should speak with a lawyer if you are thinking of starting a Small Claims Court action or have been sued. Many lawyers do not even deal with Small Claims Court cases for a variety of reasons.

In many cases, Judges at Small Claims Court will attempt to resolve the issue in a manner that is fair and equitable. Your chances of success are always based on your preparation and the evidence you have.

If you are thinking of suing or have been sued call the law office of Rehan Khalil, a lawyer in Mississauga.

Sick Restaurant Employees

An article in the News-Herald titled, Study: 63 percent of restaurant workers admit to handling food while sick, speaks for itself.

The study was conducted by the National Employment Law Project and the UCLA Center for the Study of Urban Poverty. Many employees studied, worked at low paying jobs and were unable to obtain sick days. Therefore, they had to go to work.

That`s why the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, is hoping for specific legislation to address this issue.

We can assume that the issue of sick restaurant employees is not an isolated American problem. We in Canada likely face the same issue.

Sick restaurant employees can have dire consequences for restaurant patrons. For example, Barfblog reported, 14 employees worked sick leading to norovirus outbreak; Harvard Faculty Club restaurant to remain closed during commencement, the title of the post speaks for itself.

Last year I blogged about a McDonald`s employee in the United States, who attended work with a Hep A infection, the post can be found here. McDonald`s was facing a potential lawsuit.

As a result, there is a reason to be concerned, as a consumer you could potentially become violently ill if you consume food handled or cooked by a sick restaurant employee.

If you have become ill due to the consumption of a food product ensure you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Call the law office of Rehan Khalil, a Mississauga lawyer.

Car Accidents Despite Texting Bans

Car accidents are still on the rise despite bans on texting and driving. The CBC reported, Texting-and-driving bans don't work: study.

Younger people continue to be the biggest culprits who continue to text while driving. The CBC reported, Students go texting and karting.

Another related story from the CBC reported a tragic incident involving texting while driving, Funeral for texting-and-driving teen.

It is clear, texting while driving can lead to serious car accidents.

If you are caught texting while driving you will face a penalty.

However, if you text and drive and cause an accident the consequences could be considerably more serious. For example, if you drink and drive and cause an accident your insurance and any personal injury claims against you will be jeopardized to the point where the insurance company might not pay anything. As a result, you will be left with having to deal with the lawsuits. The insurance company takes this position because drinking and driving is illegal therefore, your insurance contract i.e., policy is in breach.

If you text and drive, which is also illegal there is no telling what an insurance company could do.

Therefore, the message is clear, don`t text and drive.

If you or a loved one requires the assistance of a personal injury lawyer call Rehan Khalil today, a Mississauga personal injury lawyer.

Remember the information on this website is commentary and not intended to be legal advice.

Fake Car Accidents: Fraud and Insuranc

Today the Globe and Mail reported, Insurers beware: National watchdog raises alarm for fraud. The insurance industry is cracking down on fraudulent car accidents. In Ontario, fraudsters are getting together and causing fake  car accidents or intentionally getting into car accidents with innocent parties.

The Globe outlined a number of reasons why these fake car accidents might be occurring. Of course, the number one reason is the benefits the parties involved in the accident can receive and also the benefits to the company providing treatment.

In another article in the Globe and Mail entitled, RBC warns of rising insurance fraud RBC held a press conference discussing recent fraud trends.

Undoubtedly, fraud is a concern for all. In fact, the insurance industry raised this issue when the new auto law insurance changes were coming into effect.

However, fraud is not the sole reason to deny hundreds of thousands of insurance consumers benefits and compensation that is duly owed to them because of car accidents causing personal injury damages.

Comments for RBC article can be found here.

Being involved in a car accident is scary, now with the new auto law changes it will be considerably more challenging to obtain benefits and compensation. Ensure you contact a personal injury lawyer to help with your injury case.

Retirement Home Negligence: Waiting to die

A Toronto Star undercover investigation into In Touch a retirement home in Toronto reveals some shocking and tragic issues.

How many others are living like this? The reporter described the seniors as ``waiting to die``. This is a very sad story.

The video can be found here.

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury. Call Rehan Khalil today, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Mississauga.

Mississauga Food Safety Lawyer: E.coli

E.coli is a food borne illness and can cause, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhe and fever. E.coli bacteria is typically found in the intestines of cattle, poultry and other animals.

Symptoms for e.coli can develop within hours or even days. The severity of the illness is often dependent on the quantity consumed and the individuals personal health.

For more information about e.coli visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agencies website.

If you have consumed a food product that has caused you to become ill, ensure you seek medical attention and obtain legal advice.

I am an experienced personal injury lawyer in Mississauga. Contact my office for more information.

Horrible Car Accident

Horrible car accident on September 26, 2010

A tragic car accident left one dead and four others seriously injured including a six year old girl. The other driver a 45 year old male, Igor Kresko allegedly caused the accident was charged with impaired driving causing death and criminal negligence.

The car accident happened at Highway 27 and Vice Regent Boulevard, Sunday night.

This is yet another reminder that drinking and driving do not mix and if you choose to do so, be prepared for the dire consequences for all including the driver that caused the accident.

The family that was injured and endured the loss will never be the same. The surviving members will always remember the fateful night and will spend many years trying to reintegrate.

Mr. Kresko will have to deal with his criminal charges, he will likely face lawsuits from the other drivers. Depending on the circumstances, he could lose his right to drive, he might be uninsurable and of course could face jail time. All this will affect his personal and work life.

The CP24 story can be found here.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call Rehan Khalil today, a Mississauga car accident lawyer.

Car Accident Lawyer Mississauga

Car Accident Lawyer Mississauga

After a car accident ensure you don`t become a tool for unscrupulous individuals

At the scene of a car accident many people for obvious reasons are overwhelmed, dazed, confused and of course scared. This makes you vulnerable and you should avoid being taken advantage of. Ensure you find a personal injury lawyer. Avoid recommendations from people you don`t know who seem to be in a position to benefit from your injury.

Instead, do your homework and find a lawyer that has the necessary skills, experience and background.

Remember, personal injury cases, should be handled by personal injury lawyers.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident call, Rehan Khalil today, a car accident lawyer in Mississauga.

Personal Injury FAQ

Frequently asked personal injury questions:

Below is a list of some frequently asked questions about personal injury cases. Remember if you have been injured consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately. Any of the information on this website is not intended to be legal advice, it is only commentary.

What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?

Ensure you are safe, request medical assistance if necessary. Exchange information with the other driver and determine if there are any witnesses.

Do I have a personal injury case if I was on a public bus?

Depending on the factors you may be eligible to pursue a claim for benefits and pain and suffering.

What if I was a pedestrian at the time of the car accident?

If you are a pedestrian or a passenger in a car that is involved in a car accident, depending on the factors you may be eligible for benefits and pain and suffering.

I have been injured by a slip and fall what should I do?

Slip and falls are case specific, meaning each slip and fall is different. Ensure you document the accident accurately. Remember stores often have surveillance this means your version of events is important and will be challenged later. Of course, seek medical attention.

What if I don`t have insurance or the person that hit me doesn’t?

Only a qualified personal injury lawyer can provide advice to car accident victims who don`t have insurance. In Ontario you may still be eligible to pursue a claim for accident benefits and pain and suffering.

Why should I choose a lawyer versus another type of representative?

A lawyer is able to provide thorough and accurate advice about the steps to take when involved in a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite or any other type of injury case. Lawyers are able to represent you at all levels of court in any jurisdiction in their province. Always consult with a personal injury lawyer first, before anything else.

I know of someone who says they are not a lawyer but they can guarantee me lots of money?

Be cautious of people who are unlicensed and seem to offer false promises of large amounts of cash.

I know of someone who received lots of money for their car accident, will I receive the same amount?

This is a very tricky question, each personal injury case depends on the injuries you have sustained, your ability to return to your normal life and the severity of the impact. This is applicable in all personal injury cases. What someone else received might not necessarily be the same as you.

Why should I choose you versus another personal injury lawyer?

I have had a number of years of experience in the area of personal injury. I was also the lawyer for the insurance company and defended numerous injury claims for car accidents, slip and falls and product liability.

Why does it take so long to settle a personal injury case?

Be patient and remember this is not a lottery. Your right to compensation is based on law, you are responsible for ensuring you mitigate your damages. Injury cases take time, because lawyers want to assess the physical injuries and what possible future injuries could arise. There are many steps to satisfy in a personal injury action. Finally, if the matter proceeds to the court stage we are then obligated to follow the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure that govern how lawsuits are commenced in Ontario.

Personal Injury Product Liability

What is product liability?

If you have consumed a food product that has caused you to become ill or was contaminated with a foreign object, you should speak to a qualified medical physician and then obtain legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer to see if you have a potential product liability case.

Product liability cases also arise in the context where an individual has used a product that has caused them an injury.

For example, a little while back I blogged about problems Apple was having with some of its products.

If you think you have a potential product liability case call the law office of Rehan Khalil, a Mississauga lawyer.