We’ve all known someone who’s been involved in a motor accident. No matter how careful you are, there’s always the risk that this devastating event can happen to anyone. It can lead to serious, life-long injuries and possibly life-threatening conditions, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Read our article on dangers to Ontario motorcycle riders here to learn about some common hazards that could lead to unavoidable collisions.
We know that situations like these can put a massive strain on your finances, not to mention your health. If you’ve suffered an impairment in a motor accident, you may be able to claim accident benefits under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). The Schedule’s guidelines categorize impairments in three levels:
- Minor impairments
- Non-Catastrophic impairments
- Catastrophic impairments
These apply to any psychological, physiological, or anatomical injuries you may have suffered. Higher injury levels will grant you more benefits. You can find out more about applying for the SABS in this article.
Minor Injury Guideline Definition
Minor impairments, the first level of injuries, are covered by the Minor Injury Guideline (MIG) of the SABS. It details the available benefits you can receive if you were a victim of a motor accident and have sustained minor injuries. A set of procedures is laid out to help you with the process of claiming payment for goods and services from your insurer.
The goal of the MIG is to assist you on your road to recovery. It aims to provide you with fast and painless relief to get you back to your pre-accident state. In terms of medical costs, it works to grant cost reductions and clearly define how much needs to be spent on hospital procedures. This is helpful for you and your insurers as it lets everyone know the predicted cost to get you back to full health.
You can only qualify for this claim if you have suffered minor injuries, which include:
- Sprain
- Strain
- Whiplash associated disorder
- Contusion
- Abrasion
- Laceration or subluxation
Minor Injury Guideline Objectives
A significant part of the MIG is that it covers the goods and services that must be paid for by your insurer. This ensures that you have access to essential services like medical procedures, which could be vital to restoring your health.
The MIG has a variety of other objectives if you’ve sustained a minor injury in an accident. These include providing you with quick access to rehabilitation facilities for injuries and improving the use of your healthcare resources. It also focuses on detailing costs and payments for your insurers and medical professionals, as well as making your treatments accessible without waiting for approval from your insurers.
Monetary Limit of MIG
If you’re a minor-injury victim, the MIG can allow you to claim up to $3,500 per accident. Since you have a minor impairment, the amount available to claim from insurance companies is reduced. This limit imposed by the MIG can lead to your recovery taking longer or being incomplete. In the majority of minor-impairment cases, the compensation isn’t enough to cover the necessary expenses to return you to a functional state.
If you’ve sustained a minor injury and want to seek the right compensation for your case, Diamond & Diamond Law can help. To learn more about our personal injury law services, or to set up a free consultation, contact us at 1-800-567-HURT today!
Impairments That Do Not Come Within the MIG
We need to make it clear that claims are only valid if your injuries are primarily minor and fall under the MIG’s definition of minor impairments. The following are more serious conditions that don’t qualify for the MIG’s minor-injury benefits.
- Fractures
- Concussions
- Injuries requiring surgery
- Amputations
- Chronic pain
These can all be very severe and are more accurately classed as non-catastrophic or catastrophic impairments. We can help you determine the nature and severity of your injury, so contact us today to find out which benefits you qualify for.
If you have any other health conditions not relating to the accident, you still have the opportunity to claim benefits under the MIG. To do so, you’ll need to provide compelling evidence to prove your condition’s existence and that the $3,500 compensation isn’t enough for you to make a full recovery.
Get Help From Diamond & Diamond Personal Injury Lawyers
We know that being injured in a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming for you. Even though there are many options available that allow you to claim compensation, knowing which one is for you and the procedure to take is sometimes unclear.
If you’ve suffered a minor impairment, don’t be afraid to get in touch with us. We at Diamond & Diamond are experienced in the field of personal injury cases and can help you get the benefits you deserve. Our firm can personally assist you with the matter and turn a complicated process into a straightforward one. We encourage you to contact us and learn more here.
“When you have a minor injury and suspect that your condition is more severe than initially considered, don’t think twice about requesting a medical review or getting another medical assessment.”
Pro Tip
