Minor Injury Guideline

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:

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.

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.

pro tip icon

Pro Tip

“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.”

Minor Injury Guideline FAQs

If My Severe Injury Falls Under MIG, How Can I File a Dispute?

The easiest way to file a dispute is to get a hold of us to ensure that you follow the correct process and have a higher chance of claiming your compensation. It’s important to know all the essential details to make sure your dispute is valid and you receive the maximum payout. Contact us to let us take care of the details and quickly get you on the path to recovery.

What Happens If a Sprain Is Left Untreated?

An untreated sprain can become a chronic instability if it doesn’t receive medical attention. It’s not a good idea to let sprained ligaments heal by themselves as they can fuse together incorrectly. This leads to scar tissue that can tear easily, and the weak structure makes using the strained body part difficult and painful.

What Does Subluxation Mean?

The term subluxation refers to a problem with your joints and encompasses various issues that cause them to function incorrectly. There are three main causes: trauma, stress, and unbalanced chemicals. If you experience painful joints or tension headaches, you might have symptoms of subluxation and should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Is a severe fracture a minor injury?

Compund fractures that could potentially lead to death, prolonged disability or permanently diminished quality of life are considered major injuries. Only sprains and muscle strains are considered minor injuries.

What happens if I leave a minor bruise untreated?

If a bruise is left untreated, blood may continue to enter an injured area. This can cause devastating complications. Physicians can more easily help you prevent myositis if you seek treatment before bone tissue starts to form.

What are the most common causes of abrasion?

Abrasions are caused primarily by friction against a rough surface, which removes the superficial skin layers. Although most abrasions are simply scrapes and are easily treated, large, very painful, or infected abrasions may require medical attention and may result in scarring.