#AskJoshuaHimel The one thing motorcycle riders and bicyclists have in common besides their vehicles having only two wheels is the important role a helmet plays in keeping them safe and minimizing injuries in an accident. Ontario law requires motorcycle operators and the passengers to wear helmets. The law is not as inclusive for bicycle riders with only those riders younger than 18 years of age being required to wear helmets. Although it is clear helmets protect a wearer’s head in a crash, not wearing a helmet could affect an injured motorcycle or bicycle rider’s claim for compensation against a negligent ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel If you are injured through the negligence or careless conduct of another party, you need a personal injury lawyer to handle the claim for compensation on your behalf. Searching the internet gives you names of hundreds of thousands if not millions of lawyers from which to choose. Friends, relatives and coworkers might be able to offer a name or two of a lawyer they used, but the only way to feel confident about your choice is by meeting with the lawyer. The answers you get from the lawyer to the following questions should help. What percentage of the lawyer’s ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel Your future can look bleak when the injuries suffered through an accident or illness make it impossible for you return to work and earn a living. The Canadian Pension Plan disability benefits offer hope with financial assistance for individuals who are disabled. The application process to obtain disability benefits can be a long one. The manner in which applications have been screened to determine eligibility has been the subject of news stories in recent years of otherwise eligible people being denied benefits appear to have had the effect of improving how claims are handled, but it is important to ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel The legalization of recreational use of marijuana in Canada has created safety concerns in many activities of everyday life, including driving and work. Use of marijuana when prescribed by a physician has been legal for two decades, but the increased number of people using marijuana following legalization of the drug for recreational use could put jeopardize worker safety with more drug-related accidents. Studies of marijuana use and workplace safety Legalization of recreational use of marijuana is too new to provide any clear data on its effects on Canadian workers. Studies of the subject in the U.S. where nine states ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel A home is more than just a place to live. For most families, it represents a dream come true. Years of financial sacrifices to save enough money for a down payment seemed worth it in order to provide your family with a place to live and grow for many years to come. It is probably the largest investment you will ever make in your life, so it’s understandable that don’t want anything to go wrong. Hiring a real estate lawyer who is committed to ensuring your dream purchase does not turn out to be a nightmare can turn what can be ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel Almost 8 million dogs make their home in Canada, so it’s not surprising that the number of people bitten by dogs is on the rise. This is despite law in Ontario prohibiting people from owning breeds, such as pit bulls, that lawmakers accused of being prone to attacking people. A sharp decline in the pit bull population to the point of their being close to nonexistent in some cities, such as Toronto, has not been met by a drop in the number of dog bites. In fact, dog bite numbers in Toronto have gone up. It’s a good idea for dog owners and ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel If the mention of distracted driving brings to mind someone talking on a cellphone or texting, you would be only partially correct. Distractions include drinking a cup of coffee on your way to work, changing the address on your GPS or any activity that takes your eyes or mental focus away from the road and the task of driving. Distracted driving was the cause of more deaths in vehicle collisions on Ontario roads last year than any other activity, so learning how to avoid driver inattention can go a long way toward keeping you and the passengers in your car safe. ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious and life-altering events anyone can experience. The toll they take on the victims and their families goes beyond the $2.67 billion estimated financial cost of these types of injuries in Canada. When an injury is caused by the negligent or intentional conduct of another person or entity, a lawsuit for compensation may be pursued on behalf of the victim. The complex spinal cord The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain approximately 45 cm to 64 cm along the middle of your back to your buttocks. It is encased ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel The ability to earn extra money by renting all or a portion of your home, apartment or condominium through a simple, app-based process is the lure attracting many property owners and property renters to Airbnb. The company claims more than 627,000 people have used its service since it began operating in Canada in 2009 with Ontario being one of the two most popular provinces. People who have listed their properties with the service or who might be thinking of it should consider some of the risks associated with renting your property through Airbnb. How an Airbnb rental works Airbnb promotes itself ...
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#AskJoshuaHimel The dangers and risks associated with extreme sports that keep many people away from them are also what attract those individuals who choose to participate. News reports of children and young adults suffering serious, life-altering injuries while participating in high-risk activities at privately owned facilities highlight not only the dangers but also the need for increased regulatory oversight of a growing industry. The difficulty of getting information about accidents Ontario is one of many places in Canada offering people the chance to experience the adrenaline rush associated with participation in high-risk activities, including: Skydiving Bungie jumping Parasailing Rock climbing ...
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