As a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak, many organizations and businesses have reduced their operations or changed the way they conduct business. Accident victims are feeling the effect of this crisis, insofar as both insurance settlements and lawsuits are being subjected to delays.
If you or someone you know has not received essential insurance compensation, speak to a Pace Law lawyer immediately. There are provisions in place to ensure no accident victim is left without adequate financial support and critical treatment.
The Covid-19 lockdown has had a profound impact on court operations, as well as how long people have to file lawsuits, and comply with case timelines.
Limitation periods during the Covid-19 lockdown
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s declaration of an emergency on March 17th, under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, has meant that all limitation periods and time limits for proceedings in court have been suspended:
(1) Any…statute, regulation, rule, by-law or order…establishing any limitation period shall be suspended for the duration of the emergency, and the suspension shall be retroactive to Monday, March 16, 2020.
(2) Any…statute, regulation, rule, by-law or order…establishing any period of time within which any step must be taken in any proceeding in Ontario, including any intended proceeding, shall, subject to the discretion of the court, tribunal or other decision-maker responsible for the proceeding, be suspended for the duration of the emergency, and the suspension shall be retroactive to Monday, March 16, 2020.
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How long you have to sue | Insurance coverage during the shutdown | Consultations during Covid-19
Are Ontario courts functioning during the lockdown?
The Superior Court of Justice suspended all regular operations in March, announcing that it would only hear urgent matters as determined by a triage judge. The same holds true for other courts in Ontario, too, which are only handling critical family and criminal matters.
For accident victims, these emergency conditions mean that their claims will not be lost due to the ticking clock of limitation. Overall, the Covid-19 lockdown is expected to have no impact on the resolution of disputes. The compensation you are owed cannot be denied.
How Pace Law is enabling access to justice during Covid-19
If you or someone you know has met with an accident, contact Pace Law immediately. We are conducting interviews over the phone and via video conferencing. Our offices are functioning normally, albeit remotely, and in keeping with social distancing guidelines. During this period:
- We are available for emergency face-to-face consultations;
- Pace Law is accepting digitally signed documents (DocuSign);
- Our lawyers are using readily accessible means to continue communicating with our clients in order to represent their interests.
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Our entire team of Toronto personal injury lawyers is here for you. Speak to us to discuss your case confidentially and for free.
We, at Pace Law Firm, extend our thanks and our gratitude to all those working in healthcare and other essential roles. Your work has kept our community safe.
Thank you.