Did you know that millions of Canadians suffer severe and life-altering injuries in accidents every year? Moreover, injured people often face the added challenge of being discharged from the hospital only to return to a home, vehicle or job that no longer accommodates them. Here’s what you need to know about claiming compensation for accessibility.
ACCIDENT BENEFITS
Section 16 of the Accident Benefits Schedule states that “all reasonable and necessary rehabilitation expenses are to be paid to reduce or eliminate the effects of an accident-related disability.” In other words, an injured person can be fully compensated for the cost of home renovations, assistive devices, workplace adaptations and vehicle modifications. Money won’t make your injuries go away. But it can help you make the accommodations you need to move forward from your injury and live a more fulfilling life. It’s in your best interest to consult a personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation necessary to make your living space more accessible. They’ll evaluate every angle of your claim, help you understand the process and lead you to the best possible outcome. It’s not uncommon to experience traumatic stress, depression and anxiety after incurring a life-altering injury. A personal injury lawyer can work with your medical team to ensure you also receive compensation for non-physical damages like pain and suffering.
HOME MODIFICATIONS
Home accessibility modifications help people with mobility impairments, vision or hearing loss and cognitive disabilities live a more comfortable and independent life. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the modifications may involve a few rooms or the entire home. For example, an injured person may need to invest in the following accessibility renovations:
Widening doors and hallways
Installing grab bars and handrails
Remove trims and thresholds
Lowering cabinets and sinks
Installing non-slip flooring
Installing a stair and bed lift
Adding a wheelchair ramp
Installing a walk-in tub or shower and comfort toilet
Installing bright, motion-sensing lights
Widening outdoor paths
Adding railings to the deck or porch
Some upgrades may be achievable by a simple DIY project, whereas others may require more extensive renovations. Therefore, it’s vital to get the compensation you deserve to make your home as comfortable as possible.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS IN SAULT STE. MARIE SERVING ALGOMA DISTRICT
Being involved in an accident and sustaining life-altering injuries can set you on a distressing and complicated journey, not just for you but for your loved ones as well. Fortunately, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your damages. At Feifel Gualazzi, our personal injury lawyers specialize in catastrophic injuries and have helped many Ontarians get fair settlements to improve their living situations. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.