Why does Ontario have Independent Injury Claim Processes for Auto Injury Victims

November 3, 2023

As of 2017, the Ontario government pushed the auto-insurance industry to create independent assessment centers to fairly assess and treat victims of motor vehicle accidents. This move was a result of a direct investigation done by the Globe and Mail. They reported that some injury-assessment firms and doctors paid by insurance companies, were taking advantage of the system by creating false medical reports. These medical reports were unfairly biased and diminished the severity of injuries sustained by victims thus decreasing the credibility held.

Independent medical assessment centers were created to provide legal representatives with the resources needed to argue their client’s case. By doing this, third party clinics utilize their own private medical professionals to create unbiased and credible medical reports to be used.

Insurance companies are held accountable to pay for legitimate assessments and treatments conducted however, more often this can prove as difficult. Currently, insurance companies have their own roster of medical professionals to assess victims which creates a divide in the industry under the labels of “for the insurance company” and “not for the insurance company”. Those medical professionals who are paid directly by insurance companies or “for”, hold less credibility in the eyes of the victims which can then cause legal battles for their entitled coverages.

The government also announced more fraud detection and prosecution processes for those exploiting the system. Currently, there are standard treatment plans for injuries that fall under the Minor Injury Guidelines or “MIG” for short. This guideline sets a cap of $3,500 for the cost of medical benefits you can receive. Although the amount may seem substantial, medical costs can build up very quickly which then causes “MIG” to amount to basically nothing.

End Note: Do your research in the industry, calculate estimates for injuries you’ve obtained including psychological concerns and consult with an injury lawyer if you have your doubts. It’s better to understand your situation from another perspective rather than from just the insurance company.