The year in personal injury, from long COVID to motorcycle injuries

Ontario personal injury lawyer Joshua Goldberg addressed a variety of topics throughout 2022, starting with the pandemic that was still raging at the start of the year.

“Studies show that at least 10 per cent of people affected by COVID will have lingering symptoms for months and years after their recovery, with at least one report putting the number at 50 per cent,” he wrote in January, predicting there will be many legal battles shaping up with insurers over long-term disability payments. COVID-19 is sure to spark long-term disability claim disputes

Goldberg returned to discussing COVID in February, noting that the isolation and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to an increase in disability claims due to mental health issues.

“The reduction in person-to-person contact is a recipe for disaster in terms of our mental wellbeing, especially among the younger generation who are the most affected by feelings of isolation brought on by the pandemic,” he wrote. Mental-health LTD claims sure to spike due to COVID

In March, Goldberg predicted that many professionals who have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic will be filing long-term disability claims in years to come, because of the stress brought on by the pandemic. LTD claims sure to rise for teachers, police after COVID

Even though a large number of people were working at home due to the pandemic, in April he wrote that they may not be in a good position to make a claim against their employer for any injuries they suffer in the home office.

“They may have a good argument for filing a claim, but every case will be very fact-specific,” Goldberg wrote. Workplace injuries can happen in the home office

He switched gears in May, noting that the Ontario NDP’s pledge to reform provincial auto insurance coverage is a recipe for disaster if the new system is modelled after publicly funded no-fault systems in other provinces. Ontario NDP should not look to B.C. for auto insurance reform

In June, Goldberg addressed what people should do if they are hurt in a boating accident.

“While there are some similarities between the legal options available to those injured in a boating accident versus an auto accident, the biggest difference is how you can claim damages,” he wrote. You have been injured in a boating accident. Now what?

Injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident were the focus of his Goldberg’s July column, noting that “there’s just no way to fully protect yourself while on a motorcycle.” Riding a motorcycle can be exciting – until an accident

He returned to motorcycle accidents in August, noting that proper safety gear will reduce the chances of injury in an accident.

“While many people find great pleasure in riding, they always have to keep in mind that motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road,” Goldberg stated. The proper gear reduces the risk of injury to motorcyclists

In September he addressed back-to-school bullying that some students experience. “Bullying negatively affects students’ learning, their sense of self-worth and overall mental health,” Goldberg noted. Take action when your child is being bullied at school

Cyberbullying was the focus in October, as he urged parents of children being bullied to seek legal assistance immediately since school boards have to address the issue. Cyberbullying is a crime and should not be tolerated

People who file a personal injury claim against an insurance company may come under surveillance by that firm as it attempts to show that their injuries are not as severe as they claimed, Goldberg warned in November.

“If you suspect someone is watching as you doing yard work or physical tasks around the home, don’t think that you are just being paranoid,” he wrote. Suing for accident damages? You may be in for special attention

To close out the year, Goldberg wrote and the liability issues people carry when they host a holiday party. Take steps to reduce liability when hosting a holiday party