Large legal settlements in the headlines often leave readers assuming a legal conclusion to a horrendous event involving multiple fatalities and severe injuries. But multi-million dollar settlements often result from relatively ordinary activities and incidents – and to a single victim. Take the example of Michelle Danicek who, earlier this month, was awarded almost $6 million for  more...

How many of us had grandmothers that chimed in with “sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite” as we children toddled off to bed? Well, bedbugs are back – biting, causing rashes and doing it with a vengeance! Toronto Public Health reports they have “received an increase in calls regarding bed bugs” in the last few  more...

Ever since Ferdinand Porsche developed the world’s first gasoline-electric vehicle in 1900 (pictured), manufacturers have toyed with the concept of using alternate energy sources to drive gasoline-powered cars. But the hybrid gas-electric vehicle did not become widely available until the Toyota Prius was introduced into Japan in 1997. Once the novelty of the eco-conscious driver, hybrids are  more...

It’s a fact: fraud costs in Ontario vehicle insurance dramatically exceed that of any other part of the country. And Ontario drivers are paying heavily for that dubious distinction. It is calculated that of Ontario’s $9 billion in annual auto premiums, $1.3 billion is paid out on suspected fraudulent claims –  and not for glass and metal.   more...

Some observers are scornfully characterizing the process as a shell game: Ontario motorists are being told that they are being given more choice, but after September 1, 2010 many will pay more premium for potentially serious reductions in coverage. The government’s automobile insurance regulator is reporting that 2010 Q2 automobile average rates decreased by 1.03% (rated  more...

Canadian Consumers are advised of a current fraud scheme. Phone calls are being made to Ontario consumers stating that upcoming auto insurance regulatory changes will reduce their current coverage. The callers identify themselves as Aviva representatives and then ask for the customer’s credit card information. This is an attempt to steal your money. Aviva does not contact  more...

So far, 2010 has seen an exceptionally large number of global natural catastrophes taking lives and damaging vital infrastructure.  And for most of us, this news is so common, we’ve largely forgotten the dimensions of each tragedy. According to industry definition, the first half of 2010 saw 440 catastrophic events around the globe.  Losses of US$70  more...

“Summer is a time when a lot of people go on vacation, and criminals know that, too,” says Const. Isabelle Cotton of the Toronto Police Service. “They are looking for those houses where there are no lights and the drapes are down. Make sure your place looks like someone is living inside.” In most cases, common  more...

As trusted advisors, we often have clients describing situations, concluding with the question: “Am I legally liable for this?” The most definitive answer can only come from a court after considering the circumstances and evidence. But the test of legal liability – also called a tort – is fairly simple: did one party owe another a duty of  more...

Early estimates peg the damage at $15 million.  Astonishingly, only minor injuries were reported; 50 families were forced from their homes. But the recent tornado damage to Midland has Ontarians wondering if changing weather patterns will result in more wind damage in this province, this summer. Ontario statistically sees about 15 confirmed tornados touch down each year,  more...