Simpson Thomas and Associates Celebrate Victory for Injured British Columbians

Adam Ueland, Partner Simpson, Thomas & Associates

Phone: (604) 689 – 8888

Email: aueland@simpsonthomas.com

Simpson Thomas and Associates, a prominent law firm based in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, is thrilled to announce a significant victory by the Trial Lawyers Association of BC for British Columbians injured in motor vehicle accidents prior to the introduction of no-fault auto insurance.

The BC Court of Appeal has upheld a decision in the Supreme Court of BC that struck down the regulation limiting a successful plaintiff’s disbursements recovery to 6% of the settlement or judgment amount.

The court’s decision recognizes the disproportionate harm caused by the 6% cap on already disadvantaged British Columbians. The example of a neurosurgeon and a nurse, both injured in the same accident and suffering identical injuries, was repeatedly cited during the proceedings. The neurosurgeon, due to their higher income and greater ability to prove their injuries, was awarded greater damages. The inflexible cap placed high-income earners at an advantage over low-income earners, the young over the old, and the healthy over the disabled. This ruling acknowledges the need for judicial discretion in the recoverability of disbursements.

Counsel for TLABC, Gib van Ert, expressed satisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s decision, stating, “We are pleased to see the Court of Appeal uphold Justice Smith’s view that the disbursement cap in s. 5 of the

and Judith Soon

The University of the Fraser Valley will present honorary degrees to four leaders who have had a significant impact on society and their communities at its Convocation ceremonies in June.

pandemics has been a common thread throughout her career.

While completing her degree from Dalhousie University, she joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Employed htm

Regulation is unreasonable.” Counsel van Ert further highlighted the importance of the decision in recognizing the impact on litigants and their ability to advance reasonable claims.

For more information about the court’s decision, please visit the following link: https://www.bccourts. ca/jdb-txt/ca/23/02/2023BCCA0200.

Simpson Thomas and Associates remains steadfast in its mission to support the community through a wide range of legal services. The firm provides legal services in personal injury, family law, immigration, real estate, employment law, and insurance denials. With a dedicated team of experienced lawyers, Simpson Thomas and Associates are committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all British Columbians. For more information on Simpson, Thomas & Associates and our commitment towards community, and legal services please visit our website at www.simpsonthomas.com

They include Dr. Bonnie Henry, who led British Columbia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic; Naxaxalhts’i Sonny McHalsie, one of the most distinguished interpreters of the Stó:lō cultural tradition and history; Mike Retasket, a renowned dancer, drummer, political leader, negotiator, cultural interpreter and traditional Secwépemc knowledge keeper; and Dr. Judith Soon, a pharmacist dedicated to science education who helped establish the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, Doctor of Laws

Well known for leading our province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in her position as Provincial Health Officer of BC, Dr. Bonnie Henry has had a long and varied career in public health, serving on the frontlines of several serious disease outbreaks.

She is the first woman to hold the Provincial Health Officer position in British Columbia.

Dr. Henry’s interest in public health, preventative medicine, and global by the Naval Reserves as a Naval Warfare Officer, she spent 10 years showcasing how women can excel in the military sector.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Henry was the deputy provincial health officer in British Columbia for three years. She also served as the interim provincial executive medical director of the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). She has worked internationally including with the WHO/ UNICEF polio eradication program in Pakistan and with the World Health Organization to control the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.

She was the medical director of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control and Public Health Emergency Management with the BCCDC and medical director for the provincial emerging and vectorborne diseases program, as well as a provincial program for surveillance and control of healthcare associated infections from 2005 to 2014.

During her time as associate medical officer of Health with Toronto Public Health, she was responsible for the

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