About Me
I was called to the Alberta Bar in 1996 and I have been an associate with Cummings Andrews Mackay LLP (CAM LLP) since January 2012. I represent people injured due to the negligence of others, most often in motor vehicle accidents.
I am part of a group of hard-working lawyers who approach files practically and ethically. Our lawyers have a reputation for being well prepared and we know our files and our clients to an extent that many other firms do not. Our clients tend to be people who have suffered serious injuries. Because of this we restrict the number of files we accept which allows us to develop personal relationships with the clients we serve, be accessible, and provide superior legal service.
Before joining CAM LLP, I practiced in the area of insurance defence with a large private firm and then I moved to Alberta Justice when I was counsel for the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund as well as general litigation counsel defending claims against the Province. Knowing how adjusters and defence counsel approach claims and assess their value has been very valuable in allowing me to resolve claims favourably on behalf of my clients.
Often clients come in feeling overwhelmed because of what they are going through. They are struggling with their injuries and often struggling financially because they are unable to work. Knowing they have someone they trust working with them and looking after their interests usually brings a tremendous sense of relief to clients, and allows them to focus on their recovery and healing.
Because we work on contingency, clients do not pay any upfront fees. Our fee is paid at the end of the day when the claim settles, and it is based upon a percentage of the settlement amount.
I believe that listening to our clients, not just during the initial few meetings but throughout the process, and learning from that how their lives have changed because of the accident, and how their families have been affected, is extremely important. As well, it is equally important that we share our knowledge with our clients, including what they can expect at every step in the process, in a way that is meaningful and clear to them.
I believe that details are important in supporting a client’s claim and I have the patience and experience needed to pull the key pieces of information from a client’s medical records to develop a narrative that summarizes the client’s journey. This narrative allows insurance companies to understand the full extent of a client’s injuries and what is appropriate in terms of compensation.
What Happens When You Hire Me
Like my colleagues, I believe that clients are best served by building a primary working relationship with one lawyer. In other words, you will not be shuffled between lawyers. I will be your lawyer throughout the process. You will have my direct phone number and email and you should feel comfortable contacting me with any questions or concerns.
At our first meeting, I will listen carefully to what you have to say about the accident and what you have been going through since your injury. I will ask you questions to fill in any information gaps and correct any misinformation you may have been given. I will talk to you about any potential problems with your case, what the next steps are, what you need to be doing, and what I will do. We will discuss the personal injury claims process and how the system works, including how long things may take, the resources available to you and any immediate concerns.
As your claim moves forward, I will touch base with you regularly to provide status updates and to receive any new information from you about your progress. I will monitor your recovery and make sure you are getting access to the resources you need. I will also offer guidance to you and answer any new questions that arise as we move through the claims process.
I am accessible both by phone and email, and I will encourage you to call me if you have questions or concerns, or aren’t clear about something, rather than sit on it until we next talk. Being there for our clients throughout the process (rather than just at key times such as at Questioning and negotiations) is important. I want you to know that you will not be kept in the dark or left on your own to try to cope with what’s happening to you.
Most personal injury cases do not go to court in Alberta. If we cannot negotiate a fair settlement directly with the insurance company there are other forms of alternate dispute resolution available to help us, such as mediation. When the time comes to consider settlement I will go through all offers with you and explain what they mean. I will answer your questions and give you the information you need to make decisions about how you want to proceed.
