About Me
I have been a lawyer for 26+ years. Since joining CAM LLP in 1992, I have exclusively represented seriously injured people, but my professional experience also includes working on the defence side of insurance files.
My experience with insurance defence has given me a good feel for what information and evidence insurance companies need to make decisions. It also helps that our firm was involved in the trilogy of Supreme Court of Canada cases that have shaped how the courts determine appropriate compensation in personal injury cases.
I’m assertive rather than aggressive by nature. In serious personal injury cases, the impact on the injured person is usually not in dispute although the nature of appropriate compensation is often in question. Most of the time, it is counterproductive to take an extreme or aggressive stance with the other side.
I firmly believe I get more accomplished for my clients by going into the process with a thorough understanding of the facts and expert evidence in play, a practical plan for getting my client a good result and by treating everyone in the process with respect. I am good at communicating with people from all walks of life including the professionals representing insurance companies.
My clients tell me that I’m an approachable, relatable person they feel comfortable talking to. Good communication is essential in resolving personal injury claims. Because our firm focuses on cases at the serious end of the personal injury spectrum, we carry a lower volume of files, and this allows me (and my colleagues) to provide a better personal touch on the files that we do take on.
Before completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Alberta, I completed a Bachelor of Commerce. My business background helps me determine the financial impact of a personal injury on my clients, and I have many years of dealing with medical and rehabilitation evidence.
What Happens When You Hire Me
People who contact me realize that their injuries are such that they need some help but they often don’t know how to go about getting the medical and financial assistance (like no-fault benefits) they need. They reach out to me because they want to make sure their case is handled properly.
I start by collecting the information I need from you to assess your claim. Next, I take the time to make sure you understand the process, how each stage works, what is expected of you, and what I will do for you. When you retain me, you no longer have to worry about what you can and can’t say to an adjuster. It’s my job to make sure the insurance company is kept informed of the evidence in your case. Your job is to focus on following the medical advice you are given to help you get better.
Many people think that if they hire a lawyer they are going off to court. This is not the situation in most cases. It is more likely that your claim can be resolved through an alternative dispute resolution process like mediation or negotiations with the insurance company. I will explain to you how this works, provide you with the information you need to make good decisions, and represent you at any proceedings.
In serious injury cases, the process can take a long time. It takes time to gather the medical evidence necessary to figure out what you are going to need for future care and to get back to your normal life, as far as that is possible. We don’t leave our clients in the dark. If you have questions we encourage you to ask. I keep the lines of communication open so that you feel comfortable keeping me up to date on any changes in your situation. As you move through the process I am available to answer your questions.
