Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers in Lower Mainland & Metro Vancouver, BC

When an accident occurs, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At Clark Woods LLP, we are committed to providing compassionate and assertive legal representation to individuals across British Columbia who have suffered personal injuries. From motor vehicle accidents to slip-and-fall incidents, we handle a wide range of personal injury cases with the utmost care and professionalism.

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CLARK WOODS LLP

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law deals with compensation for people who have been harmed physically or emotionally due to another party’s negligence. If the injury occurred because someone else was careless or reckless, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Common personal injury cases in Vancouver include:

Slip, trip, and fall accidents on public or private property
Dog bites
Physical or sexual assault
Product liability claims
Medical mistakes

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Close-up of a rear-end car accident showing significant vehicle damage after a collision

When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. Early legal advice helps you avoid common mistakes, such as speaking to the other party’s insurance company without representation. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and what you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Our lawyers can also help you preserve critical evidence, including witness contact information, photos of the scene, medical records, and documentation of lost income.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

To have a personal injury claim, you generally need to establish three things: someone owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty, and their breach caused your injuries. Here are a few scenarios worth noting:

Pre-Existing Conditions – If you had an underlying injury that was worsened by an accident, you can still claim compensation.
Signed Waivers – In many cases, waivers aren’t enforceable, especially when a child is involved, since a parent can’t legally waive a minor’s rights.
Municipal Property – Injuries on city-owned property involve special reporting timelines. Missing these deadlines can bar your claim entirely.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?

Most cases in BC are resolved through negotiation or mediation without ever going to trial. The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, and whether the opposing insurer disputes liability. Straightforward claims may settle within months, while more complex cases can take several years.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Claim?

In BC, the general limitation period is two years from the date of the accident, as set out under the Limitation Act. Missing these deadlines can permanently forfeit your right to compensation. Key exceptions include:

Children

The two-year period begins when the child reaches the age of majority (19 in BC).

Municipal Injuries

Shorter notice periods apply for municipal injuries, sometimes as little as 60 days.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?

What you receive in compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the full scope of your losses. Personal injury compensation in BC typically covers:

Pain and suffering
Past and future wage loss
Medical and rehabilitation costs
Loss of earning capacity
Home care and housekeeping assistance
Loss of pension income

Will I Have to Go to Court for My Personal Injury Case?

Probably not. Most personal injury claims are resolved through direct negotiation with the insurer or through mediation without ever setting foot in a courtroom. Going to trial is the exception, not the rule. It typically only happens in cases where an insurer refuses to offer fair and reasonable compensation, leaving litigation as the only viable path forward. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you understand which route is most likely to result in the best outcome for your situation.

Can I Make a Claim for Sexual Assault or Historical Sexual Abuse?

Yes. Sexual assault and historical sexual abuse claims are a distinct and increasingly recognized area of personal injury law in BC. Unlike most personal injury claims, there is no limitation period for claims arising from incidents of a sexual nature. This means that even if the assault occurred decades ago, you may still have the right to pursue compensation no matter how much time has passed.

This applies whether the abuse happened in a domestic setting, an institution, a workplace, or elsewhere. Civil claims for sexual assault are separate from any criminal proceedings, and a survivor can pursue compensation even if no criminal charges were filed or a criminal case didn’t result in a conviction.

What Compensation Is Available for Sexual Assault Claims?

Because sexual assault often results in long-term psychological injury, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, courts recognize that harm doesn’t need to be purely physical to warrant significant compensation. A lawyer experienced in these claims can help gather the right evidence and present your case with sensitivity and care. Depending on the circumstances, claims can include:

Compensatory damages for psychological and emotional harm
Aggravated damages that reflect the egregious nature of the conduct
Punitive damages meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior

Motor Vehicle Accident

We represent clients that are injured in motor vehicle accidents of all types. From rear-end accidents to catastrophic head on collisions, no motor vehicle accident claim is too big or too small for us to take on. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident please contact us for a free consultation.

Injured Pedestrians

Have you been injured by a motor vehicle while crossing the road? Many injured individuals do not realize that they may have a valid claim for compensation as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle while on foot. If you have been injured as a pedestrian please contact us as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.

Bicycle Accidents

With the introduction of bike lanes in Greater Vancouver and a growing population of cyclists, bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are becoming increasingly more common. At Clark Woods LLP we represent many clients that have been injured while riding their bicycle. Contact us today for more information.

Product Liability

Have you been injured as a result of a faulty product? Our lawyers have represented clients in product liability cases ranging from minor dental injuries to severe burns arising out of the use of defective products. If you have been injured as a result of a faulty product, please contact us today.

Slips/Trips & Falls

Have you been injured as a result of slipping on a wet floor or tripping on a poorly marked or maintained surface? These types of claims are often complicated but our lawyers are equipped with the skills and expertise to ensure your legal interests are protected.

Other Areas

While the main focus of Clark Woods LLP is personal injury law, we are happy to discuss any legal issue that may arise and will gladly refer you to the right lawyer for the job. Feel free to contact us today with your legal inquiry.