On July 12, 2024, the speed limit was permanently increased by 10 km/h on 36% of Ontario’s highway network. A total of 860 kilometers of highway saw a significant change, including one of the busiest highways in North America, Ontario’s Highway 401. Such an increase in the speed limit to 110 km/h has sparked much discussion, and many drivers are asking, “Why is there a new speed limit on the 401?” In this article, we dive into the reasons behind this change, where the new speed limits apply, and what it means for you.   Understanding the Changes The Minister of Transportation, in accordan ..read more

At Bergeron Clifford, we have always advocated for the rights and well-being of those affected by brain injuries. Today, we are thrilled to highlight a significant legislative milestone that brings hope and promise to the brain injury community in Eastern Ontario and across Canada. On June 12, 2024, the House of Commons voted unanimously in favour of Bill C-277, An Act to establish a national strategy on brain injuries.   This unanimous vote is an extraordinary moment for the brain injury community. It signifies the first time brain injuries have received such focused attention and acknow ..read more

There was another fatal farm accident recently where a 17 year old young man tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle. Farming has always been dangerous, and when a young person loses their life or is injured it’s always a shock to the local community. I live on a farm with my family north of Kingston, on the way to Perth and Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley.  Farming is a joy and a privilege, but big machinery, hard work and unpredictable weather and unpredictable animals can make for dangerous circumstances.   Common Types of Farming Accidents in C ..read more

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was record demand for pool builds across Canada.  38,000 pool permits were issued in 2020 and 2021.[1]  For three straight years, Ottawa was the pool capital of Ontario, with 780 permits issued in 2022.[2]   Pools are a great source of entertainment and joy during the hot summer months.  They can also be a source of injury.  It’s not only the pool itself that can be dangerous. The wet patio stones that often surround a well-used pool are a hazard to those on deck.   Whether public, or in someone’s backyard, pools typically have ..read more

Bad roads are a significant concern for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. In Ontario, the conditions of our roads can vary dramatically, especially during the harsh winter months. Unfortunately, poor road conditions can lead to severe accidents and injuries. As personal injury lawyers, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact that bad roads can have on individuals and families. This blog aims to shed light on the various hazards associated with bad roads and what you can do if you find yourself a victim of such circumstances.   Common Hazards of Bad Roads Close up of a road ..read more

The Ontario Court of Appeal recently released the decision of Crete v Ottawa Community Housing Corporation, 2024 ONCA 459 upholding the decision of Justice H.J. Williams that the Plaintiff tenants were required to clear snow and ice from areas used exclusively by them.   In this case, the plaintiff, Daniel Crete, slipped and fell on ice on the front steps of a townhouse the Cretes leased from the Defendant Landlord.  The lease stated that: “the Tenant is responsible for snow removal from the front and back doors of the Rented Premises to the main walkways”   Determining fault fo ..read more

In 1999 Ricky Martin was Livin La Vida Loca. Santana was at the top of the charts with Smooth and Sixpence None the Richer invited lovers to Kiss Me beneath the Milky Twilight. The Sopranos debuted on HBO and Family Guy aired on Fox. Nunavut also made its big debut.    Closer to home, Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers was born.    Like most of life’s greatest moments, it was unexpected.    Chris Clifford was a first-year associate at a leading Kingston litigation firm. That firm was embroiled in turmoil. A large group of lawyers left with little notice leaving the ..read more

I love skiing. While the ski hill is a place of joy for me and many others, it is also a place where a lot of serious injuries occur.  Sometimes the injuries are unavoidable.  More often, injuries are avoidable so long as everyone is acting responsibly.   If you’re injured at the ski hill, any number of people might be responsible for your injuries (e.g., ski hill, staff, other skiers, supervisors, instructors).  Most of these people have insurance, and you may be entitled to compensation from their insurance company.  To get compensation, first you must show that so ..read more

Stretching from Deux-Rivières in the northwest Arnprior in the southeast, Highway 17 is the aorta of Renfrew County. It’s part of the TransCanada Highway network and passes through, or comes very close to, most municipalities in Renfrew County.  All roads may lead to Rome in Europe, but here in Renfrew County, all roads lead to Highway 17. For some of us, Highway 17 is part of our daily commute. Most of us don’t need to travel the Highway daily.  For us that do not travel Highway 17 daily, we still use the highway quite often for trips to Ottawa for medical appointments, shopping, sp ..read more

As we welcome a new year, we at Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers are grateful for the unwavering support you’ve shown us over the years. We’ve been honoured to be recognized as a “Top 10 Injury Law Firm” by Canadian Lawyer Magazine for the past seven consecutive years. We will be grateful for your support again. Ted Bergeron and Chris Clifford started serving injured individuals and their families in 1999 out of a small office with two dedicated staff. Over the past 25 years we have grown significantly, and now are comprised of 10 lawyers and over 40 staff working out of 5 offi ..read more