Week One: Introduction

Introduction to the class

• Introduction to course topics, grading, assignments and objectives.

• Personal injury as a specialized subsection of Tort Law requiring proof of liability for a recognized tort, causation, and damages.

• Types of personal injury claims: motor vehicle accidents, occupier’s liability, sexual violence, physical violence, product liability, municipal liability, slip and fall, professional negligence/malpractice, sports injuries, etc.

• Motor vehicle claims in British Columbia – Tort and Part 7/10 (Rehabilitation Benefits) claims.

• The various tort regimes applicable to motor vehicle claims in Canada: no-fault insurance (Quebec), optional no-fault (Saskatchewan and Manitoba), thresholds, deductibles and caps applied to tort claims (Ontario, Alberta, and Maritimes), and rehabilitation benefits (all provinces).

• ICBC’s new “no fault” regime in British Columbia

• Tort Reform in Canada and Hot Coffee discussion.