Overview
This case involved an office manager who suffered a concussion, also described as a mild traumatic brain injury, while at work during an office relocation in Toronto. She was left with permanent cognitive deficits and successfully resolved her negligence claim against the moving company for $710,000
Key Takeaways
- Settlement amount: $710,000
- Accident type: Workplace incident during an office move
- Primary injury: Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury)
- Additional injuries: Permanent cognitive deficits
- Resolution method: Pre-trial tort settlement
- Notable legal issues:
- Negligence claim brought against the moving company
- Employer was not part of the Worker’s Compensation scheme, allowing the tort claim to proceed
- Medical treatment: N/A
- Long-term impact:
- Permanent cognitive deficits
Case Summary
The client, an office manager, had hired a moving company to relocate the office furniture to another location. While overseeing the move, one of the moving company workers caused a computer monitor to fall from a shelf and strike her in the head. She sustained a concussion with permanent cognitive deficits.
The client was able to pursue a negligence claim against the moving company because her employer was not part of the Worker’s Compensation scheme. The claim proceeded as a tort action arising from the workplace incident. Before trial, the parties reached a settlement, resolving the negligence claim for $710,000.
Why This Case Matters
Workplace injuries do not always prevent an injured person from bringing a civil claim. In some circumstances, a negligence claim may be available against a third party, depending on the facts of the case. This matter also demonstrates that a concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, can result in permanent cognitive deficits, highlighting the importance of understanding the long-term effects that can follow a head injury.