On June 1, 1998, Greg was on his way to Orangeville Secondary School, where he worked as a high school teacher, when his vehicle was t-boned by a gravel truck. He was airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital and diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury affecting the left frontal and temporal areas of his brain. He remained in a coma for approximately four or five days.
Greg has no memory of being at Sunnybrook Hospital. His first clear memory after the collision is waking up at the Rehabilitation Institute of Toronto on University Avenue. He remembers seeing blue sheets, noticing his scars, and feeling confused about where he was as people began explaining what had happened to him.
Greg recalls being immediately impressed by Roger Oatley and the entire Oatley Vigmond team. He describes the firm as a professional, attentive, and caring environment where he was treated with respect and made to feel comfortable. From their first meeting, Greg found Roger to be a gentleman and the epitome of class and professionalism. He felt that Roger was genuinely interested in his case, concerned about his well-being, and consistently treated him with care throughout the legal process.
The resolution of Greg’s case included a structured settlement that provides him with a consistent monthly payment for the rest of his life. This financial security has reduced the stress and uncertainty he might otherwise have faced and has allowed him to pursue his passions. Greg says he is now doing things he had dreamed about even before the accident and feels that, despite what he experienced, he is living a fulfilling life.
Greg encourages others going through a serious injury to remain patient, even during an extremely difficult time. He believes that with support, love, effective strategies, and a strong legal team, it is possible to move forward.
Today, Greg describes himself as healthy, happy, recovering, and a brain injury survivor who continues to live with limitations. He credits Roger Oatley and Oatley Vigmond with changing his life. He believes that without the structured settlement, financial freedom, and disability coverage secured through his case, he would not be the person he is today. The support and representation he received allowed him to move forward and live a productive life.