Karen Vigmond

One of the most common questions clients ask is, “How much is my case worth?”

It is a completely understandable question, but the honest answer is: it depends. In Ontario, damages are highly dependent on how a person recovers, whether they can return to work, what their future care needs will be, and how the injury affects their life over time.

Recovery takes time, so the value of a case often takes time to become clear. This is especially true in cases involving children. Clients are also often surprised to learn about the cap on general damages and, in motor vehicle cases, the serious and permanent impairment threshold. I believe it is important to manage expectations from the outset so clients are not misled or disappointed after a long and stressful litigation process.

One memorable case involved a woman who suffered a catastrophic traumatic brain injury after being rear-ended at an extremely high speed. Her vehicle was destroyed, and it was remarkable that she survived. The collision was also captured on video.

The case involved an “inevitable accident” defence, which is rare but can be a complete defence if established. Despite that challenge, we were able to successfully resolve the case. It was memorable because of the severity of the injuries, the unusual defence, and the importance of securing a result that would help support the client’s future needs.

One of the most challenging issues in my practice is causation, particularly in medical malpractice cases.

It is not enough to show that something went wrong. We must also prove that the negligence caused the injury or worsened the outcome. That often requires detailed medical evidence, expert opinions, and a careful understanding of what would likely have happened if the care had been different. These cases can be complex, but they are also some of the most important for clients seeking answers and accountability.

Growing up, I watched my father practice law in this area. I could see that he found it both challenging and deeply rewarding.

He took great pride in representing vulnerable and injured people and helping them navigate a complex legal system. I also saw how motivated he was by each client’s story and how seriously he took the responsibility of helping them. That example had a significant influence on my own interest in personal injury law.

I was an English major, so I still enjoy reading for pleasure whenever I can find the time. I also enjoy documentaries, true crime, and the occasional reality TV show.

Outside of that, I enjoy skiing, running, spending time at the cottage, and being with my family.