Kevin Henderson

My practice focuses on representing people who have suffered serious injuries and helping them navigate some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

What makes my practice unique is the approach we take at Oatley Vigmond. We focus on understanding not only the legal issues, but also the practical challenges our clients face every day. Every case is prepared thoroughly, with the expectation that it could proceed to trial if necessary.

At the same time, I believe personal injury law is about people. My goal is to help clients understand their options, make informed decisions, and feel supported throughout what is often a lengthy and difficult process.

One of the most common questions I hear is, "What happens if I get better?"

My answer is always the same: a better life is worth far more than a better lawsuit. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to help address the losses that remain after an injury. If someone makes a strong recovery and is able to return to the life they enjoyed before the accident, that is the best possible outcome.

Clients also frequently ask whether they should return to work. My advice is to follow the guidance of their doctors and treatment team. Returning to work can be beneficial both personally and professionally, and even if it does not work out, it often helps demonstrate that the individual made every effort to move forward after their injury.

Another common concern is whether they can travel or enjoy activities while their case is ongoing. The answer is generally yes. I never want clients putting their lives on hold because of a lawsuit. The goal is to live as fully as possible while being honest about any limitations caused by the injury.

One of the most memorable cases I worked on involved a devastating collision in Northern Ontario that left a young child with serious injuries and lifelong care needs.

The legal challenge was that the driver responsible for crossing the centre line had passed away, leaving many unanswered questions about how the collision occurred. The case ultimately turned on highly technical engineering and human factors evidence concerning whether other parties could have done more to avoid the crash.

After extensive investigation and expert analysis, we were able to establish additional responsibility and secure a settlement that increased the resources available to support the child's future care. It was a technically challenging case, but one that will have a meaningful impact on a young person's life for years to come.

One of the most challenging aspects of personal injury law is that even a successful outcome cannot always solve every problem.

In catastrophic injury cases, a person's future care needs can be enormous. Even when we achieve an excellent result, there are situations where the available compensation may not fully cover everything the client will need over the course of their lifetime.

Another difficult aspect is explaining to people that the evidence may not support a successful claim, or that there may not be sufficient insurance coverage available. Those conversations are never easy because they involve people who genuinely need help.

I also find cases involving severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or young people particularly challenging. When someone's life is dramatically altered before they have had a chance to fully live it, it reinforces the importance of doing everything possible to help secure their future.

Part of my interest in personal injury law stems from losing a friend in a motor vehicle collision when I was a teenager. Later, when I entered the legal profession, I realized I wanted to help people and families affected by similar tragedies.

I am also the first person in my family to attend university, and I understand that contacting a lawyer can feel intimidating. One of the things I enjoy most about my work is helping people navigate complex legal issues and making the process more approachable.

Ultimately, what drew me to this area of law was the opportunity to help people during difficult times and advocate for those who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by the legal system.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, golfing, cooking, and staying active. Golf continues to teach me patience and humility, although progress can sometimes be slow.

Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my two sons and our dog. Whether it's travelling, trying a new recipe, or simply being outdoors together, I value opportunities to recharge and spend time with the people who matter most.