Legal and Lawyers

Ajax and Whitby are communities that have grown dramatically in recent times. While some injury lawyers have opened offices in the area, there is not the same presence of injury lawyers as there is in larger financial centers like Toronto, Ontario. While you may ultimately choose to retain a lawyer that practices in Ajax or Whitby, it can be a good idea to meet with at least one lawyer in Toronto or the surrounding area to see a contrast between the available law firms and the available resources to invest in your case. Injury cases often require significant financial investments by the law firm, and it can often be important to know whether the law firm has the financial resources necessary to represent you to the conclusion of the lawsuit.  

However, you do want to ensure that you hire a lawyer who is willing to come to Ajax or Whitby as necessary. Some lawyers in Toronto will commence your lawsuit in Toronto, which will mean that you will have to make a number of trips into Toronto. However, others who have a number of cases in Ajax/Whitby, are happy to start the lawsuit in Ajax/Whitby, have the discoveries in Ajax/Whitby (ie: at Durham reporting) and to have the trial there. This is an important question to ask. Some Toronto lawyers are quite willing to hold some meetings in Ajax/Whitby when necessary.

Ideally, you do not want a Toronto lawyer who thinks of themselves as a "big city lawyer". Ajax/Whitby are still relatively small communities, and a lawyer may need to eat a "slice of humble pie" before getting up to address a jury made up of members of the community. You may well need to consider that and to consider how to strike a balance between the need for a firm with financial resources and a lawyer that a jury will listen to.

When you first speak with the lawyer, ask them whether they have cases in Ajax and Whitby. You should also ask them what types of cases they have handled (ie: car accident, slip and fall). Ask them to send you some decisions in cases that they have argued.