Because you have the right.
Our Montreal law firm can help you
Are you looking for a lawyer who specializes in the defense of victims of work-related accidents or road accidents? With his Montreal law firm, Me Bégin is a lawyer who has more than 25 years of experience and can help you if you are looking for a victim’s rights lawyer for:
- Workplace accidents (CSST / CNESST)
- Road accidents (SAAQ)
- Criminal acts (IVAC)
- Pension (Retraite Québec / Régie des rentes)
Please contact Me Bégin for assistance or if you have any questions as the victim of an accident.
Me Bruno Bégin, victim lawyer in Montreal
In order to help you understand how I can help you, let me introduce myself.
I have been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1992 and I quickly devoted myself to the defense of victims of road accidents (SAAQ) and work accidents (CNESST). I now have 29 years of experience in victim law.
As an additional service, simply because these cases are less frequent, I also represent people who have claims with the Indemnisation des victimes d’actes criminels (IVAC) or with Retraite Québec, in matters of disability.
I am practical and logical by nature. I believe it is important to give my clients the right information and counsel them in a realistic manner based on their expectations and chances of success.
I represent my clients according to my values of honesty and responsibility. My reputation is important to me and serves as my most valuable asset.
Ask a victim lawyer your question
Not every question warrants a consultation. If you have a simple question, I will be happy to answer it.
The answers I provide on this site are general in nature and do not constitute legal advice. I will advise you of the need for a meeting if your question requires a review of your case before I can answer you.
Answers to common questions from accident victims
I was the victim of an accident or illness, when should I consult a lawyer?
It is best to consult a lawyer with expertise in this area early on so that they can assist you throughout the process of your claim. As we all know, prevention is better than cure. Your lawyer will first make sure that your claim is properly filed. Importantly, they will also ensure that your medical reports are complete and accurate. They will intervene with your doctor if necessary.
Your lawyer will also advise you of your rights and possibly inform you of any fees or compensation you may be entitled to claim that you would not otherwise have been informed of.
Your advisor will also help you avoid making mistakes. For example, I often find that my clients have neglected to challenge decisions that appear harmless when in fact they should have been contested. Unfortunately, it is often too late to intervene at that point.
In short, yes, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced lawyer quickly!
I was the victim of an accident and I am compensated by the CNESST/SAAQ. Can I sue the person responsible for the accident?
Quebec’s Automobile Insurance Act provides for compensation to victims without them having to sue the person responsible. However, it prohibits the victim from suing the person responsible for the accident for his or her injuries. However, lawsuits are possible when the accident occurs outside of Quebec.
As for work-related accidents, the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases also provides for compensation to victims without them having to take legal action. However, civil proceedings are prohibited against your employer and their employees. Nevertheless, it is possible to sue a third party who is responsible for your accident to obtain a higher compensation.
I have a case before the Administrative Labour Tribunal or the Administrative Tribunal of Quebec. Do I really need a lawyer?
The decisions rendered by these bodies are final and cannot be appealed. It is completely irresponsible to represent yourself in court unless you are an expert in the field or are represented by someone who is. Your case may seem straightforward, but you could lose everything if it is not presented properly. At a minimum, you should consult with a lawyer before making your decision.
How are you compensated?
It all depends on the circumstances. Various methods of compensation are possible (hourly rate, percentage, fixed rate, mixed rates). Some legal aid certificates are also accepted. Fees are generally discussed during the initial interview, after your file has been evaluated.
Liens utiles
SAAQ
La Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) est l’organisme chargé d’indemniser les victimes d’accidents de la route.
Vous trouverez sur ce site plusieurs informations générales sur vos droits et des liens vers les lois applicables. Vous y trouverez aussi de nombreux formulaires requis afin de présenter une réclamation d’indemnités ou de remboursement de frais. Il est possible de faire votre réclamation en ligne.
CNESST
La CNESST est l’organisme auquel le gouvernement du Québec a confié la promotion des droits et des obligations en matière de travail. Elle en assure le respect auprès des travailleurs et des employeurs québécois.
Vous y trouverez aussi de nombreux formulaires requis afin de présenter une réclamation d’indemnités ou de remboursement de frais. Il est possible de faire votre réclamation en ligne.
Retraite Québec
Depuis le 1er janvier 2016, la Commission administrative des régimes de retraite et d’assurances (CARRA) et la Régie des rentes du Québec (RRQ) sont regroupées en un seul organisme nommé Retraite Québec. Cet organisme continue d’offrir tous les services anciennement fournis par la CARRA et la RRQ.
Vous y trouverez sous l’onglet « Invalidité » les informations et formulaires requis afin de présenter une demande de rente d’invalidité.
IVAC
La Direction de l’indemnisation des victimes d’actes criminels (IVAC) est un organisme administré par la CNESST et chargé d’indemniser les victimes d’actes criminels. On trouve sur ce site des informations générales et des liens vers les lois applicables.
Tribunal administratif du travail
Le Tribunal administratif du travail est appelé à rendre des décisions à la suite de contestations logées en vertu d’une quarantaine de lois dans le domaine de l’emploi et des relations du travail, dont celles issues de la Loi sur les accidents du travail et les maladies professionnelles.
En matière d’accidents du travail, il a succédé à la Commission des lésions professionnelles. Ses décisions sont finales et sans appel. La Cour supérieure du Québec dispose d’un pouvoir de surveillance permettant de les réviser dans des circonstances très exceptionnelles.
TAQ
Le Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ) est le tribunal de dernière instance chargé d’entendre divers litiges en droit administratif, incluant les litiges contre la SAAQ, l’IVAC (Procureur général du Québec) et la RRQ. Ce site contient de l’information sur le traitement de votre recours auprès du tribunal.
Comme pour le Tribunal administratif du travail, les décisions rendues par le TAQ sont finales et sans appel. La Cour supérieure du Québec dispose d’un pouvoir de surveillance permettant de les réviser dans des circonstances très exceptionnelles.
Useful links for accident victims
SAAQ
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is the organization responsible for compensating victims of road accidents.
You will find general information on your rights and links to the applicable laws on their website. You will also find many forms required to file a claim for compensation or reimbursement of expenses. You can also make your claim online.
CNESST
The CNESST is the organization that has been entrusted by the Quebec government with the promotion of rights and obligations in the workplace. It ensures that these rights and obligations are respected by Quebec workers and employers.
You will also find many forms required to file a claim for benefits or reimbursement of expenses. You can also make your claim online.
Retraite Québec
Since January 1, 2016, the Commission administrative des régimes de retraite et d’assurances (CARRA) and the Régie des rentes du Québec (RRQ) have been consolidated into a single organization called Retraite Québec. This organization continues to offer all the services formerly provided by CARRA and RRQ.
Under the “Disability” tab, you will find the information and forms required to apply for a disability pension.
IVAC
The Direction de l’IVAC is an organization administered by the CNESST and responsible for compensating victims of crime. Their site provides general information and links to applicable laws.
Administrative Labour Tribunal
The Administrative Labour Tribunal is responsible for rendering decisions following challenges under some forty laws in the field of employment and labour relations, including those under the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases.
In matters of work accidents, it has succeeded the Commission des lésions professionnelles. Its decisions are final and cannot be appealed. The Superior Court of Québec has supervisory powers that allow it to review decisions in very exceptional circumstances.
TAQ
The Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ) is the court of last instance responsible for hearing various administrative law disputes, including disputes against the SAAQ, the IVAC (Attorney General of Quebec) and the RRQ. Their site contains information on how to process your appeal to the tribunal.
As with the Tribunal administratif du travail, decisions rendered by the TAQ are final and not subject to appeal. The Superior Court of Quebec has supervisory powers to review them in very exceptional circumstances.