Sandra Malcolm

Allen regularly appears before the Courts of Ontario, Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Licensing Appeal Tribunal and other administrative tribunals to help ensure the best possible outcome for his clients. In addition, he also uses several alternative dispute mechanisms to resolve cases effectively and efficiently, particularly since these types of dispute mediation typically methods settle matters more quickly than going to trial which can be expensive and time consuming.

“It’s easy to tell someone who has been hurt  as a result of a car accident or from a faulty product or device or as a result of medical malpractice, that they have to be patient,” Allen says. “But if you are the one stuck at home, no longer able to work or participate in physical activities that you once loved, or you simply live with chronic pain, patience can be in short supply. Most of my clients aren’t worried for themselves as much as they are for their families. How will their spouses and children manage without their income?  How will their injury change family dynamics if they can no longer do the most basic things, such as showering or dressing by themselves?”

That’s why Allen keeps his clients informed about the status of the  their claim and, assuming that person is eligible, makes a point of seeing that he or she files as soon as possible for no-fault/accident benefits under Ontario laws. That way, clients and their families have some money coming in to cover basic bills. Allen also makes sure that clients get the right referrals to licensed rehab professionals and facilities to get proper medical treatment and have a chance for a faster recovery.

“Insurance companies have a lot of power in Canada and engage highly skilled  lawyers to defend their interests in personal injury matters,” Allen says. “It’s important to help the ‘little guy’ going up against these big corporations to make sure that any settlement takes into account not just losses incurred, but future needs that might arise as a result of the injury or accident.”

As a certified specialist in civil litigation, Allen has met established standards of experience and knowledge requirements in civil litigation and maintains exemplary standards in his professional practice. In addition to his role as director and President-Elect of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, Allen marries his outstanding trial experience with his concern for people who are born or have become paraplegic as a result of an accident, illness or military service in a war zone by serving as founding chair of the Hamilton Chapter of the Canadian Paraplegic Association.

Allen says he was drawn to helping people at an early age, most likely because he experienced so much loss as a teenager .

“I was essentially raised by my big sisters,” Allen says. “They made sure I had food to eat; I received a good education, including attending  university; and I had someone to turn to for support. I try to assist others dealing with traumatic loss as a way to honor what they did for me.”