Other Civil Litigation

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court in Ontario handles minor civil disputes involving claims of $35,000 or less. Common matters include contract disputes, debt recovery, and property damage claims. The process is designed to be simpler and more cost‑effective than superior court proceedings, and parties may represent themselves without a lawyer. While streamlined, participants must still adhere to court procedures and rules of evidence.

Common Types of Cases:

• Unpaid debts

• Rental disputes

• Personal property damage claims

Debt Recovery

Debt Recovery refers to the legal process of pursuing unpaid debts. In Ontario, this typically involves a creditor suing a debtor to obtain a court judgment ordering repayment. Claims may arise from personal loans, commercial debts, or unpaid contractual obligations. Depending on the amount owed, debt recovery actions can be initiated in Small Claims Court or the Superior Court of Justice.

Typical Procedures:

• Filing a Statement of Claim: The creditor submits legal documents to start the lawsuit.

• Court Judgment: If the court rules in the creditor’s favor, a judgment is issued requiring the debtor to pay.

• Enforcement: Judgment enforcement measures may include wage garnishment, property liens, or seizure of assets.

Contract Disputes

Contract disputes arise when parties disagree over a contract’s terms, performance, breach, or termination. In Ontario, such disputes may stem from:

• Failure to perform contractual obligations

• Ambiguous or unclear contract language

• Material breaches of contract

• Challenges to a contract’s validity

Contract disputes can be resolved through negotiation, arbitration, or court proceedings.

Common Types of Disputes:

• Breach of commercial contracts

• Sales agreement disputes

• Residential lease contract disputes

Insurance Claims

Insurance claims are requests for compensation by individuals or businesses following an insured event—such as a motor vehicle accident, property damage, or medical incident. Insurers may sometimes deny or delay claim payments, at which point legal action can be taken to resolve the dispute. In Ontario, insurance claim litigation often involves interpreting policy language and determining whether an insurer had a reasonable basis to refuse coverage.

Common Types of Insurance Claims:

• Motor vehicle accident claims

• Health insurance claims

• Homeowner’s or commercial property insurance claims

Litigation Defense

Litigation defence involves the legal measures a defendant takes in civil proceedings to protect their rights. In Ontario, this includes responding to the plaintiff’s claims, filing counterclaims, or asserting available defences. Our lawyers assist defendants by preparing defence materials, developing legal strategies, and representing them in court. The goal is to dismiss, reduce, or avoid liability.

Common Defence Strategies:

• Demonstrating that the plaintiff lacks legal standing or a valid cause of action

• Identifying factual or legal errors in the plaintiff’s case

• Filing counterclaims against the plaintiff

Class Action Lawsuit

Class actions involve a group of plaintiffs with common interests jointly suing the same defendant—often a large corporation or institution. In Ontario, class actions are available when multiple individuals suffer harm from the same legal issue or similar wrongful conduct. By banding together, plaintiffs can share litigation costs and enhance the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Common Types of Class Actions:

• Product Liability

• Consumer Protection Violations

• Securities Fraud

• Environmental Contamination