Halifax Personal Injury Lawyers

At NOVA Injury Law, your story matters. Since 2006, we’ve built a practice centered on blending medical insight and legal skill to help injury victims. We believe strong representation begins with understanding both your injuries and how they change your life.

With 8 amazing lawyers and over 25 incredible team members, we invite you to:

Check out our founder Jeff Mitchell’s story of how NOVA started.
Meet our incredible lawyers.
Learn why NOVA Injury Law is known as The Doctor-Lawyer Law Firm™.
Hear our clients’ stories.
Learn about our charitable initiatives in our local communities.

See this testimonial from one of NOVA’s satisfied clients!

What Sets NOVA Injury Law Apart?

We’re one of the only injury firms with our own in-house physician to help you create a bullet-proof case.
We offer free consultations with no obligation.
Technology allows us to easily communicate with clients anywhere, from small towns to large cities. However, if you prefer in-person consults, we proudly offer complimentary house-calls anywhere in Halifax or Nova Scotia.
Our payment is contingent on winning your case (no win, no fee), so you can focus on recovery.

Over the years, our team at NOVA has helped more than 1,500 clients recover over $50 million in compensation using this rigorous method. Our goal in every case is to get you full and fair compensation, whether through a negotiated settlement or a court judgment.

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

At NOVA, our team handles all kinds of injury cases, including:

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia law generally requires that you pursue legal action within two years of the date of your injury. This two-year deadline (known as the statute of limitations) is crucial, as missing it could cost you your right to recover compensation. Even if you’re clearly hurt by someone else’s negligence, courts usually won’t allow a late claim.

(Please note: even small claims court cases are subject to strict time limits, so it’s important to act in a timely manner.)

However, there are exceptions and special situations that can extend or pause (“toll”) the limitation period:

Injured minors: If the person injured was under 19 at the time of the accident, the two-year clock may not start until their 19th birthday.
Mental incapacity: If a person is unable to commence a claim in time due to a mental disability or cognitive incapacity, the deadline may be extended.
Latent injuries: If your injury wasn’t discoverable right away (for example, a slow-developing medical condition linked to the accident), the clock may start when you reasonably discover the injury.

Because these rules have nuances, it’s safest to seek legal counsel promptly after an accident. We can confirm exactly how the law applies to your situation and make sure you don’t lose your claim due to a technicality. The bottom line: don’t delay! Talk to a lawyer as soon as you can, even if you’re not sure you want to proceed. A quick consultation can protect your rights.

For more info on this topic, please see:

How Long After an Accident Can You Sue in Canada?

Which Injuries Lead to Higher Compensation?

Not every injury results in a high-dollar settlement. In Nova Scotia, minor injuries like uncomplicated sprains and strains are subject to a minor injury cap on pain and suffering damages. This cap limits how much you can receive for pain and suffering for minor soft-tissue injuries. See our article on Nova Scotia’s minor injury caps for details on how it works.)

However, certain types of injuries tend to command significantly more compensation because of their severity or lasting impact:

Permanent or catastrophic injuries: Such as paralysis, amputations, or severe brain injuries. These injuries often require lifelong care and fundamentally change your quality of life.
Visible scarring or disfigurement: Prominent scars or burns can lead to higher damages, recognising the ongoing emotional impact and altered self-image.
Chronic pain and reduced mobility: Injuries that leave you with long-term pain, mobility issues, or the need for ongoing therapy (for example, a serious back injury or whiplash that never fully heals) increase the value of a claim.
Psychological trauma: Serious accidents can cause PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Emotional suffering and loss of enjoyment of life are compensable and can substantially increase a settlement, especially when supported by medical evidence (therapy records, psychologist reports, etc.).
Major life interruptions: If your injury causes a major interruption to your daily life, relationships, or ability to earn a living, the compensation should reflect that. For example, if you can’t return to your job or must take a lower-paying position because of your injuries, your claim’s value goes up to account for lost income and future earning capacity.

Importantly, if your injury has left you unable to work at all (total disability) versus only partially limited (you can work some or in a reduced capacity), this distinction can greatly affect your compensation. (Learn more about the difference between total and partial disability in our blog here – it matters for both injury claims and long-term disability benefits.)

Keep in mind that even so-called “minor” injuries are valid and you deserve compensation for them. Nova Scotia’s minor injury cap will limit pain and suffering damages for things like minor whiplash, but you can still claim other losses (lost wages, treatment costs, etc.). We will explain exactly where your case fits under the law and ensure that any cap is correctly applied. Our team’s goal is to maximise every category of damages that applies to you, so you aren’t short-changed.

For more information on these topics, please see:

How NOVA Builds a Strong, Medically-Informed Injury Case

At NOVA Injury Law, we don’t just fill out paperwork: we build your case with strategy and care. As The Doctor-Lawyer Law Firm™, we integrate medical insight at every step to strengthen your claim. Insurance companies in Nova Scotia often rely on the province’s Accident Fault Determination Rules and other technical guidelines to evaluate claims.

(Check out Our Guide to Nova Scotia Fault Determination Rules for more information!)

By having solid medical evidence and a detailed case file, we make sure those rules are applied in your favour when determining fault and damages. Here’s how our process works:

Step 1: Free, No-Risk Consultation

It all starts with a conversation. We offer a free consultation to hear your story and assess your situation. In this meeting, we’ll ask about how the accident happened, discuss your injuries, and explore who may be liable. We’ll give you honest legal advice about your options, with no obligation to hire us. This is a chance for you to get answers and understand if you have a case, completely free of charge.

Step 2: Crafting Persuasive Medical Reports

Solid medical evidence is the backbone of a personal injury claim. Because we have an in-house physician, Dr. Laura Mitchell, our team goes further in developing your medical proof. We will:

Collect all relevant medical records: emergency room reports, X-rays/MRIs, specialist consultations, therapy notes, and more.
Work with your doctors (or arrange independent assessments if needed) to get detailed reports on the extent of your injuries and required treatment.
Ensure that these medical reports are presented in a way that meets legal standards and clearly links your injuries to the accident. We essentially speak both medical and legal languages, translating medical information into strong evidence that an insurance adjuster or court will understand.

By doing this, we prevent insurers from downplaying your injuries. Our medical evidence is thorough and tailored to withstand scrutiny. For example, if you have a subtle but serious injury (like a concussion or soft-tissue damage), we make sure it’s backed by expert insight so it’s taken seriously during negotiations.

Step 3: Advanced Evidence Collection

Time is of the essence in any investigation. Our legal team acts fast to collect and preserve critical evidence before it disappears:

We obtain police accident reports and any available surveillance video or dash-cam footage.
We take witness statements while memories are fresh. If needed, we’ll track down witnesses in Halifax or the surrounding area to get their accounts of what happened.
For motor vehicle accidents, we may bring in accident reconstruction experts to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and collision physics – especially for complex crashes.
We secure any photographs (from the scene, of your injuries, etc.) and gather physical evidence. Even weather reports or cell phone records (to check for distracted driving) can be crucial.
We comb through relevant data, such as vehicle “black box” info or trucking logs in a commercial truck accident.

By proactively gathering evidence, we strengthen your claim against the at-fault party or their insurer. This also helps us identify all liable parties. For example, in a rear-end collision, it’s usually the trailing driver’s fault, but if poor road design contributed, or if the car behind you was pushed by another vehicle, those facts matter. We look at the full picture.

Step 4: Early Fault-Admission Strategy

Liability is a critical element of any personal injury case. Our goal is to secure an early admission of fault from the insurance company whenever possible. Using the strong evidence and medically informed case file we’ve built, we push the insurer to concede liability upfront.

This is especially important in Nova Scotia, where insurers use Fault Determination Rules for guidance. We make sure the insurer applies those rules correctly – and if it’s clearly their insured’s fault under the rules (for example, in a typical rear-end scenario the rear driver is 100% at fault), we hold them to that.

By securing fault admission early, we can focus on what really matters next – ensuring you get full compensation for your injuries.

Step 5: Negotiating or Litigating for Full Compensation

With liability established and evidence in hand, we move into the resolution phase. Here, our Halifax personal injury lawyers leverage every piece of our preparation to get you the maximum compensation possible:

We enter negotiations with the insurance adjuster armed with medical reports, expense documentation, and legal research on comparable cases. Our demand package will clearly itemise your losses, from medical bills to lost income to pain and suffering, so the insurer sees the full value of your claim.
We’re tough negotiators. We don’t accept a lowball offer just to settle quickly. (It’s common for insurers to throw out a quick, low settlement offer, hoping you’ll bite; but this is nearly always far below what your case is truly worth.) We counteroffer with evidence-backed arguments. For example, if you were rear-ended, we might reference our detailed analysis and even the at-fault driver’s own insurance rules to justify why you deserve every dollar of your claim.
If the insurance company won’t be reasonable, we are fully prepared to take the case to court. Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary if an insurer denies liability, disputes the severity of your injuries, or simply won’t pay a fair amount. Our litigation team has experience in the Halifax courts: we handle all the court filings, procedural steps, and advocacy at trial if it comes to that.

Many cases settle before trial, but being ready to litigate gives us leverage. Insurance companies in Nova Scotia know which law firms will go the distance. We have a reputation for not backing down. Over the years, we’ve helped more than 1,500 clients recover over $50 million in compensation using this rigorous method. Our goal in every case is to get you full and fair compensation, whether through a negotiated settlement or a court judgment.

What Can You Recover in Your Personal Injury Claim?

After an accident, you might be facing more costs and losses than you initially realise. A personal injury claim seeks to make you “whole” by recovering all the damages you suffer because of someone else’s negligence.

(Check out: How To Determine The Value Of An Injury Claim)

Every case is different, but common components of compensation include:

Medical expenses: All past and future medical bills related to your injury. This includes ambulance fees, hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery costs, medication, medical devices (braces, crutches, wheelchairs), and any ongoing treatment like physiotherapy or chiropractic care. If you need future surgery or long-term rehabilitation, we account for those anticipated costs too.
Rehabilitation and specialised care: Costs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological counseling are recoverable. If you require specialised care such as home nursing, assistive equipment (e.g. prosthetics or home modifications like a wheelchair ramp), those can be claimed as well.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Money you lost because you couldn’t work while recovering. We’ll claim your lost income (including missed overtime or sick days used). If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future – for instance, you can only work part-time or you had to take a lower-paying job – we calculate the loss of future earning capacity. In severe cases, if you can’t return to work at all, this is a significant part of your claim.
Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and discomfort endured, as well as emotional distress and the loss of enjoyment of life. These are non-economic damages – meaning they don’t have a direct bill or receipt. We assess these based on the severity and permanence of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and even things you loved (hobbies, activities) that you can’t enjoy the same way anymore. Nova Scotia follows precedent and the minor injury cap for these damages, which we navigate carefully to get you the maximum allowable.
Out-of-pocket expenses: All the miscellaneous costs you’ve had to bear because of the accident. This can include travel expenses for medical appointments (mileage, parking), the cost of hiring help for chores you can’t do (like snow shoveling or childcare), home cleaning services if you’re unable, and any medical supplies you purchased yourself.
Property damage: Typically, if it’s a motor vehicle accident, we ensure your vehicle damage is addressed (either through the claim or your own insurance’s property coverage). For other types of accidents (like a bicycle accident or damaged personal items in a fall), those property losses can be included.
Long-term care and home modifications: If your injuries are disabling, you may need modifications to your home (installing a ramp or modified bathroom) or long-term care services. We will include the estimated cost of future care in your claim, often consulting with medical specialists or life-care planners to get it right.
Punitive damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially egregious or reckless, the court can award punitive damages to punish them. These are rare in Canada and typically only come into play if, say, a drunk driver or someone engaging in truly gross negligence caused your injury. We will advise if punitive damages are something to pursue. (Even if not, the egregious nature of the act can still influence the settlement value.)
Other specialized damages: For example, if you were unable to take a planned trip or missed a special event because of the injury, we might claim for loss of vacation or loss of special event. Or if your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, they might have a claim for loss of companionship or consortium. Nova Scotia law allows close family members to claim certain damages in fatal or catastrophic cases as well.

We tailor our approach to your unique circumstances. Part of our job is to thoroughly document and quantify these losses. We often create a detailed list with supporting documents (bills, receipts, expert opinions for future costs) to show the insurer or judge every way the injury has impacted you.

Our aim is simple: to ensure your settlement or award fully reflects your losses, both now and in the future.

How Do I Know if I Should Accept a Settlement or Go to Court?

Many personal injury claims in Halifax and across Nova Scotia are resolved through negotiated settlements. In fact, insurers often come forward with settlement offers fairly quickly, sometimes even before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. While it can be tempting to take a quick payout, accepting too early can leave you short-changed. Here are some red flags that suggest you shouldn’t accept the first settlement offer and might need to consider legal action:

The offer doesn’t cover ongoing medical care or rehab: If you’re still undergoing treatment (physio, counselling, etc.) or you know you’ll need future procedures, a settlement must account for those future costs. An early offer often ignores anything beyond the immediate bills. We commonly see insurers offer an amount that might cover the first few months of treatment, but not the full recovery road ahead.
You’re still off work or have long-term income loss: If you haven’t healed enough to return to work, or if you can only return in a limited capacity, any settlement needs to factor in future lost earnings. An insurer’s quick offer may only consider lost wages to date. We make sure your claim covers potential losses going forward, especially if you have a reduced earning ability.
Liability is disputed or unclear: If the insurance adjuster is denying that their driver (or insured) was at fault, they might refuse a fair settlement outright. Similarly, in complex accidents with multiple parties (e.g. a multi-car pileup on the Bedford Highway), insurers may argue over who pays. In such cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to sort out fault in court and force a fair result.
The offer feels like a “lowball” for your suffering: Quick offers are often strategic, since insurers know you may need money fast, so they propose a low figure hoping you’ll sign away your rights. If you’ve suffered serious pain, trauma, or life disruption, a rushed offer likely isn’t enough. We often calculate a reasonable range for pain and suffering based on past cases, and initial offers can be a fraction of that. Don’t let the insurance company pressure you into a cheap settlement.
The insurer is using delay tactics or denying parts of your claim: Sometimes insurers drag their feet, hoping you’ll get desperate. Or they might admit some fault but argue you were partially to blame (contributory negligence) to reduce what they pay. If negotiations stall because the insurer won’t be fair, moving toward litigation can break the stalemate.

Our team will help you evaluate every offer. We will give you frank advice on whether a settlement is fair. If it is, and you’re comfortable with it, we can wrap up the claim without a lawsuit. But if it’s not, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and go to court to fight for what you truly deserve. Pursuing a court case does take longer and can be stressful, but sometimes it’s the only way to achieve justice.

Rest assured, we handle all the heavy lifting if we litigate, from drafting pleadings to representing you at trial, so you can focus on healing.

Bottom line: We won’t let an insurance company pay you less than what your case is worth. We’ll use negotiation when possible, but we won’t hesitate to escalate matters legally when necessary to protect your rights.

(Learning Centre: What is a Settlement Agreement?)

How Long Will My Injury Case Take?

One of the first questions many clients ask is how long their case will take.

The honest answer is that it depends. Every personal injury case is unique. Some straightforward claims settle in a matter of months, while more complex ones can take a couple of years or even longer to fully resolve.

(Learning Centre: How Long Could It Take to Receive My Settlement Cheque?)

Here are a few factors that influence the timeline of a Halifax injury claim:

Medical recovery time: Generally, it’s unwise to settle your claim until you’ve either fully recovered or reached what’s called maximum medical improvement (MMI), which is the point where your condition has stabilised. We need to understand the long-term effects of your injuries. Serious injuries often require a wait-and-see approach over 12+ months to gauge prognosis. If you settle too early, you might miss compensation for complications that hadn’t developed yet. We’ll monitor your treatment and collaborate with your doctors to time things appropriately.
Complexity of evidence and liability: If it’s absolutely clear what happened, things may move faster on the liability side. But if there are disputes, it can take time to investigate and possibly involve accident reconstruction experts or other specialists. Complexity adds to the timeline, but it’s necessary to build a strong case.
Insurance company delays: Unfortunately, delays are common. Adjusters might not respond quickly, or they may drag out negotiations. Some insurers use stalling as a tactic, hoping you’ll become impatient. Rest assured, we keep the pressure on them. If we see undue delay, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit to keep things moving on a court schedule. However, even lawsuits involve waiting for court dates, discovery processes, etc., which can prolong the overall timeline.
Whether a lawsuit is filed: If we can settle without a lawsuit, things generally resolve faster. Once a lawsuit is filed, certain timeframes kick in (for exchanging documents, conducting examinations for discovery (depositions), and scheduling court interventions). Nova Scotia’s court system, including here in Halifax, can have backlogs. That said, many cases still settle before trial, sometimes on the courthouse steps. We prepare the case diligently either way to avoid unnecessary delays.
Medical assessments and expert reports: In significant cases, we may need independent medical examinations or expert opinions (for example, from a vocational expert about your ability to work, or from an engineer about an accident cause). Coordinating and obtaining these reports adds time but can substantially increase your compensation, so it’s often worth the wait.
Your own readiness: We move at your pace too. If you need time to consider offers or if life circumstances require pausing (say you’re undergoing an intensive surgery and rehab), we will never rush you. Our goal is to resolve things as efficiently as possible while still doing it right.

We understand that waiting for a resolution can be frustrating, especially if you’re under financial strain. Throughout the process, we keep you updated, and if any offer comes in, we discuss it with you fully. Know that sometimes patience is necessary to ensure you’re fairly compensated. Settling too soon is like leaving money on the table; we don’t want that for you.

On the bright side, while the case is ongoing, we handle all the legwork. We manage the paperwork, communications, and legal strategy, so you can focus on your recovery. And because we operate on contingency (no-win, no-fee), you don’t have to pay us during the process: we only get paid when the case concludes successfully.

After Settlement: Usually, after signing the release forms, an insurance company will issue the settlement cheque within a few weeks. (Delays can happen if an adjuster is away or there’s a minor paperwork issue.)

Rest assured, we work to get your funds released to you as quickly as possible, because we know you need them. Check out our article How Long Could It Take to Receive My Settlement Cheque? for more on this.

How Do I Choose the Right Injury Team?

Halifax and Nova Scotia have several personal injury law firms; so why choose NOVA Injury Law?

We believe the right legal team for you is one that not only has strong credentials, but also aligns with your needs and values. Here are a few things to look for (and how we measure up):

Experience with serious injury cases: You want a team that has successfully handled cases similar to yours. Our firm has managed everything from car crash injuries to complex medical malpractice and disability cases. We know the ins and outs of personal injury law in Nova Scotia.
Medical and legal understanding: Injuries are not just legal cases; they’re medical events. Because we truly understand both the medical and legal aspects, we can build stronger cases. If you mention a symptom or diagnosis to us, we’re likely already familiar with it. This means we won’t miss subtleties – like how a mild traumatic brain injury might affect your memory or mood (important for your claim). Our dual knowledge base is a rare asset.
Clear communication: We believe in transparency. From the very start, we’ll outline the process and set realistic expectations so you’re not left in the dark.
Local insight: Laws may be provincial, but each region has its nuances. We have offices in Halifax and across Atlantic Canada, meaning we know the local landscape. We’re familiar with Halifax area crash hotspots, common hazards (like winter slip-and-falls on icy sidewalks), and we even know how local insurance companies operate. This community connection builds trust – both with clients and in front of local judges and juries. We’re your neighbours, and that fuels our determination to get justice for people in our community.
Personalised attention: Beware of firms where you’re just a file number. We maintain a client-first philosophy. That means listening to you, understanding your goals, and tailoring our strategy accordingly. Some clients want to settle as fast as possible; others care more about maximising value even if it takes longer; we factor in your priorities. When you hire NOVA Injury Law, you get a dedicated team that truly cares. Our past clients often remark on how supported they felt throughout the process.
Proven results and reputation: Lastly, results matter. Our track record speaks for itself (over $50 million recovered and countless lives improved). But beyond numbers, our reputation is something we’re proud of. Much of our new business comes from referrals, showing that our clients and even other professionals trust us.

Choosing a lawyer is a pivotal decision. We encourage you to do your research, ask questions, and even meet with us to see if we’re the right fit. In the end, you deserve a legal team that not only has the expertise, but also genuinely cares about your outcome. That’s what we strive to be every single day.

Call Our Halifax Personal Injury Lawyers Today!

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you have proper legal advice, the better protected your rights will be.

Get in touch with us today to arrange your free consultation with a Halifax personal injury lawyer. We’re available 24/7 to take your call, because accidents don’t just happen from 9 to 5.

Remember, you pay nothing upfront when you hire us. Our contingency fee model means you only pay if and when we win compensation for you. There’s truly no financial risk to get top-tier legal representation. We advance all the costs of pursuing the claim, and those are repaid out of the settlement at the end. We carry the risk so you don’t have to.

No obligation. No upfront fees. You’ve got nothing to lose by reaching out; and a lot to potentially gain. Let’s take the next step together toward your recovery and justice.