Ho, ho, ho! It’s that magical time of year again when sleigh bells ring, stockings hang by the chimney, and Santa Claus is gearing up to spread some holiday cheer. Everyone knows Santa’s famous Naughty and Nice List—his tried-and-true method for deciding who gets gifts and who finds coal in their stockings. Inspired by the big guy in red, we at NOVA Injury Law have kept our own list throughout 2024. After all, Santa’s system of rewarding good behaviour and calling out the bad isn’t so different from what we see in the world of personal injury claims—especially when it comes to insurance companies, drivers, and others responsible for keeping people safe and treated fairly.
Let’s just say some folks are definitely getting coal this year…

The Naughty List 🎄👎

1. Insurance Companies
Oh, you knew this was coming. While Santa uses elves to deliver joy, insurance companies seem to have their own little “elves” working overtime to minimize claims. Whether it’s lowball settlement offers, delaying tactics, or questioning legitimate injuries, these grinches have earned a top spot on the Naughty List. Coal for all of you! (And don’t bother checking—your “stocking Liability policy” doesn’t cover it.)

2. Distracted Drivers
You’re texting at a red light, or worse, while driving down the highway? Ho, no, no! Trust us, Kris Mitchell—er, Kringle—is not impressed with your multitasking skills. This year, you’re getting driving lessons from Rudolph!

3. Those Who Don’t Salt and Clear Their Parking Lots
Look, winter in Atlantic Canada is no joke. If you’re not shovelling your walkway or salting those icy patches, you’re practically inviting people to fall. Santa might forgive you, but slip-and-fall victims (and their lawyers) won’t. Naughty, naughty, naughty.

The Nice List 🎄👍

1. Responsible Drivers
These are the real holiday heroes. The ones who slow down in snowstorms, avoid distractions and refuse to drive after that third glass of spiked eggnog. To you, NOVA Injury Law and Santa, and I say, “Well done!” Your reward? A shiny new spot on the Nice List—and no car accidents under your tree.

2. Good Samaritans
The person who stops to help someone change a tire on a snowy roadside or checks in on their elderly neighbour to make sure they’re safe— NOVA Injury Law sees you. Your kindness makes the world (and the roadways) a safer place. Your gift this year? A well-deserved dose of good karma and maybe even a shortcut through the holiday shopping traffic!

3. Snow Plow Drivers
Speaking of unsung heroes, these folks work around the clock to make sure our sidewalks, parking lots and roads are safe. Sure, we grumble when the plow buries our driveway just after we’ve shovelled, but deep down, we know they’re saving lives. Nice List material for sure.

Jeff Mitchell’s Holiday Message

While Santa Claus may have his workshop full of elves, I’ve got a hardworking legal team and we both share a common goal of fairness, accountability and making sure people get what they deserve—be it presents or proper compensation for their injuries. So, if you ever find yourself tangled in a holiday mishap—whether it’s a fender bender or a slippery sidewalk —remember that NOVA Injury Law is here to help.

Let’s make 2025 the safest (and nicest!) year yet. Until then, drive responsibly, clear those sidewalks, and don’t forget to leave out cookies for Santa. Or me—Who knows? I might just take the case on a chocolate chip retainer!
Happy Holidays!

Jeff Mitchell
Personal Injury Lawyer, NOVA Injury Law