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Accidents
and Injuries

Over 30 years experience.

We fight for the compensation our clients deserve.

Accidents
and Injuries

No fees unless and until you recover.

Free consultation.

Personal Injury Lawyers
In New Brunswick

We service clients from Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, and all over New Brunswick. To understand your legal rights, call us for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless and until you recover.

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Melanson Law Grows With A New Articling Student And New Legal Technology

FREDERICTON, NB: Melanson Law is a personal injury firm serving New Brunswick and the surrounding area. Today, it has announced two new changes to its firm: The hiring of a

Common Misconceptions About Personal Injury Claims

When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, they often hesitate to take legal action because of widespread misconceptions about the process. These misconceptions can prevent accident victims from

FAQs

You Ask, We Answer

Thinking about pursuing a personal injury claim? Here is some information to consider.

Do I have to pay anything up front to start a personal injury claim?

No. Melanson Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front and nothing out of pocket until the resolution of your case. Depending on the case, there may be disbursements such as medical reports or records, but these are always explained in advance so that there are no surprises. Lawyer fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you, and it comes directly from your settlement or award. There is no financial risk to speaking with us, and no cost to your initial consultation.

Most personal injury claims are subject to a limitation period, often two years from the date of the accident or from when the injury was or could reasonably have been discovered. Certain situations, such as claims involving minors or injuries against government entities, may have different rules. Missing the limitation deadline can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Because the limitation period can affect your right to a claim, it’s best to seek legal advice as early as possible.

You don’t need everything prepared before meeting a lawyer, but it helps to bring any documents related to your case. This may include accident reports, insurance correspondence, medical records, prescriptions, photos, or proof of missed work. If something is missing, the firm can assist in obtaining it.
New Brunswick operates under a tort-based auto insurance system, meaning that if another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to pursue compensation through that driver’s auto insurance. This compensation can cover your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of valuable services, and other damages. At the same time, your own auto insurance policy includes Section B accident benefits, which provide immediate no-fault coverage for medical treatment and income replacement regardless of who was at fault. A successful car accident claim typically involves navigating both your own insurer and the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Most personal injury cases in New Brunswick settle before ever reaching a courtroom. Insurance companies generally prefer to resolve claims through negotiation, and many cases are settled at mediation or through direct discussions between lawyers. That said, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial because that preparation is exactly what puts us in the strongest negotiating position. If going to court is what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve, we are fully prepared to take that step on your behalf.
The timeline varies based on the severity of injuries, recovery time, and whether liability is disputed. Simpler cases with clear liability and well-documented injuries can sometimes settle in months, while more complex cases – particularly those involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties – can take longer. One important factor is that we generally recommend waiting until you have reached a point of maximum medical recovery before finalizing any settlement, so that we have a complete picture of how your injuries have affected your life. We keep you informed every step of the way and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the result.

Melanson Law represents individuals who have been injured through no fault of their own. Our practice focuses on a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents (cars, trucks, motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians)
  • Slip and fall accidents and other premises liability claims
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Wrongful death of fatal accident claims on behalf of surviving family members
  • Product liability claims and injuries caused by defective products
  • Insurance benefit disputes

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, reach out – we’re happy to review your circumstances and give you an assessment.

Compensation in a personal injury claim is designed to put you back, as closely as possible, in the position you would have been in had the injury never occurred. There are two main categories of damages: Special damages (also called pecuniary losses) cover your quantifiable financial losses: Medical and rehabilitation expenses, prescription costs, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, housekeeping and caregiving costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly tied to your injury. General damages (non-pecuniary losses) compensate you for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the physical and emotional impact the injury has had on your day-to-day living. These are more subjective and are assessed based on the nature and severity of your injuries, your age, and how your life has been affected. The specific value of your case depends on the severity of your injury, your prognosis, and how your life and livelihood have been impacted. We work with medical professionals, vocational experts, actuaries, and other experts to build the strongest possible case for full and fair compensation.
An insurance denial is not the end of the road. Insurers deny or undervalue claims for many reasons, some legitimate and some not. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always act in your best interest. If your claim has been denied or you believe your settlement offer is unfair, a personal injury lawyer can review your policy, assess the insurer’s reasoning, and advise you on your options. In many cases, legal pressure or a formal dispute process leads to a significantly better outcome than what was initially offered. Contact Melanson Law before accepting any denial or offer as final.
Yes. While Melanson Law is based in Fredericton, we serve clients throughout New Brunswick, including Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John. Personal injury cases don’t require you to appear in our office regularly, as much of our work is handled by phone, email, and video. We can also travel to meet you when needed. If you’ve been injured anywhere in the province, we encourage you to reach out regardless of where you’re located. You can reach the firm toll-free at 1.866.453.1960.
A personal injury claim is a legal process through which a person who has been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing seeks financial compensation from the responsible party. This can arise from a car accident, a fall on someone’s property, a workplace incident, or countless other situations where another person, business, or organization failed in their duty of care toward you. The goal of a personal injury claim is to make you whole and to recover the financial losses and other damages your injury has caused you. In New Brunswick, most claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies, often without the need for a trial.
There is no honest answer to that question without first understanding the details of your situation. The value of a personal injury claim depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, how they have affected your ability to work and enjoy your life, your medical expenses and anticipated future treatment needs, your income and earning capacity, the strength of the evidence, and the limits of the at-fault party’s insurance coverage. What we can tell you is that unrepresented claimants routinely receive less than those with legal representation. Insurance companies have experienced negotiators whose job is to minimize payouts. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner levels the playing field. After reviewing your case and the evidence, we’ll give you a detailed assessment of what we believe your claim is worth and what to expect as we move forward.
Yes. It is extremely important to continue with recommended medical treatment throughout your claim. This serves two critical purposes: First and most importantly, it supports your health and recovery. Second, consistent treatment creates a clear, documented record of your injuries and how they have affected your life over time. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries weren’t as serious as claimed, or that you failed to take reasonable steps to recover. One of your main responsibilities during the claims process is to follow your doctor’s advice and attend all appointments. We will help you understand how your treatment history relates to your claim.
Yes, significantly. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers may monitor the social media profiles of personal injury claimants. Photos, videos, or posts that appear to contradict the severity of your injuries, even if taken out of context, can be used to challenge your claim and reduce or eliminate your compensation. A photo of you at a family event, a comment about feeling good, or a video of any physical activity can all be misrepresented. During your claim, we strongly advise you to avoid posting anything related to your accident, your injuries, or your activities, and to set all social media accounts to private.
You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident or injury. The earlier you involve a lawyer, the better positioned you are. A personal injury lawyer can ensure that: Evidence is preserved; witness recollections are recorded while fresh; and that you avoid making statements to insurance companies that could be used against you later. Many people wait until they feel “ready” or assume they can handle things themselves, only to discover they’ve already made missteps that affect their case. There is no downside to an early consultation. It’s free, it’s confidential, and it gives you the information you need to make informed decisions from the start.

Section B benefits are no-fault accident benefits that are included in every standard auto insurance policy in New Brunswick. They are available to you regardless of who caused the accident, even if you were at fault. Section B benefits can cover medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement if you are unable to work, funeral expenses in the event of a fatality, and death benefits for surviving dependents.

These benefits are accessed through your own insurance company and are separate from any tort claim you may have against an at-fault driver. Importantly, accepting Section B benefits does not prevent you from pursuing a claim against the driver who caused your accident. Managing both streams effectively is an area where having a personal injury lawyer can make a meaningful difference. Melanson Law can help you understand what you’re entitled to and ensure you receive the full benefits available under your policy.

The entire Melanson Law team is committed to your best interests.

Count on Melanson Law for
all your legal needs in Moncton,
Saint John, Fredericton and
throughout New Brunswick.

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TOLL FREE
1.866.453.1960
Phone
Fredericton:506.453.1960
Saint John:506.693.1960
Moncton:506.382.1950
Email
brent@melansonlaw.ca
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703 Brunswick St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1H8