Dr. Michele Macartney-Filgate

The applicant sought interim income replacement and medical-rehabilitation benefits following a motor vehicle accident.

The insurer had terminated benefits, and the parties were unable to resolve their disputes through mediation.

The arbitrator found that the applicant established a probable case for entitlement to income replacement benefits and demonstrated financial urgency, awarding partial interim income replacement benefits at $235.74 per week.

The arbitrator also awarded interim benefits for housekeeping and transportation to medical appointments, but denied other requested medical and rehabilitation expenses, finding they were either past expenses or not urgently required.

The issue of a special award was reserved for the main arbitration hearing.

The applicant was injured in a motor vehicle accident and sought statutory accident benefits for her inability to perform essential housekeeping and childcare tasks.

The insurer terminated her weekly benefits, arguing symptom exaggeration based on some medical assessments.

The arbitrator reviewed conflicting medical and psychological evidence, including diagnoses of severe post-traumatic stress disorder from multiple specialists.

The arbitrator concluded that the applicant suffered a substantial inability to complete her essential tasks as a homemaker and mother due to the psychological effects of the accident, and awarded weekly benefits, interest, and expenses.