Ms. Louise Silverston

The Applicant was injured in a rear-end motor vehicle accident in November 2010 and sought a determination that she sustained a catastrophic impairment due to psychological issues.

The Insurer denied the claim, arguing the Applicant's mental health issues were due to a pre-existing bi-polar disorder and that she was malingering.

The Arbitrator found that the Applicant suffered a marked impairment in the area of adaptation and that the accident materially contributed to her current state of mental health.

The Arbitrator preferred the evidence of the Applicant's experts and noted the Insurer's aggressive tactics in summonsing witnesses.

The Arbitrator concluded the Applicant sustained a catastrophic impairment as a result of the accident.

This judgment concerns a motion to appoint a litigation guardian for the plaintiff, Ms. Huang, in a complex personal injury action that originated from a 2000 motor vehicle accident.

The court considered medical assessments and Ms. Huang's demonstrated inability to understand legal proceedings, settlement offers, and to effectively instruct counsel or represent herself.

Despite Ms. Huang's opposition, the court found her to be a person under disability, mentally incapable of representing herself in the litigation due to a Major Depressive Disorder.

Consequently, the motion was granted, and the Public Guardian and Trustee was appointed as her litigation guardian.