Aldo E. Picchetti

The respondent pedestrian was injured when she tripped and fell while hurrying to get out of the way of an oncoming fire vehicle that was sounding its siren and travelling in the wrong lane.

The appellant insurer denied statutory accident benefits, arguing the incident did not meet the definition of an 'accident' under the Schedule.

The arbitrator found that the use and operation of the fire vehicle was the direct cause of the respondent's injuries.

On appeal, the Director's Delegate upheld the decision, finding no error of law.

The Delegate concluded that the fire vehicle was the dominant feature setting in motion an unbroken chain of events, satisfying both the purpose and direct causation tests.

The applicant sought reimbursement for private taxi expenses to attend treatment for soft tissue injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

The insurer paid the public transit rate but refused the taxi fare.

The arbitrator found that the applicant failed to establish that taxi service was reasonable or necessary, as he had access to a vehicle and his treating chiropractor did not indicate any travel restrictions.

The claims for transportation expenses and a special award were dismissed.

The insurer was awarded its arbitration expenses due to the applicant's representative prolonging the hearing with unfounded arguments.

The applicant was injured in a motor vehicle accident and received statutory accident benefits from the insurer.

The insurer terminated weekly disability benefits and housekeeping expenses in the fall of 1995.

The applicant applied for arbitration to reinstate these benefits.

The arbitrator found that the applicant did not suffer a substantial inability to engage in mobility or household activities after October 4, 1995, and dismissed the claim for ongoing weekly disability benefits.

However, relying on medical evidence that the applicant required occasional help with heavy housework until early 1996, the arbitrator awarded $2,400 for housekeeping expenses incurred up to January 31, 1996.