Ontario operates a hybrid system: SABS first-party accident benefits alongside common-law tort, with a statutory deductible reducing non-pecuniary tort awards below the threshold. For head & brain claims specifically, the band is built from the Andrews v Grand & Toy non-pecuniary cap framework and then adjusted for Ontario's common-law contributory reduction and any applicable statutory cap.
★ band · Canada federal frame
C$200,000 – Andrews cap
Severe traumatic brain injury
Pecuniary heads add substantially on top
The Canada band is the starting point. Ontario's fault rule and any applicable cap then adjust the figure.
★ ON · statute of limitations
2 years from discoverability
Limitations Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 24
★ ON · fault rule
Common-law contributory reduction
Contributory-negligence reduction under the Negligence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. N.1. No bar threshold.
★ ON · caps
What caps recovery.
Statutory caps that may bear on a head & brain settlement in Ontario.
Andrews cap (non-pecuniary)
Non-pecuniary loss
~C$430,000+ (CPI-indexed from 1978)
Andrews v Grand & Toy [1978] 2 SCR 229
Statutory deductible
Non-pecuniary tort awards in motor cases
~C$45k (indexed) below threshold
Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990
★ head & brain severity tiers · Canada frame
How the band stratifies.
The Andrews v Grand & Toy non-pecuniary cap stratifies head & brain into the tiers below. Ontario courts apply the same tier structure, adjusted for state-specific factors.
Severity tier
Band
Basis
Concussion / mild TBI
C$30,000 – C$120,000
Reported decisions
Severe traumatic brain injury
C$200,000 – Andrews cap
Pecuniary heads add substantially on top
★ head & brain · neighbouring jurisdictions
Compare to neighbours.
How Ontario's fault rule and limitation period compare to other Canada jurisdictions for head & brain claims.
Each answer is independently coherent and references the relevant statute or authority document.
How much is a head & brain claim worth in Ontario?
Ontario head & brain settlements track the federal Canada band of C$200,000 – Andrews cap, adjusted for Ontario's fault rule (common-law contributory reduction) and any applicable state cap. The position within the band turns on severity, prognosis, recovery time, and the strength of the medical paper trail.
What fault rule applies to head & brain claims in Ontario?
Common-law contributory reduction. Contributory-negligence reduction under the Negligence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. N.1. No bar threshold.
What is the statute of limitations for head & brain claims in Ontario?
2 years from discoverability. Source: Limitations Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 24. Filing after the period expires generally bars the claim absent a tolling exception.
Do Ontario's damages caps reduce head & brain settlements?
Yes — Ontario applies the following caps that may bear on a head & brain claim: Andrews cap (non-pecuniary); Statutory deductible. Caps are applied to the gross award before any fault-allocation reduction.
Does Ontario require no-fault first-party recovery for auto-related head & brain claims?
For all but the most modest claims, yes. Ontario's fault rule and caps materially affect the calculus, and adjusters value represented claims significantly higher. Most Ontario personal injury attorneys work on contingency (33–40% typical), with no fee unless you recover.
Figures on this page are starting points: the Canada band adjusted for Ontario's statutory framework. They are not quotes for any specific case. For representation, consult an attorney admitted in Ontario. See /methodology, /sources, and /disclaimer.