Section B Benefits

Section B benefits are the insurance benefits available for individuals who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, or for the family of an individual that was injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. Section B benefits cover certain expenses related to medical treatment, disability, and death. These benefits are commonly referred to as Section B benefits because they come from Section B of the Alberta Standard Automobile Policy. Every Alberta automobile insurance policy is required by law to contain a Section B clause. Section B benefits are also referred to as “no-fault” benefits because they do not depend on whether or not you were at fault for the accident.

Can I claim Section B benefits if I was a passenger or pedestrian in an accident?

Yes, you can claim section B benefits if you were a passenger or a pedestrian in an accident. If you were a passenger in a motor vehicle accident, then the insurer of the vehicle you were in is responsible for providing Section B benefits to you. If you were a pedestrian involved in an accident, then the insurer of the vehicle that injured you is responsible for providing Section B benefits to you.

What is covered under Section B benefits?

The Automobile Accident Insurance Regulation outlines Section B Benefits under the Insurance Act. Section B benefits provide coverage for certain medical treatments that are required to treat the injuries you may sustain in an accident. They also provide limited disability coverage should you be unable to return to work after the accident. Under Section B, each person that is injured in an accident is entitled to a maximum of $50,000 of benefits within two years from the date of the accident.  We will review both the medical benefits and disability benefits separately below.

What Medical Benefits are Available Under Section B?

Section B provides coverage for all “reasonable expenses” that are incurred as a result of the accident. Treatment for medical expenses can include coverage for expenses such as: ambulance ride, chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, dental treatment, professional nursing, psychological treatment, and the cost of medication. This list is not exhaustive, and can include treatments that your attending physician deems essential for your rehabilitation. Certain treatments are limited under Section B, and include:

• Acupuncture – limited to $350
• Massage Therapy – limited to $350
• Chiropractic – limited to $1000

Depending on the severity and diagnosis of your injury, your insurance provider will initially authorize a limited number of treatments. After you have received those treatments, any additional treatments may first have to be submitted to your work or personal extended healthcare benefits with any remaining amounts to be covered by your insurance provider. Section B benefits can be complex and difficult to understand, If you have any questions regarding your section B medical benefits, please contact us (INT) at (403) 770-9242 or email us at info@brarlawfirm.com

What Disability Benefits are available under Section B?

If you are “wholly and continuously” disabled by the injuries preventing you from performing all duties of your job, then Section B Disability benefits will cover either up to $600 per week of lost wages; or eighty percent (80%) of your pre-tax average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Disability coverage under Section B begins seven (7) days after the date of the accident and can last up to two (2) years. However, once you return back to work, the disability benefits stop and cannot be restarted. Further, you must also claim any personal or work extended healthcare benefits before claiming the Section B Disability Benefit. If you have questions about if you are entitled to disability benefits or have any additional questions regarding disability benefits, please contact our office to speak with a lawyer.

Section B benefits as a whole can be quite complex and difficult to understand. That is why we recommend that if you are injured after a motor vehicle accident to seek the advice of a lawyer that is experienced in personal injury. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to one of our lawyers, please contact our office at (403) 770-9242. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, you can do so through our contact page.