Legal-Ease Glossary: M to O

Ever wondered what MRI stands for? Or wanted to know a bit more about what an occupational therapist does? This installment of our Legal-Ease glossary covers terms starting with M to O.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A high tech system that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body that can’t be seen on x-ray.

Malingering: When a person falsely or grossly exaggerates physical or psychological complaints with the goal of receiving secondary gain.

Mediation: A method of alternative dispute resolution used when two parties are unable to agree on an issue in dispute. A mediator, who is a neutral third party, participates in the process by helping the parties reach an agreement on the issues in dispute or settle the claim. A mediator doesn’t have the power to impose a decision on the parties.

Medical Benefit: An accident benefit that pays for all reasonable medical expenses resulting from an accident, such as physiotherapy, medication and assistive devices. These are expenses that are not covered under any other medical plan, such as OHIP or extended health benefits available through the injured person’s employer.

Minor Injury Guideline (MIG): Pre-approved funding (up to $3500) from insurance companies for treatment of minor injuries, defined in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) as sprains, strains, whiplash associated disorders, contusions, abrasions, lacerations, subluxations or any clinically associated consequences of these injuries.

Neurologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders related to the nervous system.

Non-Earner Benefit: An accident benefit that is available to an insured person over the age of 16 if they are completely unable to carry on a normal life and don’t qualify for an income replacement benefit or caregiver benefit. In most cases, this benefit pays $185/week but may increase to $320/week after 104 weeks from the onset of disability. This benefit commences 26 weeks after the date of the motor vehicle accident.

Occupational Therapist (OT): A registered health care professional who helps injured and disabled individuals resume the activities important to daily living and maximize their independence. OTs complete assessments, teach skills and recommend assistive devices.

Optional Benefits: Additional benefits that are purchased by an insured person as part of his or her auto insurance policy to provide increased coverage. In Ontario, for accidents that occurred on or after September 1^st 2010, the optional benefits are: increased income replacement, housekeeping and home maintenance, caregiver benefit, increased medical and rehabilitation coverage, increased attendant care, and increased death and funeral compensation.

Orthopaedic Surgeon: A physician/surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders related to the bones and skeleton. Known as an “orthopedic surgeon” in the U.S.