MINOR INJURY GUIDELINE (MIG) FOR MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE
per s.268.3 of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule – HIGHLIGHTS
This Guideline is focused on the application of a functional restoration approach in the management of minor injuries in the acute and sub-acute phases of the injury.
For the purposes of this Minor Injury Guideline:
- a) minor injury means a sprain, strain, whiplash-associated disorder, contusion, abrasion, laceration or subluxation and any clinically associated sequelae. This term is to be interpreted to apply where a person sustains any one or more of these injuries.
- b) sprain means an injury to one or more tendons or ligaments or to one or more of each, including a partial but not a complete tear.
- c) strain means an injury to one or more muscles, including a partial but not a complete tear.
- d) subluxation means a partial but not a complete dislocation of a joint.
- e) whiplash injury means an injury that occurs to a person’s neck following a sudden acceleration-deceleration force.
- f) whiplash associated disorder means a whiplash injury that:
- (i) does not exhibit objective, demonstrable, definable and clinically relevant neurological signs, and
- (ii) does not exhibit a fracture in or dislocation of the spine.
Exceptions: An insured person’s impairment does not come within the MIG if the insured person’s impairment is predominantly a minor injury but, based on compelling evidence provided by his or her health practitioner, the insured person has a pre-existing medical condition that was documented by a health practitioner before the accident and that will prevent the insured person from achieving maximal recovery from the minor injury if he or she is subject to the $3,500 limit referred to in section 18(1) of the SABS or is limited to the goods and services authorized under this Guideline.
The MIG does NOT include concussion/TBI, or psychological impairments such as anxiety disorder.
- Duration of benefits: treatments provided will not typically exceed twelve weeks in duration following the date of the initial visit
- Total funding for benefits: $3,500
- Goods and services provided: Assessment, treatments, equipment (therabands, gym ball, lumbar roll), assistive devices.
- Treatments to include. Activity Prescription; Education; Reassurance; Home Exercise, treatments for: pain management, increased function, and diagnostic imaging.
Still have a question about the Minor Injury Guideline or Ontario Accident Benefits?
For a complete copy of the Minor Injury Guideline with Fee Schedule for services, please see the Financial Services Commission of Ontario website www.fsco.gov.on.ca or www.ottawainjury.ca/insurance-claims/
