Sophia Chaudri, Partner

“Thomas Edison said that there are three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile. First, hardwork; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense. These three values are how I approach each file. They are applied whether the goal is settlement or seeing a matter through to hearing or trial. It is an equation that works every time.”

Markham – Ottawa
416-368-0231 ext. 8246
schaudri@fmlaw.ca
vCard

Elizabeth Abatecola, Assistant
416-368-0231 ext. 8293
eabatecola@fmlaw.ca
Maggie Quach, Law Clerk
416-368-0231 ext. 8243
mquach@fmlaw.ca

Sophia’s intellectual, conscientious and direct approach to insurance litigation for almost 20 years makes her a sought after advocate for matters related to the defence of motor vehicle accident tort and statutory accident benefits disputes, including catastrophic claims, priority and loss transfer claims. Sophia consistently and reliably manages litigation risk and exposure.

In addition to her comprehensive and strong presentation of a case at all stages of litigation, and before the Court of Appeal, Superior Court of Justice, the Financial Services Commission, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and private arbitrators, where appropriate, Sophia will skillfully negotiate a resolution through day to day negotiation or mediation.

Sophia’s recent advocacy involves obtaining a cost award for her client as against the Claimant in a LAT dispute in addition to successfully defending her clients at the LAT ( Z.V. and Aviva Insurance, 17-006874AABS), (M.P and Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, 16-000/525/AABS), (Applicant v. Aviva Insurance Company, 17-005950/AABS), S.L. and Aviva (17-004989).

Among others, her past advocacy also includes representing the successful party in a loss transfer payment arbitration (Jevco v. Economical, Private Arbitration, 2014), and seeking important clarification concerning the limitation period pertaining to income replacement benefits (Kanapathipillai v. Personal, FSCO, 2009).

As part of her commitment to the profession and legal education, Sophia taught Health Care Law at George Brown College and offered advice to the Firm’s clients at presentations. Within the community, Sophia is an active member of the Hellenic Canadian Lawyers’ Association and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Education

Called to the Ontario Bar, 2002
LL.B., Osgoode Hall Law School, 2001
B.A. (Hons.), York University, 1997

Memberships

Canadian Bar Association
Hellenic Lawyers’ Association
Ontario Bar Association
The Advocates’ Society

* Professional Corporation

Selection of Cases

Limitation Period: N.V. vs. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, 2020CanLII 376 (ONLAT) – Applicant barred from proceeding to the LAT on a claim for Income Replacement Benefits.  Tribunal has confirmed it has no jurisdiction to extend the limitation period.

Limitation Period: N.N. v. Aviva General Insurance Company, 2019 CanLII 119731 (ON LAT) – Applicant found to have missed the limitation period for certain benefits.  Tribunal confirms it has no discretion to extend the limitation period.

Income Replacement Benefits: 17-005950 v. Aviva Insurance Canada,  2018 CanLII 110926 (ON LAT) – Applicant not entitled to an Income Replacement Benefits as he is not substantially disabled from the essential tasks of his pre-accident employment.

Attendant Care Benefits: 16-000525 v. Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, 2017 CanLII 9810 (ON LAT) – Wife providing Attendant Care Services must prove Economic Loss even though she was professional qualified to provide attendant care having been employed as a Personal Attendant (Health Care Aid).

Minor Injury Guidelines: 17-006874 and Aviva Insurance Company, 2018 CanLII 95585 (ON LAT) – Tribunal Applicant found to have sustained predominantly minor injuries as defined under the SABS.

Minor Injury Guidelines: B.J. v. Aviva General Insurance, 2020 CanLII 14468 (ON LAT) – Applicant found to have sustained predominantly minor injuries.  Applicant does not suffer from chronic pain or psychological impairment.