Eby shouldn’t blame lawyers

I disagree with NDP Attorney General David Eby’s comments regarding ICBC in his Dec. 10 op-ed.

I was injured in a serious car accident caused by a bad driver and missed five years of work because of the injuries. While I returned to work part-time for a short period, I was unable to continue working due to my injuries. I loved my job and always worked hard. Not being able to work made me feel useless, weak and not a part of society. Enjoyment of my life disappeared.

I had severe, ongoing neck and back pain that ICBC said were “only minor injuries.” ICBC refused to settle for a reasonable amount, which forced my lawyer to “build up my case,” getting opinions from many doctors just to prove that my injuries were not minor. ICBC also refused to pay “care” disability benefits.

By delaying the settlement, I would estimate, it cost the system $100,000 or more.

And the NDP has the nerve to blame victims’ lawyers. Even after the settlement, ICBC delayed processing the settlement cheque by months.

The NDP must stop blaming others and take responsibility for the costs caused by ICBC’s conduct.