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In the Community

BILA Members Attend the 35Th Annual Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatal Medicine, Neonatology and the Law Conference in the Bahamas

A commitment to ongoing education and keeping abreast of the newest research in Obstetric Medicine is one of the things that makes the members of the Birth Injury Lawyers Alliance so effective in protecting the rights of their injured clients.

This year twelve BILA members held the distinct honour of attending the 35ThAnnual Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatal Medicine, Neonatology and the Law Conference in New Providence Bahamas. Over the course of 5 days the conference heard from world renowned medical and legal experts.

The specific goal of the conference is to teach healthcare professionals to better comprehend the machinations of negligence law, and to develop a more complete awareness of the need for anticipatory and safety practice and to teach legal professionals about the complex issues encountered in the practice of medicine, including the intricacies of decision-making, aiming to sharpen their understanding on behalf of their clients.

This conference is especially important to BILA members because it was at the 32nd annual conference in 2016 that founding members Paul McGivern, Q.C., Joe Miller, Richard Halpern and John McKiggan committed to creating the Birth Injury Lawyers Alliance.

Founding member John McKiggan put it this way:
“This conference is one of the top obstetric and neonatology conferences in the world. I think one of the reasons BILA lawyers have been so successful in representing our clients is the commitment each member makes to learning and understanding the complex medicine involved in birth injury claims.

BILA members in attendance this year included:

In addition to simply attending the convention, BILA members used the opportunity to hold legal education sessions on issues pertaining to birth injury lawsuits in Canada.

BILA Attends the 35Th Annual Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatal Medicine, Neonatology and the Law Conference
Bila Members Smiling at the 35th Annual Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatal Medicine, Neonatology and the Law Conference

BILA Member Firm Sponsors Independent Living Nova Scotia Christmas Gala

December 2018

McKiggan Hebert proud to sponsor Independent Living Nova Scotia’s Christmas Gala

Independent Living Nova Scotia(ILNS) is a non-profit group controlled by persons with disabilities, supporting people with any kind of disability or combination of disabilities. ILNS provides peer support to persons with disabilities and supports their members in finding the services and contacts they need to help them live an independent lifestyle and overcome the barriers that are placed in front of persons with disabilities
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On December 13th BILA member firm McKiggan Hebert was proud to support this important organization as a sponsor. Especially since the keynote speaker at the Christmas gala was one of the firm’s clients, Connor Hirtle. Connor is a great example of what persons with disabilities can achieve with the support of friends, family and organizations like ILNS.

This was Connor’s first time speaking publicly about his injuries and what it’s like living with a disability. His message was one of positivity and, of course, hope. Connor’s a great example of what one person can achieve with the help of family, friends, organizations like Independent Living Nova Scotia, and dogged determination.

McKiggan Hebert Sponsors Independent Living Nova Scotia Christmas Gala
John McKiggan and Connor Hirtle at Independent Living Nova Scotia Christmas Gala

BILA Member Firm Sponsors Cerebral Palsy Association’s Life without Limits Gala

October 2018

On May 5th, the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta (CPAA) hosted the 12th annual Life Without Limits Gala in Calgary.

In addition to directly benefitting those affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities in Alberta, the CPAA seeks to enrich and support the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy through collaboration with other organizations to promote awareness, acceptance and understanding for persons with disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. Funds raised from this event support the CPAA’s vital programs and services.

This year’s gala was sponsored by Weir Bowen, LLP, one of the many member firms of BILA.

Taking place on Cinco de Mayo, the gala offered guests a luxurious Santa Fe-inspired atmosphere complete with a cocktail reception, Mexican-inspired gourmet food stations, exciting live entertainment, and the opportunity to participate in both live and silent auctions.

A lot of fun was had at this event, and we are proud to say it went off without a hitch. Below is a photo of BILA member Joe Miller enjoying the festivities alongside one of the event’s attendees.

Joe Miller Bila event

¡Vida sin límites!

BILA Members Attend the American Association for Justice Mastering the Medicine Seminar in Dublin, Ireland

October 2018

This past May, five BILA members held the honour of attending the American Association for Justice’s Mastering the Medicine Seminar, hosted just outside of Dublin, Ireland.

The seminar offers lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and networking opportunities geared towards attorneys who specialize in medical malpractice. In this forum setting, attorneys have the opportunity to meet with leading global physicians to discuss the best practices in medicine, as well as how best to navigate medical malpractice cases presently and in the future.

BILA members in attendance this year included:

BILA Members Attend the American Association for Justice Annual Convention in Denver, CO

This past July, six BILA members held the distinct honour of attending the American Association for Justice Annual Convention in Denver, CO in the United States.

With over 200 events occurring over the course of the long weekend, the convention serves as an opportunity for attorneys to network, share knowledge of their practice areas and discuss the newest developments in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs for the benefit of their clients.

BILA members in attendance this year included:

In addition to simply attending the convention, Paul also hosted a talk on the first day of the convention titled Birth Injury Presentation in Canadian vs. U.S. Forums, alongside Paul Harte and Lisa Weinstein. This talk, along with others, helped to provide crucial insight on running birth injury lawsuits in Canada to the Canadian Caucus.

BILA Member Shelagh McGregor Receives the Eileen Nash Memorial Award

September 2018

On September 6, BILA member Shelagh McGregor was honoured at the Edmonton Bar Association’s Annual Judges’ Dinner in Edmonton, AB as the recipient of the 2018 Eileen Nash Memorial Award.

According to the Eileen Nash Memorial Award criteria, “the purpose of this fund is to recognize the efforts of individuals providing services on a pro bono basis so as to benefit our community by providing support for those charities and charitable causes that will enhance the quality of living for underprivileged people in the Edmonton area.”

Shelagh has worked tirelessly over the course of the past decade to ensure that each of her clients receives top-tier guidance throughout the litigation process, and has dedicated her career to assisting families in Alberta affected by birth injury and medical malpractice.

Shelagh received $5,300 to be given to the charity of her choice, which is the iHuman Youth Society in Edmonton, where she serves as a board member and organizer of the Kick It Up fundraiser for iHuman’s program for young mothers and their babies.

Open to all youth, iHuman organizes programming for young people (12-24 years old) that encourages positive personal development, a sense of belonging and community, and creating opportunities to contribute to positive social change.

For more information about the Eileen Nash Memorial Award, please visit the Edmonton Bar Association website here.

Susanne Raab is Proud to be Serving as President of the Board of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC 

February 2018

BILA lawyers are committed to helping people living with cerebral palsy both in and out of the courtroom.  Susanne has been a volunteer  member of the Board of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC for several years now.  During her time, she has been chair of the Fundraising Committee as well as forming an Advisory Committee of parents, medical professional and people living with cerebral palsy to better guide and inform the Board of what is most needed so that the organization could focus their resources in a way to make the greatest difference in the lives of people living with CP.

To learn more about Susanne’s involvement with the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, click here: http://www.pacificmedicallaw.ca/blog/2018/02/message-from-the-president-how-can-i-help.shtml

BILA Supports the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC as Presenting Sponsor of the “Life Without Limits” Gala 

February 2018

The focus of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s fourth annual Gala to be held at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver this March 15, 2018 is “Learn without Limits”.  The goal is to support and empower young people living with cerebral palsy to achieve their goals through advanced education.  BILA lawyers support this important initiative and are proud to be the presenting sponsor for this event.

To learn more about the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s Gala, click here:https://www.bccerebralpalsy.com/cpabc-events/life-without-limits-gala/

BILA helps promote equality and inclusivity

July 2017

We are proud of the contributions our BILA members make to their communities across Canada. This month, BILA founding member, John McKiggan’s firm was one of the supporting “allies” of Halifax’s annual Pride Parade.

The Halifax Pride Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to producing a Festival that celebrates the diversity and contributions of Nova Scotia’s LGBTQ community.

McKiggan said: “The focus of Pride is on the LGBTQ community. But Pride’s message of diversity, inclusivity, and equality are values that Canadians in all walks of life need to support and encourage. It’s also a message that resonates with BILA’s members.”

If you have any questions or would like any information on how BILA can help you, your family or your community, please feel free to contact us at info@bila.ca or call us toll-free at 1-800-300-BILA (2452) to speak with a BILA lawyer in your area.

BILA Helping Vulnerable Kids and Their Parents

June 2017

The Birth Injury Lawyers Alliance was proud to be the Gold Sponsor for the inaugural Kick It Up fundraiser in support of the Woven Journey program for the iHuman Youth Society in Edmonton on June 1.

iHuman is a charity that supports homeless and traumatized youth ages 12 to 24, and its Woven Journey program specifically supports young parents of babies by teaching them parenting skills, life skills and furthering their education in order to break the cycle of trauma and abuse.  The Birth Injury Lawyers Alliance recognized the importance of this program to the futures of both the parents and children in Edmonton’s inner city, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to sponsor the event. BILA member Shelagh McGregor (middle at left) said: “iHuman has a unique mandate and BILA was happy to be able to “kick off” their fundraising efforts at the Kick It Up event.”

If you have any questions or would like any information on how BILA can help you, your family or your community, please feel free to contact us at info@bila.ca or call us toll-free at 1-800-300-BILA (2452) to speak with a BILA lawyer in your area.

Wullum appointed to Board of Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation

June 2017

We are proud of the work our BILA members do in the community.

That’s why we are happy to announce that Chris Wullum, BILA Founding Member for Manitoba and Nunavut, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation of Manitoba – https://m.facebook.com/childrensrehabfoundation/.

The Foundation raises funds to improve the lives of children living with disabilities who access services at the Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Winnipeg.

If you have any questions or would like any information on how BILA can help you, your family or your community, please feel free to contact us at info@bila.ca or call us toll-free at 1-800-300-BILA (2452) to speak with a BILA lawyer in your area.

BILA – A Proud Sponsor of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s
Annual Gala “Play Without Limits”

May, 2017

Having met with countless families of children living with cerebral palsy, the lawyers at BILA are committed to helping children living with cerebral palsy, both inside and outside the courtroom.  Recently, BILA was proud to sponsor the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s annual fundraising Gala. The theme this year was “Play without Limits”.

While the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC offers free opportunities for kids with cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities to participate in a variety of recreational activities, it is not enough. BILA lawyers recognize that we need to find more and better opportunities to include children with cerebral palsy in recreational activities. We know that kids with disabilities are just like all other kids – they want to play, explore and have fun with friends. For kids, playing is not a luxury – it is their “work”. It is how children learn to interact with their environment, develop physical skills and strength, expand their imagination and build friendships. It is indeed the essence of childhood.

Yet, notwithstanding our common experience and the medical research which supports the importance of play in a child’s life, there is little support offered to children with disabilities to create recreational opportunities and support their ability to engage in play. These children often need specialized equipment or other supports to facilitate their participation. That is why BILA welcomed the opportunity to sponsor this gala, to help raise awareness of the importance of play in a child’s life and raise funds to create more and better opportunities for kids with CP to play.

As stated by Susanne Raab, a member of BILA and Vice President of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, “To be in a position to put a smile on the face of a child is an opportunity that should not be missed. To be able to provide an opportunity for a child to grow, to laugh and to build friendships that they might not otherwise have is an opportunity that should be seized upon.” Paul McGivern, Q.C., (pictured at right) Founding Member of BILA, and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, attended the Gala and described the event as “inspirational” and as “a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a child’s life.”

BILA remains committed to continuing to support children living with cerebral palsy and their families.  If you have any questions or would like any information on how BILA can help you, your family or your community, please feel free to contact us at info@bila.ca or call us toll-free at 1-800-300-BILA (2452) to speak with a BILA lawyer in your area.

STEPtember – Raising Funds and Awareness for Cerebral Palsy

September, 2016

As part of BILA’s commitment to improving the lives of children living with cerebral palsy and other neurologic injuries, BILA lawyers stepped up to participate in STEPtember – an annual fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for children living with cerebral palsy. As part of the challenge, BILA lawyers Paul McGivern, Q.C. (British Columbia), Joe Miller (Alberta), Chris Wullum (Manitoba), and Aleks Mladenovic (Ontario) committed to taking the equivalent of 10,000 steps every day during the month of September 2016.

Through wind and rain, cold and darkness, BILA lawyers met the challenge, taking a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, and raising funds and awareness with every step. Their efforts resulted in raising over $3,900, being the 4th top fundraising team in Canada. The funds were directed to the CP Canada Network, an affiliation of provincial cerebral palsy associations and researchers across Canada whose mission is to optimize the autonomy, health and participation of children, youth and adults with cerebral palsy as inclusive and productive members of our communities.

BILA lawyers further raised awareness of cerebral palsy within their communities, engaging people in conversations about cerebral palsy and about why their support is so important. The response was positive and very encouraging, reaffirming the strength that lies in communities that care about and support the people living within them.

BILA lawyers are looking forward to contributing to this fundraiser again next year, and are aiming high – to raise even more funds and to expand their reach, encouraging as many people as possible to show their support for people living with cerebral palsy and, in turn, sending a strong message to people living with cerebral palsy that the communities in which they live care about them and support them. Look for our team, The BILA Steppers, next year and help spread the word to raise funds and awareness for cerebral palsy.