Miller Thomson Provides Pro Bono Support to Canadian Veterans Injured in Afghanistan

VANCOUVER, Oct. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Miller Thomson LLP filed a Notice of Civil Claim in the British Columbia Supreme Court today to launch a class action law suit on behalf of members, or former members, of the Canadian Forces who have incurred injuries during their service in Afghanistan.

Over the past year Miller Thomson has reviewed numerous individual cases of Canadian Forces members whose disability benefits under the 2006 New Veterans Charter are significantly less than previous compensation programs, or the compensation that is available to other Canadians with analogous injuries.

Lead Miller Thomson counsel Donald J. Sorochan, QC said, "It appears that attempts to resolve this issue by discussions outside of the Courts have been exhausted; therefore, to advance and protect the interests of our clients, this matter is being referred to the Courts."

In the legal proceeding, six soldiers who were injured in different types of incidents in Afghanistan are applying to the Court to act as representative Plaintiffs in a class action on behalf of others whose claims raise common issues.  The Representative Plaintiffs include soldiers injured in action, soldiers injured while carrying out duties and a soldier seriously injured in a training accident that killed a comrade in arms.

Should the lawsuit be certified by the Court as a class action, Miller Thomson will provide notice and invite additional Canadian Forces members to join the classes in the action.

Miller Thomson is proceeding with this case on a pro bono basis as part of the firm's commitment to provide free legal services in matters of great importance and public interest.  The Equitas Society has agreed to cover the disbursement costs of this action.

Miller Thomson has a long history of community involvement. The firm's formal pro bono program works to identify opportunities to provide individuals and groups within communities with the legal assistance they need.

Miller Thomson's pro bono services in Western Canada include efforts by Darrell Roberts, QC in representing members of the Downtown East Side community in the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry and his litigation of constitutional issues relating to access to justice which went to the Supreme Court of Canada. Miller Thomson lawyer Charmaine Panko received recognition for her efforts to protect the rights of children and youth in Saskatchewan.

About Miller Thomson
Miller Thomson LLP is a national business law firm with more than 470 lawyers working from 11 offices across Canada. The firm offers a complete range of business law, advocacy and personal legal services. Miller Thomson works regularly with in-house legal departments and external counsel world-wide to facilitate cross-border and multinational transactions and business needs. Miller Thomson offices are located in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Toronto, Markham and Montréal. For more information please visit: www.millerthomson.com.

SOURCE: Miller Thomson LLP

Donald J. Sorochan, QC, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP | 604-643-1214 | [email protected]