Alberta releases draft no-fault auto insurance injury payouts

Alberta's government has unveiled draft regulations for a no-fault auto insurance system set to begin in 2027, introducing a fixed compensation schedule for permanent injuries sustained in vehicle collisions. The schedule, often called a “meat chart,” assigns specific dollar amounts to injuries such as loss of pregnancy, eyesight, or limbs, with payouts ranging from $945 for loss of color vision to over $66,000 for moderate traumatic brain injury. Critics, including the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association and FAIR Alberta, condemn the system for removing injured parties’ ability to seek fair compensation through the courts, arguing that insurers—rather than judges—will decide eligibility and benefits, which they say undervalues the human impact of injuries. Legal experts warn that the fixed payouts fail to consider individual circumstances, potentially leading to inadequate compensation for serious injuries like losing a hand, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on such abilities. The government asserts the system is designed to simplify claims, reduce legal costs, and provide faster access to care, although early promised premium savings are now questioned due to economic pressures. The draft regulations remain open for public feedback before finalization, but the controversy highlights tensions between cost management and fair compensation in Alberta's insurance reform.