Pressé Mason, 1254 Bedford Highway, Bedford, NS (2026)

05/27/2026

Big news in Canadian law — and right here in Nova Scotia, too.

Recently, Shelley Hounsell, K.C. of Pressé Mason joined the Canadian Bar Association’s Verdicts & Voices podcast to discuss a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision that is already changing the legal landscape for survivors of intimate partner violence.

For the first time in Canadian history, the Supreme Court has officially recognized a new tort of intimate partner violence — meaning survivors may now be able to pursue civil damages for patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour that were previously difficult to address through existing legal remedies. National Magazine

This decision is being called a turning point in family law because it acknowledges that abuse is not always physical. Coercive control can include financial abuse, intimidation, isolation, surveillance, humiliation, manipulation, and other behaviours that strip someone of their autonomy and voice. National Magazine

As Shelley explained in the podcast, this new tort recognizes forms of harm that many survivors have experienced for years, but that the legal system has historically struggled to define and address. National Magazine

At Pressé Mason, we know these conversations matter. This new legal development represents a significant step forward in recognizing the realities of intimate partner violence and providing survivors with additional avenues for accountability and justice.

Read the article here:
Canadian Bar Association Article – “New tort marks turning point” (https://nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articles/law/hot-topics-in-law/2026/new-tort-marks-turning-point?)

Listen to the podcast here:
Verdicts & Voices Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/verdicts-voices/id1586988098)

05/22/2026

Insurance companies often deny disability claims due to insufficient medical evidence, missed deadlines, or disputes over your ability to work. Before giving up on your claim, it’s important to understand the appeals process and when speaking with an experienced disability lawyer can make a difference.

At Pressé Mason, we help clients across Nova Scotia navigate long-term disability disputes, insurance claim denials, workplace issues, personal injury matters, and more.

05/01/2026

Helping Nova Scotians Through Life's Stressful Moments

Looking for a trusted law firm in Nova Scotia? Pressé Mason provides experienced legal services in personal injury, employment law, and real estate law for clients across Bedford, Halifax, and throughout Nova Scotia.

Whether you’ve recently been in a car accident, are dealing with a difficult or uncomfortable situation at work, or need a reliable lawyer for your first home purchase, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We focus on clear communication, practical advice, and strong representation—so you can move forward with confidence.

At Pressé Mason, we understand that legal matters can feel overwhelming. That’s why we take the time to listen, explain your options, and provide support that’s both professional and approachable. No matter your situation, you’ll have a team that’s committed to your best outcome.

If you’re searching for a personal injury lawyer, employment lawyer, or real estate lawyer, we’re here to help.

Serving Bedford, Halifax, and surrounding areas in Nova Scotia.

Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation -
tel:1-800-630-2254

04/10/2026

Bad faith damages are an important — and often misunderstood — aspect of employment law.

These damages may be awarded when an employer handles a dismissal in a manner that is unfair, misleading, or unduly insensitive. Unlike severance or notice pay, bad faith damages are specifically intended to compensate for the mental distress caused by the employer’s conduct during the termination process.

Courts will consider factors such as dishonesty, lack of transparency, or a failure to act in good faith when determining whether these damages apply. In certain cases, this can result in additional compensation beyond what an employee might typically expect.

Understanding your rights during a termination is critical. If you believe your employer did not act in good faith, there may be legal remedies available to you beyond standard entitlements.

03/19/2026

⚠️ One of the most overlooked causes of serious accidents? Worn tires.

Most drivers don’t think twice about them — until it’s too late.

Here’s the reality:

📊 In Canada, a mechanic will let you know if your tread depth passes or is getting close to the legal limit. If you change tires yourself, please check this every time you change them.
📊 At the legal limit, your vehicle has dramatically reduced grip, especially in rain
📊 Studies show worn tires can increase crash risk due to loss of control and longer braking times
📊 Wet roads + worn tires = a sharp rise in hydroplaning-related collisions

And in places like Nova Scotia, where weather can change quickly, that margin for error disappears fast.

We work with people every day whose lives were impacted by accidents that could have been prevented.

Not all of them were speeding.
Not all of them were distracted.

Sometimes… it comes down to something as simple as worn tires.

💛 Looking out for your community means looking out for each other on the road.

If your tires are close to worn — don’t wait.

👉 Check them. Change them. Protect your family.

03/13/2026

Just because the insurance company calls first doesn’t mean they’re on your side.

After a car accident, it’s common for insurance adjusters to reach out quickly. While some interactions are routine, there are also tactics that can put pressure on injured people before they fully understand their rights.

Here are a few things we regularly see:

1. Pushing for a recorded statement immediately
You may be asked to give a recorded statement while you’re still shaken up or before you know the extent of your injuries. What you say early on can later be used to challenge your claim.

2. Offering a quick settlement
A fast offer can sound appealing when you’re dealing with lost wages or medical bills. But early settlements often happen before the full impact of injuries is known.

3. Creating a sense of urgency
Pressure to respond quickly can make people feel they must make decisions before getting advice.

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to understand your rights before making statements or accepting offers.

The team at Pressé Mason is here to help you navigate the process and ensure your interests are protected.

02/27/2026

We would like to share an organization we recently learned about: AfterMeToo.

AfterMeToo supports individuals of any gender who have experienced, or believe they have experienced, workplace sexual harassment. The organization provides funding toward legal fees (up to a specified amount), allowing individuals to retain counsel of their choice or be connected with a lawyer in their region. Laura Neilan and Glenn Jones are pleased to have recently joined their roster of lawyers in Nova Scotia.

AfterMeToo also offers funding for counselling services, including both psychological and workplace-related support.

This is an important resource for those navigating the impact of workplace sexual harassment. If you or someone you know may benefit from this support, please feel free to contact Laura or Glenn for further information.

02/11/2026

🚨 Nova Scotia Update: New Minor Injury Cap for Car Accident Claims 🚨

If you’ve been in a motor vehicle collision in Nova Scotia, you need to know about an important change that could affect your injury claim.

📌 The new Minor Injury Cap has increased to $10,642. This cap sets the maximum amount you can recover for pain and suffering (general damages) if your injuries are legally classified as “minor.”

👉 The cap is adjusted each year based on inflation, and this updated figure reflects the most recent calculation by the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.

💡 Important things to know:
• This cap applies only to pain and suffering for “minor” injuries such as strains, sprains, or whiplash-associated injuries that do not cause serious impairment.
• It does not limit your right to seek compensation for:
– medical bills
– lost income
– rehabilitation costs
– other financial impacts of your accident
– more serious injuries that go beyond the definition of “minor.”

Many people assume insurance adjusters will automatically treat their injuries as “minor” to reduce payouts—but that’s not always accurate or fair. A proper legal evaluation can make a meaningful difference in whether this limit applies to your claim.

If you’ve been injured in a recent collision and want to understand how this change affects your rights, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact Pressé Mason for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands how these caps work and what they mean for your claim.

1-800-630-2254

01/23/2026

Prepare Strong Medical Evidence Early

1. Gather detailed medical documentation, including doctor's notes, specialist reports, test results, and treatment plans—not just a simple statement that you're unable to work. Objective evidence (e.g., MRIs, lab results) is more persuasive than subjective symptoms alone.

2. Share your policy's disability definition with your healthcare providers so they can tailor their reports to match it, explaining how your condition impacts daily functions and work duties.

3. Include non-medical evidence like coworker statements or job descriptions to show how your disability affects performance.

Denials are common due to issues like insufficient medical evidence, policy interpretation disputes, or insurer tactics, and a specialized LTD lawyer can help gather stronger evidence, navigate appeals, and potentially litigate to secure the benefits you're entitled to.

01/16/2026

Most cases settle before trial.

About 97 % of personal injury cases in Canada settle before reaching trial, meaning negotiations with insurers — where legal expertise makes a big difference — determine the outcome.

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