Kaitlyn MacDonell is a partner at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP and the 2021 recipient of the OTLA Martin Wunder Q.C. Outstanding New Lawyer Award. She is a brain injury lawyer, motor vehicle accidents lawyer, accident benefits disputes lawyer, medical malpractice lawyer, and long-term disability lawyer – with particular depth in brain injury cases, grounded in personal experience.
Called to the Ontario Bar: 2013
Kaitlyn’s father sustained an acquired brain injury following a serious assault. That experience informs every brain injury file she handles – how she communicates with clients and families, the attention she gives to long-term impact, and the genuine empathy she brings. She holds a JD from Windsor Law and a BSc in Forensic Science (Trent University) and received the 2012 Rueter Scargall Bennett LLP Prize in Legal Ethics.
She teaches at Osgoode Hall Law School’s MVA Law Certificate Course, has presented at the LSO Motor Vehicle Litigation Summit, serves on the OTLA Practice Direction Committee, and was past editor-in-chief of the OTLA LTD Section Newsletter. She is President of the Brain Injury Association – Peterborough Region (10+ years on board).
Cases Kaitlyn Handles
- Brain injury claims lawyer– traumatic and acquired
- Accident benefits (SABS) disputes and denials lawyer
- Motor vehicle accidents; medical malpractice lawyer
- Long-term disability lawyer; catastrophic injury claims
Awards and Recognition
- OTLA 2021 Martin Wunder Q.C. Outstanding New Lawyer Award
- 2012 Rueter Scargall Bennett LLP Prize in Legal Ethics
- Listed in the annual peer-reviewed Canadian legal directory – Personal Injury Category
Teaching and Professional Leadership
- Osgoode Hall Law School – MVA Law Certificate Course Instructor
- LSO Motor Vehicle Litigation Summit – Presenter
- OTLA Practice Direction Committee – Member; Past editor-in-chief, OTLA LTD Section Newsletter
Community Involvement
- Brain Injury Association – Peterborough Region, President (10+ years Board)
Education
- Called to the Ontario Bar: 2013
- JD – University of Windsor, Faculty of Law (2012)
- BSc, Forensic Science – Trent University (2009)
Contact Kaitlyn MacDonell in Toronto
Call: 877-771-7006 | Direct: 647-260-4498
Email: kmacdonell@hshlawyers.com | Website: hshlawyers.com/team/kaitlyn-macdonell/
Free Consultations · Contingency Fee Basis · Home and Hospital Visits · Multilingual Services
FAQ’s
How are brain injury damages calculated in Ontario?
Damages cover the nature and severity of the injury, its impact on daily life and work, the cost of future care and treatment (neuropsychology, occupational therapy, adaptive equipment), and non-economic losses. Expert evidence from neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, and future care planners is typically required.
What is Kaitlyn’s Forensic Science background and how does it help?
Kaitlyn’s BSc in Forensic Science from Trent University provides an analytical foundation in evidence assessment and scientific methodology – particularly valuable in brain injury cases involving complex medical imaging, neuropsychological testing, and contested expert opinions.
Does Kaitlyn MacDonell appear before the Licence Appeal Tribunal?
Yes. The LAT hears accident benefits disputes in Ontario. Kaitlyn appears before the LAT in SABS cases where insurers have denied or underpaid benefits, and before the Ontario Superior Court in civil personal injury and medical malpractice cases.