LAT outcomes update: fewer decisions in favour of injured claimants, according to the 2025 inHealth Statistical Analysis

November 24, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

A recent update published in the 2025 inHealth Statistical Analysis examines the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) decisions through December 2024, offering a retrospective and concurrent view of disputed accident-benefit claims. Building on the 2023 analysis, the report draws from inHEALTH’s LAT Compendium - a comprehensive repository of LAT decisions - and highlights emerging patterns that are capturing the attention of claimants, counsel, insurers, and policymakers.

What the data show

At the core, the analysis signals a shift toward insurer-favourable outcomes in 2024. The LAT Compendium captured 5,670 substantive decisions by 2024, marking an increase of 1,181 decisions since the end of 2023. In addition, 892 reconsiderations and 155 judicial appeals (JA) occurred in 2024, up 141 and 43 respectively. An adjustment added 85 decisions to the 2023 totals released early in 2024, resulting in a 1% increase for insured applicants and a 1% decrease for insurers, with no material change to outcomes at the issue level.

Across release years, the overall trend in 2024 shows a notable tilt toward insurer success. The insurer-success rate rose to 74% in 2024, up from 70% in 2023. Conversely, the insured-applicant success rate declined to 8% in 2024, down from 11% in 2023. Split decisions remained in a modest range around 18%, continuing to reflect a portion of applications where only some items were awarded. The 2024 data also reflect a recalibration: an additional 54 decisions released in 2024 had a 2023 release date, which slightly altered the 2023 outcomes to 10% for insured applicants, 71% for insurers, and 19% splits, underscoring how small recalibrations can influence the interpretation of year-to-year trends.

Adjudicator dynamics and decision-making environment

The LAT’s adjudicator pool expanded significantly by the end of 2024. There were 184 adjudicators with decisions issued since April 2016, up from 132 previously. A striking development was the growth in Group C adjudicators (those with nine or fewer decisions), rising from 48 to 84 - an increase of 75%. This onboarding of newer adjudicators can introduce variability in decision-making as experience accrues, even as overall capacity increases to accommodate rising volumes.

Reconsiderations and judicial appeals

Post-decision review activity grew in 2024. Reconsiderations rose by 141, and JA’s by 43, indicating sustained engagement with initial determinations beyond the first decision. Importantly, the analysis notes a rise in matters remitted for rehearing: reconsiderations remitted increased from 30 to 38, while JA remitted increased from 15 to 24. Across reconsiderations and JA’s, the proportion upheld remained substantial, with the data suggesting a continued emphasis on accuracy and alignment with evidence through subsequent review.

Issues, self-representation and the data’s limitations

The LAT Compendium enables issue-based analysis, including MIG, IRB, CAT, and MED/Rehab-related matters, and it allows scrutiny by adjudicator and by representation status. The 2024 data, however, reflect the practical realities of a complex, evolving system. The analysis cautions against assuming uniform outcomes across all issues or adjudicators, noting that the lifetime nature of adjudicator counts and potential legislative or procedural changes over nine years can influence patterns. In short, the trend toward insurer-favourable results is evident.

Implications for claimants, practitioners and policymakers

• For injured claimants: The trend underscores the value of early, proactive legal guidance. Engaging a knowledgeable personal injury practitioner or claims advocate soon after a dispute arises can help ensure robust evidence collection, timely submissions, and a clear strategy for reconsideration or appeal if needed. Emphasis on comprehensive medical and rehabilitation records, precise documentation of expenses and losses, and alignment with LAT criteria is essential.
• For practitioners and insurers: The data highlight the importance of consistent documentation and a disciplined, evidence-based approach to each dispute. Practitioners should advise clients on potential reconsideration or appeal pathways, while insurers may benefit from targeted guidance on common denial reasons and the strategic use of post-decision review processes to refine outcomes.
• For policymakers and system designers: The insurer-favourable tilt identified in 2024 invites scrutiny of training, guidelines, and adjudicator support to promote fairness and predictability. Ongoing transparency about decision patterns can foster trust and accountability, while targeted adjustments may help reduce unwarranted disparities.

Conclusion

The 2023–2024 retrospective and concurrent analysis in the 2025 inHealth Statistical Analysis provides a nuanced portrait of Ontario’s accident-benefit dispute resolution landscape. While insurer-favourable outcomes have become more pronounced, the LAT Compendium remains a valuable tool for risk assessment, strategy development, and policy dialogue. If you would like a deeper dive into Appendix data or a stakeholder-focused briefing, we are available to provide additional context.

For those seeking the full, data-rich perspective, the 2025 inHealth Statistical Analysis offers the comprehensive picture through December 2024 and early 2025 directions, helping practitioners calibrate expectations and advocate effectively in a complex claims environment.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.