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Practice Highlights

Leonard has been a partner at Thomson Rogers since 1989.

Leonard’s litigation practice is dedicated to helping victims and families who are coping with the effects of a serious injury.

Leonard has extensive trial experience, successfully representing seriously injured individuals and their families, in all types of injury cases.

Leonard’s litigation department includes an experienced and caring group of law clerks and legal assistants who work with him as a team to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

Leonard’s father suffered a devastating traumatic brain injury many years ago. Living with a family member who was recovering from a traumatic brain injury has given him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by an individual with a head injury. This experience has also created in him, compassion and empathy for injured persons and their families.

Leonard has the honour of having been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best LawyersTM in Canada since 2010 in the field of personal injury litigation. He has also had the honour of having been selected by his peers to be published in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory as a leading practitioner in the field of Personal Injury Litigation.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Toronto (1980)
  • Bachelor of Laws, Osgoode Hall Law School (1983)

Professional Accreditations and Affiliations

  • Certified Specialist (Civil Litigation)
  • LEXPERT® Ranked Lawyer
  • Listed in The Best LawyersTM in Canada since 2010
  • Martindale-Hubbell® Ranked Lawyer
  • The Advocates’ Society
  • The Canadian Bar Association (CBA)
  • Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA)
  • The Medico-Legal Society of Toronto
  • The Metropolitan Toronto Lawyers Association (MTLA)
  • American Association for Justice
  • Past Director of the Community Head Injury Rehabilitation Services of Toronto and Region (CHIRS)
  • Member of the Advisory Committee for the Osgoode Certificate in Clinical Risk Program
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  • $3.3 Million Dollar Settlement for Car Accident Victim

    On March 23, 2004, Garth Holding suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident when his vehicle was struck by an oncoming car.

    View associated video.

  • Best Lawyers in Canada 2020

    We are proud to announce that 13 Thomson Rogers partners have been selected for inclusion in the 14th Edition of The Best LawyersTM in Canada. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation.  Lawyers are not required or … Continued

  • Are you covered for an out of province motor vehicle accident?

    One of the biggest concerns for Ontario motorist travelling outside Ontario is whether their insurance will cover their claims should they become involved in an accident. This is a significant concern.

  • Best Lawyers in Canada 2019

    We are proud to announce that 16 Thomson Rogers partners have been selected for inclusion in the 13th Edition of The Best LawyersTM in Canada. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Almost 87,000 industry … Continued

  • 2018 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory Rankings

    Thomson Rogers is proud to announce that 10 of our lawyers have earned the distinction of being listed in The 2018 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory. To be included in the directory is an acknowledgement of excellence in their respective fields by their colleagues. Please join us in congratulating the following lawyers listed in the 2018 edition … Continued

  • Join Us at the Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show 2018

    Join us on Saturday, April 7th and Sunday, April 8th at the Toronto International Centre for the Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show. Thomson Rogers will once more be showing three vintage Motorcycles – Nortons and a Triumph all of which will be entered into the vintage bike championships. Join Craig Brown, Leonard Kunka, Robert Ben, Ian … Continued

  • Best Lawyers in Canada 2018

    Posted August 22, 2017

    Published annually by Best Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in Canada is one of the country’s most highly regarded legal directories. Inclusion is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey and a thorough authentication process. We are proud to announce that the following 17 lawyers from Thomson Rogers were selected for inclusion in 12th Edition of The … Continued

  • 2017 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory Rankings

    We are proud to announce that 14 of Thomson Rogers’ lawyers have earned the distinction of being listed in the 2017 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory. To be included in the directory is an acknowledgement of excellence by their peers. Congratulations to: DAVID NEILL – listed as  Repeatedly Recommended in Plaintiff Personal Injury Litigation PATRICK SCHMIDT – listed as Consistently … Continued

  • Social Host Liability Case Must Go To Trial

    Law Times | by Alex Robinson, commentary by Leonard Kunka | March 20, 2017

    Lawyers say a recent Ontario Superior Court decision leaves the door open for a possible finding of social host liability in certain circumstances. In Wardak v. Froom, the defendants, Stephen and Carol Froom, held a party for their son, Graeme, celebrating his 19th birthday in 2011. The plaintiff, Dean Wardak, who was 18 at the time, … Continued

  • Operation Christmas Child 2016

    Posted December 2, 2016

    During National Collection Week (November 14-20), Thomson Rogers participated in Operation Christmas Child for the 9th straight year, doing so since 2007. This event gathers gifts and items for children and sends them worldwide to help put smiles on the faces of kids everywhere possible. This year Thomson Rogers’ staff and lawyers filled 78 boxes full … Continued

  • Thomson Rogers gives back to organizations helping trauma victims

    InsideToronto.com | November 16, 2016

    After 80 years helping people who have been injured in accidents, personal injury law firm Thomson Rogers has given back to several organizations that provide support services for those same victims. Thomson Rogers marked its 80th anniversary by donating $80,000 to charities including the Ontario Brain Injury Association, The War Amps, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario … Continued

  • Traffic Accident Fatalities on the Rise: What Torontonians Need to Know

    Posted November 11, 2016 | Leonard Kunka quoted

    TORONTO, November 10, 2016 – When everyone claims the right of way, no one wins. That seems to be exactly what’s happening on Toronto’s streets as the number of traffic collisions and fatalities climbs. “It is a real public safety issue and one that could get even worse as we transition from fall to winter,” … Continued

  • There Have Been Major Changes To The Accident Benefits In Ontario

    As of June 1, 2016, there were significant changes made to the motor vehicle accident benefits in Ontario. The change in the definition of catastrophic impairment is important to note as it will drastically reduce the number of injuries that qualify a person as catastrophically impaired following an injury. One of the biggest reasons for … Continued

  • Best Lawyers in Canada 2017

    August 10, 2016

    Published annually by Best Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in Canada is one of the country’s most highly regarded legal directories. Inclusion is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey and a thorough authentication process. We are proud to announce that the following 14 lawyers from Thomson Rogers were selected for inclusion in 11th Edition of The Best … Continued

  • Ontario’s benefit cuts profoundly affect car accident victims

    The Globe and Mail | by Leonard Kunka | July 10, 2016

    Many Ontarians missed the fact that on June 1 their provincial government cut in half the accident benefits (“no-fault”) coverage available for people suffering a catastrophic injury in a car accident. This change has a profound impact on everyone in Ontario, including 8.5 million drivers, injured people and their families, the insurance industry and the … Continued

  • Making the Links Golf Classic

    Posted June 20, 2016

    FORE! At least that’s what personal injury lawyers Leonard Kunka and David MacDonald might be hearing as they make an appearance on behalf of Thomson Rogers at tomorrow’s golf event. Tuesday, June 21, 2016 is Henderson Structured Settlements’ 6th annual Making the Links Golf Classic in support of the Hamilton Health Sciences, as well as … Continued

  • 2016 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory Rankings

    Posted June 21, 2016

    We are proud to announce that 15 of Thomson Rogers’ lawyers have earned the distinction of being listed in the 2016 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory. To be included in the directory is an acknowledgement of excellence by their peers. Congratulations to: Roger T. Beaman – Repeatedly Recommended in Property Development Craig Brown – Most Frequently Recommended in Plaintiff Personal Injury … Continued

  • Meet Leonard Kunka – Personal Injury Lawyer

    Watch this short biography video and get to know personal injury lawyer Leonard Kunka, a partner with the Toronto law firm of Thomson Rogers. Learn about the person behind the lawyer – why he chose law and what he is passionate about. Leonard’s father suffered a devastating traumatic brain injury many years ago. Living with … Continued

  • Ontario Car Insurance Changes – How it affects you

    Fight Back with Libby Znaimer | with Leonard Kunka | May 11, 2016

    Thomson Rogers’ personal injury lawyer Leonard Kunka, and proud member of PIA Law, answers questions from the public with respect to the upcoming changes to Ontario car insurance. New reforms are set to come out June 1st. How will they affect you? Leonard Kunka sheds some light. Listen to the Ontario Car Insurance Podcast. Related Resources for … Continued

  • Pothole Damage

    GlobalNews.ca | by Erica Vella, Leonard Kunka quoted | April 6, 2016

    After each winter, potholes are found throughout the city, and if you hate them as much as most drivers, you’re not alone. Our very own, Leonard Kunka, was unfortunate to have pothole-related damage done to his vehicle, which racked up $1500 in repairs. Aside from cautiously trying to avoid potholes while driving, there’s not much … Continued

  • “Arbitrator Slams Insurer for Acting in Bad Faith”

    The Lawyers Weekly | February 5, 2016

    A recent decision by arbitrator Knox Henry of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) in Thomas Waldock and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company has sent a wake-up call to all insurance companies about their primary duty of utmost good faith to their insureds when dealing with first party claims. In this case, a … Continued

    • Cases highlight need to break down statutory accident benefits

      The Lawyers Weekly | September 9, 2016

      Two recent decisions by the Ontario Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal for Ontario provide a sobering reminder of the necessity of providing clear and unequivocal breakdowns of the amounts received for Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS), includ­ing any lump sum settlements. A similar clear set of jury ques­tions which separates each head of damage … Continued

    • Major Accident Benefits Changes Come into Effect on June 1st, 2016

      Accident Benefits Summary Charts (for accident on or after June 1, 2016)

      To help those in Ontario understand the major automobile insurance changes and the new reduced accident benefits limits, Thomson Rogers has prepared two useful accident benefits summary charts. The first chart: Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule Summary (for accidents on or after June 1, 2016) highlights the accident benefits available for each of the three categories of … Continued

    • “Arbitrator Slams Insurer for Acting in Bad Faith”

      The Lawyers Weekly | February 5, 2016

      A recent decision by arbitrator Knox Henry of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) in Thomas Waldock and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company has sent a wake-up call to all insurance companies about their primary duty of utmost good faith to their insureds when dealing with first party claims. In this case, a … Continued

    • Thomson Rogers on Municipal Liability

      Chapter 2

    • Rehabilitation and Legal Issues – The Rural Challenge

      St. John's Rehab Lunch & Learn

    • TORT DAMAGES – The Claims That You Never Knew You Had (and Those You Don’t)

      presented at the St. John's Rehab Lunch & Learn

    • TORT DAMAGES – The Claims That You Never Knew You Had (and Those You Don’t)

      Ontario Bar Association's Institute 2013 - The Great Debates in Insurance Law: Effective Settlement Strategies at Mediation

    • Insurance Law for Criminal Lawyers

      Law Society of Ontario Webcast

      Law Society SKU #CLE12-01111.

    • Liability Risks Facing Athletic Associations and Coaches

      "Keep Your Head In The Game - Play Hard Play Safe" Concussion Discussion, hosted by the Bay of Quinte Safe Communities and the Brain Injury Association of Quinte District

    • Catastrophic Impairment and the Impact of the Court of Appeal Decision in Kusnierz v. Economical Mutual Insurance Company – The Plaintiff’s Perspective

      Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association (CICMA)

      View PDF of presentation

    • How the Statutory Accident Benefits Can Be Used to Assist Families in Crisis

      "The Ripple Effect" conference in conjunction with the Brain Injury Association of Quinte District

      View PDF of presentation.

      View paper.

    • Driving Assessments for Personal Injury Victims

      Skill Builders Conference for The Association of Driving Rehabilitation Specialists

    • Ask for Legal Advice – a seminar on recent Court cases

      Darcy Merkur & Leonard Kunka, Ask for Legal Advice – a seminar on recent Court cases impacting the interpretation of the definition of “catastrophic impairment” in the Ontario Statutory Accident Benefit Schedule, presented at the Neurological Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario on June 10, 2011.

    • Ask for Legal Advice – a seminar on recent Court cases impacting the interpretation of the definition of “catastrophic impairment” in the Ontario Statutory Accident Benefit Schedule

      Neurological Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario

    • Determing Catastrophic Impairment for the New SABS

      "Piecing the Puzzle Together: Catastrophic Claims, Tort Claims and the New SABS" conference with Thomson Rogers

      View PDF of presentation.

    • Medical Professionals Charting

      "Lorman's Medical Records Law in Ontario" seminar

      View PDF of presentation.

    • An Overview of the Litigation Process (And its Impact on Clinical Risk)

      Osgoode Professional Development's Program toward the Osgoode Certificate in Clinical Risk

    • The 3 Most Important Changes to the Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule From the Perspective of Hospital Trauma Workers

      Anyone injured in a car accident is entitled to accident benefits (also known as no-fault benefits).  The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (the “SABS”) sets out a person’s benefit entitlement and the process to access those benefits. Several significant changes have been made to the SABS effective September 1, 2010.  These changes may have an impact … Continued

    • Returning to Work Following a Serious Injury – Success Lies in the Hands of the Rehabilitation Team,

      "Back-to-School II with Thomson Rogers" conference

      View PDF of presentation.

    • Overview of Accident Benefit Changes and Optional Insurance Coverage

      "How will Ontario's New Automobile Legislation Impact Patients and their Treatment?" seminar, in conjunction with Physio Fix & Fitness