Both Sides of the Table

Azimi Law has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation matters. Understanding how the opposing side thinks — and how insurers and opposing counsel approach litigation strategy — is a genuine advantage that shapes how we approach every file, regardless of which side of the table our client sits on.

For defendants, being named in a civil lawsuit is often unexpected and deeply stressful. Whether your insurance policy is engaged, whether coverage is disputed, or whether you are uninsured entirely, you have the right to proper representation — and you need counsel who understands the full landscape of Ontario civil litigation.

Who We Represent on the Defence Side

  • Individuals sued after a motor vehicle accident — including uninsured drivers, drivers whose insurer disputes coverage, or those with policy limits disputes
  • Property owners facing occupiers' liability claims — slip and falls, premises incidents, pool accidents, and related allegations
  • Dog owners facing Dog Owners' Liability Act claims — strict liability does not mean unlimited exposure; mitigation and contributory negligence still apply
  • Defendants in breach of contract and commercial disputes — building defences, establishing limitations arguments, and negotiating resolution
  • Individuals facing defamation claims — including Anti-SLAPP motions where the claim is designed to silence legitimate expression
  • Landlords and tenants defending LTB and Superior Court proceedings
  • Employers responding to wrongful dismissal claims

Uninsured and Under-Insured Defendants

If you are being sued and do not have applicable insurance coverage — or your insurer has denied coverage under your policy — you are personally exposed to any judgment. This is one of the most urgent situations in civil litigation, because default judgments can be registered against your property and enforced through garnishment. Azimi Law provides defence representation to uninsured defendants and advises on coverage disputes with insurers who wrongly deny a defence obligation.

Insurance coverage disputes: Where an insurer denies its obligation to defend a civil claim, the insured has the right to challenge that denial. We advise on coverage disputes and, where necessary, bring declaratory proceedings to compel the insurer to provide a defence.

Insurance Companies Suing Our Clients

Insurance companies — including accident benefit insurers, property insurers, and LTD carriers — sometimes pursue subrogation claims or bring actions against individuals. We represent defendants in these proceedings. We also represent individuals who have been named in contribution claims following multi-party litigation or who face actions from WSIB for recovery of benefits paid.

Why Both-Sides Experience Matters

An Ontario litigation lawyer who has only ever acted for plaintiffs knows the plaintiff's playbook. At Azimi Law, our experience on both sides of civil litigation means we know exactly what the plaintiff's counsel is trying to accomplish, what evidence they are assembling, and how they expect the defence to respond. That knowledge — in both directions — serves every client better.

Frequently Asked Questions — Defence Matters

I've been served with a Statement of Claim — what do I do first?
You have 20 days to serve and file a Statement of Defence in the Superior Court of Justice (10 days if you were served outside Ontario). Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment being noted against you without a hearing. Call Azimi Law immediately upon receiving any court document.
My insurance company says my policy doesn't cover this claim. What are my options?
An insurer who wrongly denies coverage owes their insured a duty of good faith. We can review your policy, advise on whether the denial was proper, and bring a coverage application if the insurer has breached its defence obligation. Meanwhile, you also need a defence on the merits — we handle both concurrently.
Can you represent me even though I'm the defendant?
Absolutely. Azimi Law represents both plaintiffs and defendants in civil matters. The right to a proper defence is fundamental regardless of which side you are on. We take defence mandates seriously and bring the same preparation and analytical rigour we apply to plaintiff work.
I don't have money to pay a lawyer — is there any help available?
Defence matters are typically billed on a retainer and hourly basis rather than contingency. However, we offer reasonable rates, flexible payment arrangements in appropriate cases, and upfront fee transparency so you understand your costs. Contact us to discuss options.