In this episode, Hamish and Stan discuss the challenges many Ottawa homeowners are facing after the Canada Day floods. They explain common types of flood insurance coverage, why claims may be denied, and what steps you can take to protect your rights during the claims process. They also cover documenting damage, communicating with insurers, and Ontario's Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program for those whose losses may not be covered by insurance. A practical, plain-language conversation for anyone navigating the aftermath of a flood.
5 Jun 2026
From Docks to Dockets: All About Boat Law - Civil Banter Episode 15
Cottage season is underway, and with more boats on Ontario’s waterways, questions around liability and insurance are more relevant than ever.
In this episode of Civil Banter, our hosts dive into the legal side of boating accidents. Who’s at fault when something goes wrong on the water? What kind of insurance applies? And what should you know before heading out on the lake? Our hosts break it all down with practical insights and real-world examples from a personal injury perspective.
We also bring back fan-favourite segment “The Reasonable Stan”, where Stan takes a crack at guessing damages in a fascinating case involving a professional bagpiper whose career was impacted by dental malpractice.
17 Apr 2026
Catastrophic Impairment: The High-Stakes Determination
In our latest episode of Civil Banter, our hosts Hamish and Stan unpack one of the most consequential findings in Ontario accident benefits law: catastrophic impairment. From million‑dollar benefit caps to complex medical and legal tests, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Our hosts break down how catastrophic impairment is determined, why insurers often push back, and what injured people need to know about navigating a system where life‑changing decisions can be made in just a few days.
18 Mar 2026
Grounds for a Lawsuit: All About Slips and Falls
In this episode, Stan and Hamish break down the essentials of slip and fall lawsuits, from how falls happen to the deadlines, evidence, and legal standards that shape a claim.
4 Feb 2026
Before You Sign That Waiver
In this episode of Civil Banter, our hosts Hamish and Stan dive into a topic that affects almost everyone: waivers.
After kicking things off with some life updates, the topic turns to a core legal question: What is a waiver, and when will it actually stop you from suing if you’re injured?
Using a recent 2024 Ottawa court decision (Bernier v. City of Ottawa) as a case study, Hamish and Stan break down how courts analyze waivers, why the specific wording matters, and how factors like timing, experience, and the nature of the activity can determine whether a waiver is enforceable. The episode wraps with practical takeaways for both event organizers and participants, reminding listeners that when it comes to waivers (as with many things in law) it depends.
7 Jan 2026
AI vs. JD
In Episode 11 of Civil Banter, Stan and Hamish dive into the growing influence of AI in legal practice. They discuss recent cases where lawyers relied on AI-generated factums containing fake citations, the ethical implications, and new court rules requiring lawyers to certify their sources. While AI can help with drafting, it’s far from reliable for research and demands careful oversight.
Our hosts also tackle two frequently asked questions:
- Is what you tell your lawyer confidential?
- Is there a maximum amount you can sue for?
4 Sept 2025
I SPY WITH MY LEGAL EYE...
Legal experts Hamish and Stan explore surveillance tactics in personal injury cases, revealing how insurance companies use private investigators and the legal implications of this evidence.
6 Aug 2025
Pour Choices: When a Party Turns into a Lawsuit
Civil litigators Hamish Mills-McEwan and Stanford Cummings explore social host liability, examining when party hosts face legal responsibility for guests' overindulgence and subsequent incidents.
16 Jul 2025
The Dog Days of Summer
Hosts Hamish Mills-McEwan and Stanford Cummings examine Ontario's Dog Owners’ Liability Act, clarifying strict liability and outlining who is responsible when a dog causes harm, including landlords and dog walkers.
25 Jun 2025
The Accident Benefits Bonanza, Part 2
This episode explores Ontario's accident benefits system, which provides crucial support for individuals recovering from car accident injuries as drivers, cyclists, passengers, or pedestrians.
11 Jun 2025
The Accident Benefits Bonanza, Part 1
Hosts Hamish and Stan explore Ontario's accident benefits system, explaining its function and importance within the insurance framework, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of this often-overlooked area.
28 May 2025
Minor Collisions, Major Problems
Hosts Hamish Mills and Stanford Cummings examine the assessment of general damages and the impact of virtual hearings on courtroom experiences in this episode.
14 May 2025
Show Me The Interest
Explore the evolving world of prejudgment interest on Civil Banter. Learn how two major Court of Appeal decisions are reshaping civil litigation.
30 Apr 2025
The Cost of Proving Injury
Join Hamish Mills-McEwan and Stanford Cummings as they intertwine their deep legal knowledge with rich personal interests in the latest episode of ‘Civil Banter’, discussing everything from ancient history to modern AI's impact on cooking.
16 Apr 2025
When the Law Gets Personal
Dive into the intricacies of civil law with Hamish and Stanford, associate lawyers at Nelligan Law, in this engaging episode of Civil Banter. This episode explores the intersection of personal experiences and professional practice in law, focusing on contract law and the challenges of litigating within family dynamics. Additionally, the hosts share their personal hobbies and insights into how these activities impact their professional lives.
2 Apr 2025
Breaking Down the Dollars. The Real Value of General Damages in Civil Litigation
This inaugural episode of Civil Banter introduces hosts Hamish and Stanford, associate lawyers at Nelligan Law, as they dive into the world of civil litigation. The episode covers a range of topics from personal injury and insurance claims to estate litigation, providing both personal and professional insights into the life of a lawyer.
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Spotify
4.9 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
21
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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Questions about Civil Banter
Who hosts Civil Banter?
Stanford Cummings and Hamish and Hamish Mills-McEwan and Stan host the show. Published by Hamish Mills-McEwan, Stanford Cummings.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Civil Banter take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
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