Ron Cummings

Ron Cummings is a Canadian retired litigator who was a major figure in Canadian law. He argued two of three cases before the Supreme Court of Canada that would eventually be considered a case law trilogy of personal injury cases for Canada. He also negotiated or litigated some of the largest personal injury awards in Canadian history.

Early life and education

Cummings grew up in the Boyle Street district on the east side of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. He was raised with his father selling iron and steel products and his mother a bookkeeper for lumber companies. The house he lived in was small and he was forced to share a bedroom with his grandfather. instead only representing people who have been disabled by acts of negligence. and Thornton v. Prince George School Board with the third being Arnold v Teno. Both cases involved large awards which were challenged by the defense. The result of the rulings was the raising of non-monetary damages that could be awarded in such cases. Cummings tried a case in 1998 that resulted in the first ruling to use a pay-equity model. The judge awarded $4 million to the plaintiff calculated based on "the same salary level as a man had she not been injured."

Cummings was nominated for the Order of Canada, the second highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada. He retired from the firm in 2009 but remained on as a consultant.

Personal life

Cummings lives on a 40-acre estate southeast of Edmonton. He has two children and was married to Virginia Cummings until her death in 2007.