To complement the large national adjusting firms are numerous small adjusting firms that offer services in local areas. Even though Canada is very similar to the United States in claims handling, the legal systems differ. In fact, Canada is more closely related to the British Legal System. Canada is less litigious than the United States, and claim settlements are much lower. This is adjusted periodically to allow for inflation.
Punitive damages are also very rare.
The Canadian system also discourages frivolous claims. An unsuccessful party is usually ordered to pay the legal costs of the person they sued. These features are in stark contrast to the U.S. system, which has no limit on award amounts, hands out large punitive awards on a regular basis, and provides no deterrent to commencing frivolous actions. Canadian legal costs are easier to control than in the United States. Most courts have implemented case management procedures to speed up litigation and to keep legal fees at a reasonable level.