Our Lawyers - Profile of Derek Mah

Derek Mah
Derek was born in Vancouver and raised in Richmond. He graduated from St. George’s School in 1992. Subsequently, he attended the University of British Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1996, Derek was accepted into the physiotherapy program at the University of British Columbia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy and practiced as a registered and licensed physiotherapist in public and private practice until 2003.

While working as a physiotherapist, Derek entered law school and received his law degree from the University of British Columbia in 2003. He was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2004.

Following his call, Derek worked at a large downtown firm and specialized in the defence of ICBC and personal injury claims. In mid-2006, he joined Murphy Battista and now, is dedicated only to the representation of plaintiffs in personal injury claims.

Derek’s training and experience as a physiotherapist and former defence lawyer provide him with unique insight into the medical and legal issues that his clients face. He has appeared as lead counsel in the British Columbia Provincial Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal.

Derek lives in Vancouver with his wife and two children.

Recent Cases

• Sall v. ICBC, 2007 BCPC: Derek represented clients who were told by ICBC that they had misrepresented the principal driver on their car insurance and would not be covered for their loss. The Court found that there was no misrepresentation of the principal driver and awarded judgement to Derek’s clients. Read the Reasons for Judgement.
  
  
• Thauli v. Corporation of Delta, 2008 BCSC 437: Derek represented a client who was injured in a slip and fall. The defendant applied to have the claim dismissed for lack of notice and was unsuccessful. Read Reasons for Judgement.
  
  
• Notenbomer v. Andjelic, 2008 BCSC 509:Derek represented a client who was injured in a car accident. His client’s most significant injury was a disc herniation and she was awarded judgement of more than $550,000. Read the Reasons for Judgement.
  
  
  
• Reyes v. Pascual, 2008 BCSC 1324: Derek acted as co-counsel and represented a client who was injured in a car accident. Read the Reasons for Judgement.
  
  
  
• Wensink, 2008 Board of Referees Employment Insurance: Derek represented a client who had part of his income tax refund deducted by EI. Derek appealed the deduction by EI and the Board of Referees allowed the appeal. Read the Board of Referees Decision.
  
  
• Peake v. Higo, 2008 BCSC 265: Derek represented a client who was injured in a car accident. His client’s most significant injury was a torn shoulder muscle and bilateral frozen shoulder. Read the Reasons for Judgement.
  

Recent Conferences

• Presenter, UBC Continuing Studies – Rehab and the Law (April, 2007)
• Presenter, Continuing Legal Education – Personal Injury & ICBC Cases in Provincial Court (November, 2008)
• Presenter, Continuing Legal Education – Personal Injury Conference 2009 (June, 2009)