SLIP AND FALL
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone slips and sustains an injury on another’s property. There are myriad circumstances under which a slip and fall can occur, but they are frequently due to property owner negligence. Thousands of Canadians end up in the hospital following a slip and fall accident each year. If you have sustained an injury from slipping and falling on someone else’s property, whether public or private, an Alberta personal injury lawyer may be able to help you obtain compensation.
PROPERTY TYPES WHERE SLIPS & FALLS CAN OCCUR
Public Property
PRIVATE PROPERTY
Public Property
Private Property
SENIORS ARE AT GREATER RISK
Although this type of accident can happen to anyone, seniors account for the vast majority of fall-related injuries. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), falls were responsible for four out of every five seniors who required injury hospitalization.
WHEN YOU SHOULD CALL A LAWYER
People fall due to slips and trips every day. Fortunately, most can get up and laugh about it right away. But a serious fall injury can result in expensive medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, and even permanent disability.
Under the Occupier’s Liability Act, it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that their property is safe for visitors to use. If you slipped and broke your wrist on steps that had not been properly cleared of ice and snow, for example, the property owner may be liable for any resulting damages.
Not all slip and fall accidents are straightforward, however. Many cases rely heavily on circumstantial evidence, and without legal guidance, you may be unable to protect your rights and obtain the settlement you deserve. An Alberta slip and fall lawyer can review the particulars of your case, help you gather evidence to support your claim, and position you for the most favourable outcome.
MAKING A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
To build a strong case, you must prove that your injury resulted from the owner’s failure to adequately maintain their property. As such, it’s essential to act quickly and gather evidence to substantiate your claim. If possible, take pictures of the hazardous area, obtain statements from witnesses, and ask a doctor to provide documentation of your injuries.
In order to prove that the property owner was at fault, the following three circumstances should be present:
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition on their property.
- The property owner did not rectify the hazardous condition in a reasonable amount of time.
- The victim was behaving in a reasonable and expected way at the time of the accident (e.g., walking down the stairs, rather than sliding down the handrail).
Canadian law offers strong protections for victims in slip and fall cases; don’t hesitate to consult with an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer to determine your rights and options.
CALL ROBERTS LAW TODAY
At Roberts Law, we don’t treat clients like a number. We tailor our service to each client’s unique needs because we understand that every case requires a different approach. Our dedicated, compassionate legal team has been protecting the rights of personal injury victims throughout central and southern Alberta for years, and we have an impressive track record of obtaining substantial settlements for our clients. Call us today at 587-391-5110 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.