Were you hurt in a slip and fall accident in Brantford, Ontario? If so, you may have a valid legal claim against a negligent property owner, occupier, municipality, or contractor. The best way to recover fair compensation under provincial law is to seek assistance from Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers.
We opened our law firm’s doors in 1981 to help personal injury victims in their pursuit of justice. Our Brantford slip and fall accident lawyers have 92+ years of combined experience, and we’ve secured over $100 million for our clients. We’re here to help you seek a financial recovery for the full extent of your damages.
Call us at (519) 751 9169 or contact us online. We offer a free consultation to discuss your slip and fall case with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Brantford, ON.
How Can Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Slip and Fall Accident in Brantford, ON?
Proving liability for a slip and fall accident can be challenging. You may have trouble identifying who’s responsible for the hazard that caused your injury. Or, the liable party may promptly repair the dangerous condition. Additionally, you may have as little as days to notify the at-fault party of your intent to take legal action.
All of these factors underscore the importance of experienced legal representation. With our award-winning Brantford personal injury lawyers by your side, you won’t have to worry about these issues. We’ll diligently handle every aspect of your case, allowing you the necessary time to heal from your injuries.
If you hire Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers to take on your Brantford slip and fall accident claim, we’ll:
- Promptly investigate the cause of your fall to identify the liable party and preserve your rights
- Develop a strategy and collect evidence to prove your case
- Accurately assess the full range of your damages under personal injury law
- Handle all filings and requirements by the applicable deadline
- Negotiate with insurance companies and other opposing parties for a favorable settlement
- Represent you in the courtroom if necessary
Don’t risk missing important deadlines or settling for less than you deserve. Contact our legal team for a free, no-obligation case review with a slip and fall lawyer in Brantford, ON.
Overview of Slip and Fall Accident Law in Ontario
Pursuant to the Occupiers’ Liability Act, the occupier of a property has a duty to exercise reasonable care to ensure the safety of visitors who enter their premises. What is deemed “reasonable” will depend entirely on the circumstances.
For example, a premises owner may have a duty to regularly inspect their property to ensure it is cleared of ice and snow. Or, a store manager may have a duty to warn customers of a spill by placing a “Wet Floor” sign in front of it. It’s a fact-specific determination in each case that will require an examination of whether the occupier breached their duty of care.
An “occupier” can include one who has physical possession of the property or a person who has control over:
- The condition of the property;
- The activities carried out on the premises; or
- People who are permitted to enter the premises.
By this definition, owners, landlords, tenants, contractors, managers, and others could be liable for an injury that occurs on the property. Municipalities and other government entities can also be responsible for accidents that happen in public areas, such as sidewalks, roads, and buildings.
How Common Are Slips and Falls in Canada?
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, accidental falls are the most common reason people visit the emergency department (ED) or are hospitalized for trauma annually. The latest data shows that nearly one-third of all ED visits are for injuries sustained from falls.
Around 67% of falls occur from slips and trips, and the remaining are falls from heights.
Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are common accidents in the workplace, injuring over 42,000 Canadian workers each year.
What Causes Most Slip and Fall Accidents?
A slip and fall accident occurs when you lose your footing due to a slick surface and fall backward. By contrast, a trip and fall accident happens when your foot is caught by something, causing you to fall forward.
Either of these accidents can occur anywhere, from a public sidewalk to a friend’s house. You may slip and fall on a puddle in a store, or you may trip over work tools on a construction site.
With that said, the following are some common causes of slips, trips, and falls:
- Icy steps and sidewalks
- Spills and wet floors
- Torn or loose carpeting
- Broken handrails
- Cluttered walkways
- Slippery walking surfaces
- Cracked sidewalks
- Uneven flooring or surfaces
- Improper lighting
- Poorly maintained parking lots
- Potholes
- Loose cables or wiring
You may have a valid claim if an unreasonably hazardous property condition led to your fall injuries. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers to learn more.
What Is the Value of My Brantford Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
No two cases are alike; the value of your slip and fall claim will depend on various factors, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you’ve suffered a permanent disability
- The value of your medical costs
- Your lost income and ability to continue earning a living
- The identity of the at-fault party and their insurance coverage
- Whether you share any fault for the fall
- Your physical and mental suffering
Contact our slip and fall accident lawyers in Brantford for assistance. We’ll accurately value your claim and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Is Available To Slip and Fall Accident Victims in Brantford, Ontario?
As a Brantford slip and fall victim, you may be entitled to recovery for both pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages under Ontario law.
Pecuniary damages are the financial losses and costs stemming from your slip and fall, such as:
- Medical bills for treatment of your injuries
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical therapy
Non-pecuniary damages represent the intangible impacts of your slip and fall injuries, such as:
- Disability or impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged relationships
- Reduced quality of life
Our Brantford slip and fall lawyers can explain these and other damages that may be available in your personal injury case.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault for My Slip and Fall Accident in Ontario?
Sometimes, a slip and fall victim may share fault for their accident. In that case, Ontario’s contributory negligence law applies. You’ll still be entitled to compensation, but it will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
For example, suppose a court deems you 20% responsible because you were wearing running shoes when you slipped on an icy sidewalk. Such footwear doesn’t have the necessary traction on a slippery surface. In that case, the defendant would only be liable for 80% of your damages to account for your shared negligence.
Contact us for immediate assistance if you’re being blamed for contributing to your slip and fall in Brantford. We’ll ensure you don’t take on more fault than is fair.
Common Injuries Sustained in Slip and Fall Accidents
The types of injuries one may sustain after a fall depend on various factors, such as the surface they fall onto and the victim’s age and health. For example, an older adult may shatter multiple bones in a fall, whereas a teenager may only sustain a few cuts and bruises.
Some common slip and fall injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries
- Injuries to the hands and wrists
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Knee injuries
- Nerve damage
- Amputations
Some falls can be fatal. We can help you file a wrongful death claim to help your family get through this devastating and financially uncertain time.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Slip and Fall Accident in Ontario?
The time you have to file a slip and fall accident lawsuit in Brantford depends on the specific facts of your case. The basic limitation period under the Limitations Act gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you may be subject to certain requirements well before the second anniversary of your accident.
For example, if your slip and fall case is against a municipality, you must provide written notice of claim within just ten days of the incident. If you slipped and fell on private or commercial property due to ice or snow, you have 60 days to give written notice of your claim. You must notify the occupier of the premises or a related independent contractor (e.g., a snow plow operator).
You don’t want to lose your right to compensation due to missing a procedural requirement. Additionally, delaying the legal process could significantly weaken your personal injury claim. Contact our experienced slip and fall accident lawyers for immediate assistance to preserve your rights.
Contact Our Brantford Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve fallen down and sustained injuries in the Brantford area, Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We’ll handle your claim for damages while you focus on your physical recovery. Contact our Brantford slip and fall accident lawyers today for a free initial consultation.