While no one expects to be involved in a slip and fall accident, the unfortunate reality is that slip and fall injuries are a common occurrence. It’s crucial to know what steps to take should you be involved in one. Knowing what to do in the moment can help protect yourself down the road and ensure that you’re able to receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are countless situations that could result in a slip and fall accident. It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and ensure that you’re looking out for potential hazards that could result in a slip and fall accident. That being said, here are some common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Poor Weather Conditions: If sidewalks, walkways, parking lots or staircases are not properly maintained by property owners or occupiers, they can build up with dangerous snow, ice, or slush that can increase the chances of a slip and fall accident.
- Wet or Uneven Surfaces: These surfaces can include defective sidewalks, poorly constructed staircases, parking lots, loose floorboards or carpeting, cluttered floors, and floors that have been recently mopped or waxed.
- Improper Job Training: This can be an especially high risk for individuals who are working in the manufacturing and construction fields.
Steps to Take after a Slip and Fall Accident
These common causes are only some of the ways that a slip and fall accident can occur. If you or a loved one is involved in a slip and fall accident, these are the general steps you should take to ensure your best medical and legal outcomes.
1) Seek appropriate medical treatment.
First and foremost, tending to your health and safety is paramount in any slip and fall accident. A medical professional will assess your injuries, prescribe treatment, and keep important records and notes of their assessment. It is important to describe the incident carefully and accurately to all medical professionals at all times, as the at fault parties in a lawsuit love to scrutinize every word written in these records.
2) Collect documentation and take photos, if possible.
Any photos of the scene where the accident took place, or notes on the environment that led to the accident, can all be extremely helpful if you choose to pursue legal action.
3) File an accident report.
If the slip and fall occurred at a place of business, connect with a manager to file an accident report and request a copy of the report for your own records.
4) Consult with a personal injury lawyer.
A personal injury lawyer will be able to assess your unique case and suggest the best steps that you can take to receive the compensation you deserve. If your injuries were sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence, an experienced lawyer can help give you the best chance at receiving proper compensation.
It’s important to bring your case to a lawyer who you feel comfortable with and feel confident in their ability to support you throughout the legal process. A slip and fall accident can have negative effects on not only your physical health, but also your mental well-being. Your lawyer should understand the complex nature of your particular case and be there to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
It is critically important to understand that the law in Ontario has recently changed and there are now very tight timelines in place if your fall is a result of winter weather conditions like ice or snow. Similarly, there are very strict timelines in place if your file was caused by the negligence of a municipality or government. It is always best practice to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away if you are injured in any kind of fall incident, no matter the season.
If you fell some time ago and still have not contacted a lawyer, you should never assume that you are out of time to take action. It is always worth contacting a lawyer who can advise you of your rights and your options.
The team of personal injury lawyers at Beckett are compassionate, dedicated, and ready to fight for your legal rights. With substantial experience in slip and fall injury cases, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be in the best of hands. If you’re ready to pursue legal action for your slip and fall injury, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Published on October 21, 2021
