Now that the winter is here, slip and falls are sadly a common occurrence. A slip happens when you lose your footing and fall. In the winter months, it is often the result of ice, snow or a combination of both. In Canada, during the winter months, as the snow melts, water accumulates on the ground and may cause a hazard. Also common in the winter months are trip and fall accidents, where a person may trip over formed ice.
If you’re lucky, a slip-and-fall or trip and fall may result only in a loss of pride or a minor bruise. Sometimes however, serious injuries arise.
What Should I Do?
After sustaining an injury from a slip-and-fall or trip and fall, if you are able, you should take photos and/or videos documenting the unsafe condition. If possible, photos/videos should be taken immediately upon the happening of the slip and fall or trip and fall. If urgent medical attention is required and it is not possible to take photos or videos immediately after the slip and fall or trip and fall, you or a friend/family member should return to the scene of the slip and fall/trip and fall to take photos as quickly as reasonably possible.
In addition to seeking immediate medical attention, you should also keep in mind that in certain circumstances, the law requires you to put the responsible party on notice in a relatively short period of time: depending on who is responsible for maintaining the area where you slipped/tripped and fell, the notice period may be as little as 10 days! In other cases, the notice requirement may be 60 days. Failing to put the responsible party on notice within the required time period, may prevent you from seeking recovery for your injuries.
If you have been hurt as a result of a trip and fall or slip and fall, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer as quickly as reasonably possible. Your ability to seek compensation may depend upon you accessing a lawyer within days of the fall! The team of lawyers at Sokoloff Lawyers are ready to speak to you and get all of the details of your slip and fall or trip and fall. We never charge for a consultation, so Don’t Put It Off, Call Sokoloff!