Orthopaedic injuries affect the body’s musculoskeletal
system including bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. The full severity of
orthopaedic injuries is usually not fully understood until a great deal of time
has passed and the individual has undergone ongoing rehabilitation therapy.
An orthopaedic injury from a slip and fall accident may
continue to cause problems throughout your life. If you have suffered an
orthopaedic injury in a slip and fall accident and you want to be compensated
for damages, you will want an orthopaedic injury lawyer who is highly
experienced and knowledgeable in the field of personal injury law.
According to Statistics
Canada, the main cause of injuries is falls. Falls are the most common cause of injury
hospitalizations in Canada. Slip and fall accidents can happen on sidewalks, in
parking lots, shopping malls, office buildings, or at work. According to Canadian Centre
for Occupational Health and Safety, more than 42,000 workers are injured
due to fall accidents annually. There
are several factors that can lead to a slip and fall accident.
Common Causes of Slip
and Fall Accidents
- Lack of slip resistance on walking surfaces
- Poor visibility
- Wet floors
- Lack or poor condition of handrails and
guardrails
- Cluttered walkways or poor material storage in
stores
- Faulty escalators
- Safety code violations
- Poor snow and ice removal
- Poor maintenance of sidewalks and city roads
What to do if You
Suffered an Injury after a Slip and Fall Accident
Seek medical
attention: It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible
after a fall to treat injuries. It is important to obtain a professional
diagnosis of any injuries initially caused by the fall. Although there are some
orthopaedic injuries that take longer to become evident, a broken arm, cuts and
bruises caused by the slip and fall will require immediate medical attention
and need to be documented.
Take photographs of
the location of the slip and fall accident as soon as possible: Inspect the
area where you fell and take pictures of the area from all angles. Look for the
potential cause of the fall, such as ice, loose carpeting, or spilled drinks.
If you do not have pictures, the owner of the property will take their own
photos and have their own version of what actually happened if the owner thinks
that you might file a claim for personal injury. Take down the exact address
and location of your fall.
Document the names and
contact information for any witnesses to the accident: You may need them as
witnesses on your behalf if the owner of the property disputes your injury
claim. Even if they did not see you actually fall, a witness may be able to
testify to your pain and suffering and the conditions of the area immediately
after the fall.
Report the accident to
the owner of the property: Make sure the owner of the property is aware of
the slip and fall accident as soon as possible. If you suffered an injury in a
store or place of business, you may be asked to fill out a slip and fall accident
report. You may not be able to resolve the issue in the place of business, but
make sure the manager is aware of your accident immediately. If you fell on
city property, remember that you MUST report your fall right away as you have
10 days to do so.
If you have suffered an orthopaedic injury due to a slip and
fall accident, an orthopaedic injury lawyer will help you in getting top
quality treatment by referring you to some of the best medical professionals in
your area. An orthopaedic injury lawyer will advocate for your rights.