How Do Slip and Fall Claims Work in Alberta?

How Do Slip and Fall Claims Work in Alberta?

Under Alberta’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, owners and occupiers of property are expected to maintain reasonable conditions for visitors. This can mean making sure spills are cleaned up in a timely manner, fixing uneven flooring, clearing potential tripping hazards, and so on. Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are nonetheless common.

Depending on the circumstances, the impacts of a slip and fall may be severe. From broken bones to significant head trauma, an injured accident victim may face months if not years of recovery as a result of another person’s failure to keep their premises reasonably safe.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on somebody else’s property, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. Contact our Edmonton slip and fall lawyers to discuss what may be possible for you.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Many different hazards can contribute to a slip and fall. Just a few examples of common causes include:

  • Slippery or wet floors;
  • Faulty steps;
  • Uneven flooring;
  • Cracked or broken tiles, hardwood, etc.;
  • Cluttered walkways;
  • Dimly lit walkways;
  • Icy walkways;
  • Inadequately cleared snow;
  • Inadequate signage in a hazardous area;
  • And more.

Our Edmonton slip and fall lawyers would be happy to discuss the legal possibilities given the details of your case.

Common Injuries in Slip and Falls

The injuries caused by a slip and fall can vary vastly. A slip and fall may lead directly to a new injury, or it may aggravate the symptoms of a previously existing condition. Injuries may be physical, psychological, or both, and the impacts may extend into financial consequences.

Some of the personal injuries most commonly seen in slip and falls include:

  • Broken or fractured bones;
  • Cuts and lacerations;
  • Traumatic brain injury;
  • Neck pain;
  • Back pain;
  • Sprained or strained joints;
  • Torn ligaments;
  • Spinal cord injuries;
  • And more.

As a result of the trauma, an injured accident victim may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, or any number of other psychological conditions that may have adverse impact on their life.

The Costs of a Slip and Fall Accident

Seeking the help of medical professionals, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and/or psychologists, may be both profoundly helpful and expensive. An injured accident victim may not be able to work as a result of their injuries. There may be costs associated with attendant care and mobility devices, medication, travel to and from medical appointments, and more. 

Through a slip and fall claim in Alberta, you may be able to recover financial compensation to help cover the above costs. You may also be able to receive compensation for emotional pain and suffering, and loss of future income. 

How to Begin a Slip and Fall Claim in Alberta

The most important thing to do after a slip and fall is to seek medical attention. Make sure to follow the advice of your doctor, and keep them updated on the progress of your condition. Should you begin a slip and fall claim, your medical records will be needed.

If you have been injured on an unsafe premises, take pictures of the scene and record the contact information of the owner or occupier and any witnesses who were present. Inform the owner or occupier about your slip and fall. If they write an incident report, request a copy. 

Contact an Edmonton slip and fall lawyer to discuss your case. We will want to know what happened, where, and when, as well as well as details about your injuries. We may ask what your life was like prior to the slip and fall, and how it was altered after. The more information you provide, the better we may be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Edmonton Slip and Fall Lawyers Today

The impacts of a slip and fall can be profound, potentially altering the course of a person’s life. If you have been injured on somebody else’s property, you may be eligible for financial support. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss the specifics of your case with our Edmonton slip and fall lawyers.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and should not be construed as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.

How Can An Edmonton Slip And Fall Lawyer Help Me?

How Can An Edmonton Slip And Fall Lawyer Help Me?

Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) indicates that in Alberta, unintentional falls are the leading cause of injuries requiring a trip to the hospital. Falls are notorious for causing broken bones, concussions and injuries to soft tissue such as strains or sprains. Serious injuries like these can interfere with your ability to engage in normal activities including but not limited to:

  • caring for yourself or others
  • maintaining your home and
  • working.

The effects of a slip and fall accident may last for weeks, months or even longer. Long-term injuries that prevent you from working or performing other necessary activities can have a lasting financial impact on you and your family. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, an Edmonton slip and fall lawyer can help you determine if you might be entitled to financial compensation.

Seniors Are Particularly Susceptible To Slip And Fall Injuries

As we age, we may be both more likely to fall and more likely to be seriously injured when we fall. A recent report from the CIHI indicates that 4 out of every 5 seniors who were hospitalized due to an injury (as opposed to an illness) between 2017 and 2018 were injured in a slip and fall accident. In addition, the number of slip and fall-related injuries requiring hospitalization of seniors has increased since the 2015-2016 reporting period.

Slips On Snow And Ice Are Especially Dangerous For Seniors

Here in Edmonton, we enjoy several months of winter. Extended periods of freezing weather can result in icy and other slippery conditions. The cold and snow can also make it difficult for property owners to keep up with necessary repairs and maintenance that might prevent others from slipping or tripping and falling on their property.

A report from Statistics Canada indicates that for all age groups, slip or trip and fall accidents on a non-icy surface are the most common cause of fall-related injury. However, slipping on ice or snow was also very common, especially among seniors. In fact, slipping on ice or snow caused 19% of falls among those aged 65 or older.

What Your Slip And Fall Lawyer Will Do For You

A slip and fall accident can happen to anyone at any time. Depending on factors such as the location of your accident, the extent of your injuries and how your injuries have affected your life - you may be eligible for compensation. A Slip and fall lawyer will review your case details with you, arrange for treatment and handle all aspects of your case to ensure that you get the compensation you may be entitled to. They will also handle all communications with your insurance provider so you can focus on healing from your injuries.

Contact our Edmonton Slip and Fall Lawyers for a Free Consultation

People who have been injured in a slip and fall accident are often unsure of their legal rights. There is no need to remain uncertain about your health or your finances. Protect yourself and your family with the help of a slip and fall lawyer. Our Edmonton slip and fall lawyer will gather the information necessary to assess your case and let you know whether or not pursuing compensation for your injury is worthwhile. A consultation with one of our slip and fall lawyers is risk-free and easy to arrange. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: Please note this article is intended to act as a general overview on a legal topic and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice please consult with a lawyer.