Slip & Fall – Personal Injury Resource

According to Ontario law, it is the responsibility of the store, business, or private property owner to ensure the safety of anyone who enters their premises. Cracked or broken sidewalks, slippery steps, ice-covered parking lots, or objects on the floor indicate that someone has failed to keep their property safe.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a slip and fall accident here is a list of steps that should be done as soon as possible.

Steps For After a Slip and Fall Accident

• Ontario law dictates that any slip and fall claim must be filed within two years of the accident. However, if the incident happened on city property, you must deliver written notice to the city within seven days of the slip or fall. Include your name, date of birth, and date, time and the exact location of the incident.
• Take pictures of the scene, including the hazard you slipped/tripped on, such as ice, a crack or pothole, loose tile or floorboard, grease, water, torn carpet, or an object.
• Measure the trip ledge.
• Get the contact details of any witnesses.
• Keep the footwear you were wearing and do not use them again.
• Save any documents that prove you were at the location of the incident.
• Contact Hooper Law for a free consultation

Types of Injury Compensation

If your lawsuit is successful, there are multiple types of compensation you may be entitled to:

• Pain and suffering and loss of quality of life (general damages) – These damages are intended to compensate you for your past, present and future pain, suffering, and loss of quality and amenities of life. In Ontario, there is a broad range of amounts for these types of damages, from very small amounts for someone with minor injuries, to an indexed cap of approximately $400,000 for someone who is brain-injured and quadriplegic.
• Pecuniary damages (loss of wages) – Often the most significant monetary loss is your loss of income in the past, present and future. If you are unable to work (temporarily or for the rest of your life), return to work but make less money, or fail to get employment or promotion because of your injury, you may be entitled to this type of compensation.
• Family Law Act Claim for loss of care, guidance and companionship – This type of compensation is for family members who have experienced a loss of care, guidance and companionship, or have lost money due to another family member’s injury. Compensation for an eligible family member is subject to an indexed deductible which is currently $19,778.27 , if the damages awarded are under a certain amount. Compensation for family members is unfortunately very low in Ontario and often does not rise above the deductible.
• Out-of-pocket expenses and future care costs – These damages compensate you for any expenses caused by ongoing medical difficulties, both expenses you have already incurred and expenses that you expect to incur in the future, including expenses like over-the-counter prescription medication, rehabilitation devices, parking and mileage for doctor appointments, care and treatment, housekeeping and home maintenance.

If you are involved in a slip and fall accident, it will be to your best advantage if you immediately seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer. At Hooper Law we have extensive experience with fighting slip and fall claims. We will walk you through the entire process and help you retrieve and document all the details in order to win your case. Time may be running out on your ability to make a claim, so don’t delay. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Click the image below to download a PDF of the Slip & Fall Personal Injury Resource.

Disclaimer: None of the information provided in this website is, or is intended to be legal advice. We cannot advise you or take any steps on your behalf without learning about your particular circumstances. Please contact our personal injury lawyers in Hamilton directly to obtain legal advice.