Brockville Slip and Fall Lawyers
An unexpected slip, trip or fall can cause serious, long-lasting injuries. Unfortunately, these incidents are relatively common in Brockville and throughout Ontario. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a slip and fall incident, you may need legal guidance to move forward. Contact the Brockville slip and fall lawyers at SG Injury Law today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Why Choose Our Brockville Slip and Fall Lawyers?
In any case, involving serious injury, it is in your best interests to hire a Brockville personal injury lawyer. However, the law firm that you choose to represent you can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Slip and fall cases, in particular, can be complex and require significant experience in order to be successfully resolved. Issues involving liability, evidence, and even proving the nature of your injuries are rarely straightforward. At SG Injury Law, we have decades of legal experience handling complex personal injury cases, including slip and falls. We can help you recover the insurance benefits you need and identify who may be responsible for compensating you for the losses that you incurred.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Brockville
A slip and fall can happen anywhere and at any time. However, those involving a dangerous condition on another’s property, such as in a business or a parking garage, can cause serious injury. This can include:
- Uneven flooring
- Wet or unreasonably slippery floors
- Unlit staircases and parking garages
- Loose or missing handrails
- Loose floor tiles
- Uneven stairs
- Among many other dangerous conditions
Incidents involving these conditions can cause:
- Ligament and nerve damage
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal Injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Severe spinal cord injuries
- And more
Ontario Occupiers’ Liability Act
Under Ontario Law, property owners and occupiers are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors. If they fail to do so and a hazard or activity on the property leads to injury, they may be legally responsible for the damages that result from that injury.
Per the Occupiers’ Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER O.2, an occupier is defined as a person who is in physical possession of a premises or a person who has responsibility for control over the condition of the premises itself, the activities carried on there, or the persons allowed to enter. By this definition, there may be one or several occupiers responsible for an injury. However, for liability to be assigned to an occupier, the injured person must be a legal visitor, not a trespasser.
As previously mentioned, liability issues are often complex in slip and fall cases and many exceptions and different time limits exist depending upon the circumstances. Due to this, it is in your best interest to speak with a slip and fall lawyer as soon as you realize that you have been injured. Along with time limits, essential evidence, such as video footage, eye witnesses, and even the dangerous condition itself may disappear as time goes on.
Contact SG Injury Law – Your Trusted Slip and Fall Lawyer in Brockville
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall in Brockville, please contact Brockville’s slip and fall expert lawyers at SG Injury Law today. We would be more than happy to discuss the facts of your case and outline your legal options. We offer a free and confidential case evaluation and there is no obligation to retain our services. Call (613) 518-2416 to speak with a slip and fall lawyer.
FAQ
What qualifies as a slip and fall accident in Brockville?
A slip and fall accident in Brockville occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions on another’s property, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or debris.
Who is liable for my injuries after a slip and fall in Brockville?
The property owner or occupier may be liable if their negligence contributed to hazardous conditions that caused your slip and fall. Liability depends on whether they knew or should have known about the danger.
How do I prove negligence in a slip and fall case?
To prove negligence, you must show the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it, leading directly to your injury.
What steps should I take immediately after a slip and fall accident?
After a slip or trip and fall, document the scene, seek medical attention, report the incident to the property owner, and gather contact information from any witnesses to support your case.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Brockville?
In Brockville and across Ontario, the general limitation period for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. There are also notice periods, such as the 60 notice period to inform the owner in writing, and a 10 day notice period for certain claims against a municipality.
What kind of compensation can I expect for a slip and fall injury?
Compensation may cover therapy and treatment expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs, to name a few things. The amount varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
How much does it cost to hire a slip and fall lawyer in Brockville?
Most slip and fall lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay only if you win your case. Fees typically come as a percentage of the settlement or award. When you make a claim with a lawyer, the defendant will typically pay an additional sum to reimburse you for some of those legal fees.
How long does it take to resolve a slip and fall claim?
The time varies based on case complexity, evidence, and negotiations. Simple cases may settle in months, while complex ones will take over a year, especially if litigation is required.
What evidence do I need to support my slip and fall injury claim?
Key evidence includes photographs of the hazard, medical records, witness statements, incident reports, and proof of lost wages or medical expenses to establish the injury’s impact.
Can I file a claim if my slip and fall happened on public property in Brockville?
Yes, you can file a claim for injuries on public property, but you may need to adhere to specific notice requirements and timelines. Consult a lawyer for guidance.
Will my slip and fall claim go to court, or will it settle out of court?
Many slip and fall cases settle prior to trial, through negotiation, but if fair compensation isn’t offered, going to trial may be necessary to pursue your claim.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the slip and fall accident?
Yes, Ontario’s contributory negligence laws allow claims even if you’re partially at fault, though compensation may be reduced according to your share of responsibility.
What role do insurance companies play in a slip and fall case?
Insurance companies often handle claims on behalf of the property owner as it is the insurance liability policy that provides the defence and indemnification for the owner. The insurance company’s adjuster will assess liability, determine settlement offers, and attempt to minimize payout amounts.
How can a slip and fall lawyer help me maximize my compensation?
A lawyer can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation, ensuring all damages are considered, including pain and suffering.
What are the common defences used by property owners in slip and fall cases?
Property owners often argue they took reasonable precautions, the hazard was obvious, or the injured party was careless, potentially reducing their liability for the accident. They may also try to point the blame at another party who may have been responsible for snow and/or ice removal.