Falls, trips, and slips are frequent events that are frequently caused by slick surfaces, lack of focus, or negligence. But slip-and-fall incidents can seriously injure you or a loved one. Canada has a wide range of climates and geographical locations, which contribute to a high annual incidence of slip and fall events. These mishaps, which may happen anywhere—from frozen sidewalks in the winter to damp floors in public areas—can cause significant injuries and have legal repercussions.
In this blog, we look into the facts surrounding slip and fall accidents in Canada, shining light on the prevalence, causes, and repercussions. We also discuss the critical role that slip and fall accident lawyers play in assisting victims of these frequently disregarded incidents in pursuing justice.
The Extent of Fall and Slip Accidents in Canada
The environment in Ottawa and across Canada, with its frigid winters and erratic precipitation patterns, makes slip and fall accidents more common. Recent figures show that a sizable percentage of personal injury claims nationwide are related to slip and fall incidents. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, falls account for about 40% of injury-related hospital admissions, making them the most common cause of hospitalization.
Globally, falls among senior citizens constitute a major public health problem. The World Health Organisation estimates that every year, one-third of older persons encounter a slip and fall incident. For individuals who are 70 years of age or older, the number varies from 32% to 42%.
For those 65 years of age and above, falls are the main cause of injury-related hospitalizations and injury fatalities in Canada. Fall-related injuries lower the quality of life for senior citizens, raise caretaker responsibilities, and hasten long-term care admissions. Additionally, the expense of treating injuries caused by falls is substantial.
In 2020–2021, there were 162,222 unintentional slip-and-fall injuries recorded by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). This amounts to over two-thirds (59.5%) of all ER visits and hospital admissions for injuries that year.
The majority of wounded individuals (102,139) were in the 18–64 age range, closely followed by those in the 65–84 age range (91,380). Sadly, within the same time period, 57,835 persons over 85 had injuries that required hospitalization.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information:
- In comparison to 2016, there were around 100,000 additional hospital admissions due to falls in 2017.
- The majority of falls occurred at home. 114,000 falls that occurred at home resulted in ER visits.
- Falls on ice were the cause of almost 8,800 injuries.
- Lower leg fractures came in second on the list of conditions brought on by falls after hip injuries.
- Falls resulted in 13,997 head injuries and 16,135 fractured ankles.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada:
- In Canada, there were 48,891 lost-time injury claims in 2017 that were connected to workplace falls.
- Workplace falls resulted in the deaths of 63 employees.
- The primary causes of lost-time claims were bodily reaction (102,355), physical exertion (60,027), and contact with objects and equipment.
Reasons and Contributing Factors
It is important to comprehend the underlying causes and contributing elements of slip and fall occurrences in order to effectively adopt preventative measures. The main culprits are the weather, particularly in the winter when ice and snow-covered surfaces present serious dangers. Another major factor is poor property upkeep, which includes delaying the removal of ice and snow.
Common causes behind slips and falls include:
- Restricted vision
- Sports-related injuries
- Jobs that need you to work at risky heights
- Dangerous working conditions, such as uneven flooring or damaged railings
- Abnormal or excessive drug use and/or alcohol intake
- Impaired mobility and loss of balance
There are two other things that might increase the likelihood of a slip and fall incident: inadequate footwear and insufficient awareness. The frequency of these incidents is also influenced by deteriorating public areas, aging infrastructure, and property owners’ irresponsibility.
Impacts and Repercussions
Incidents involving slips and falls can have serious repercussions, ranging from minor injuries to permanent impairments. Fractures, sprains, and head trauma are common injuries to which older people are more susceptible. Beyond just physical harm, victims and their families may suffer severe emotional and financial consequences.
An occurrence involving a slip and fall has consequences that go beyond the short term. The costs of rehabilitation, medical care, and possible income loss can be quite onerous. The seriousness of these effects highlights the necessity of thorough data analysis to guide preventative actions and legal remedies.
Legal Implications and the Role of Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
It is important for people to know their legal rights when they sustain injuries from slip and fall incidents. Premises liability laws in Canada impose obligations on property owners to keep their surroundings safe. In the event that negligence is shown, victims could be entitled to reimbursement for their medical costs, lost income, and suffering.
Legal professionals specializing in slip and fall accidents play a vital role in handling the complicated legal issues surrounding these situations. By virtue of their knowledge of premises liability rules, they can assist victims in assembling a compelling case by:
- Assessing the Incident: To determine culpability, lawyers get evidence from security cameras, witness accounts, and maintenance logs.
- Evaluating Damages: In order to obtain just compensation, it is essential to ascertain the degree of financial, emotional, and bodily harm. Lawyers collaborate with physicians and other specialists to evaluate the consequences of the wounds.
- Insurance Company Negotiations: Working with insurance companies may be difficult. Legal experts specializing in slip and fall accidents fight for their clients, attempting to reach settlements that fairly compensate for the injuries sustained.
- Litigation Assistance: Legal professionals assist clients in court when a just settlement cannot be achieved. Before a court and jury, they make a strong argument and defend their client’s rights.
Preventive Actions and Raising Public Awareness
It is important to take preventative action in addition to comprehending the issue by analyzing thorough data on slip and fall incidents in Canada. To lessen the frequency of these incidents, individuals, municipalities, and property owners may all make a contribution.
- Regular upkeep of public areas, particularly in the winter, to keep pavements and paths clear of ice and snow is one example of a proactive solution.
- Pedestrians can be made aware of such risks by appropriate signage and warning systems.
- Putting in place procedures requiring property owners to deal with slick conditions as soon as possible can also help reduce the likelihood of slip and fall accidents.
- Campaigns to raise public awareness are equally vital.
A safer environment may be achieved by educating people on the dangers of slick surfaces, the need for appropriate footwear, and general safety measures to be taken during inclement weather. Communities may strive towards preventing slip and fall events by cultivating a feeling of community responsibility.
Conclusion
Slip and fall events are common, particularly during the winter, which highlights the need for public awareness and legal remedies for victims. An Ottawa slip and fall accident lawyer’s aid is crucial to ensuring justice and fair compensation for those injured due to the property owner’s negligence.
Nobody wants to be incapacitated after an avoidable accident or miss work. SG Injury Law is your go-to personal injury law firm owing to our excellent, considerate services at every stage in the event that you are hurt in a slip and fall accident.