Who is at Fault for Your Slip-and-Fall Accident?
With the arrival of winter comes snowy, icy weather and a higher risk of slip-and-fall injuries. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents are especially common during winter, when snow, ice, and rain cause slippery, slick surfaces that are easy to lose your footing on. However, slip-and-falls can occur at any time of the year as a result of tripping hazards in unsafe areas, spills, puddles, uneven surfaces, and more. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and watch for the following common causes of dangerous slip-and-falls.
- Ice
- Wet surface from rain
- Uneven flooring
- Tripping hazards or obstructions in a walkway
- Spill in a grocery store/market
- Cluttered aisles
- Poor lighting
- Potholes and/or cracked pavement
Severe Injuries from Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Sometimes when a person slips and falls, they are lucky enough to land in a way that doesn’t hurt them and are able to go on with their day. Often though, slip-and-fall accidents result in serious injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, which can seriously impact a person’s ability to work and do regular daily tasks.
Common Injuries from a Slip-and-Fall Accident
- Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Sprains
- Cuts and bruises
- Knee damage
Duties of the Occupier
In British Columbia, the occupier of a premises has the duty to ensure that visitors are not exposed to conditions that are unsafe and could result in a slip-and-fall injury. This means it is the occupier’s duty to clear walkways of obstructions and remove snow or ice from sidewalks and entranceways in a timely manner. If a person is injured in a slip-and-fall due to the occupier’s negligence, the occupier is considered to be at fault and responsible for financial compensation.
Who is Considered the Occupier?
The occupier of a premises could be a person, company, or city, depending on the specific circumstances. The occupier of a particular premises is whoever has control over the physical premises, including the activities conducted on the premises and people allowed on the premises.
Compensation for Injuries
If you have been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident due to the carelessness of the premises’ occupier, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Get in touch with our firm today to speak to an experienced lawyer. We are happy to provide you with a consultation in order to hear the particulars of your case and advise you on the best way forward to yield the most positive outcome.