Who is the Responsible Party in a Slip & Fall Accident?
Thousands of Canadians are injured in slip and fall accidents each year. Of those, more than half that are hospitalized are senior citizens. What many accident victims don’t realize is that they often have the right to take legal action against the responsible party.
Who is the Responsible Party in a Slip & Fall Accident?
According to the law, property owners in Ontario are responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe for visitors. If they fail to do so and a visitor is injured as a result, the accident victim can file a lawsuit against them.
What is Considered Reasonably Safe?
What is considered reasonably safe will change from property to property. For example, it is reasonable to find acres of uneven surfaces and slopes on a farm. The same would not be considered reasonably safe at a shopping center.
The courts take into account the type of property and expected use when a slip and fall lawsuit is filed.
Common Causes Of a Slip & Fall Accident
The following are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
Uneven Sidewalks
It doesn’t matter if a sidewalk is made from brick, concrete, or stone, just a fraction of an inch can cause someone to catch their foot and fall.
Ice
While property owners can’t control the weather, they can take steps to remove snow and ice from the walkways of their property. This must be done in a reasonable amount of time following a winter storm.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting, especially in stairwells, makes it difficult to see and also makes it easy to miss a step.
Unsecure Handrails
Handrails exist to help provide support both on level walkways and in stairwells. When a handrail fails, the person using it typically falls.
Wet Surfaces
Again, it’s not possible to control the weather, however, property owners should ensure that the entryway has non-slip surfaces. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately and wet floor signs placed in any moist area to keep visitors aware of the risk.
Slip & Fall Lawyers in Cambridge Ontario
If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident, contact our experienced lawyers to learn more about your legal options. We offer no-cost case reviews. Schedule yours now by calling (519) 658-6341 or contact us using our online form.
