There is nothing funny about slip and falls. We sometimes see them exaggerated on television for comedic effect but the injuries that can result from a slip and fall accident is no laughing matter and in fact can negatively impact a person’s life.

Fall Prevention Month is scheduled for November of this year and is geared toward spreading awareness of slip and fall accidents to those in the medical service industry, including health and rehabilitation fields. The goal is to increase awareness about the dangers of slip/trip and falls in the hopes of decreasing the incidence and severity of them. It is very important to increase health and rehabilitation workers’ knowledge about slip and falls because their patients are often susceptible to such accidents.

Some of the reasons for this include an injured person’s blurred vision and weakened limbs due to illness or disability, which in return can cause a loss of balance. It is very easy to suffer a fall while being treated in a medical or recovery facility, such as a hospital or convalescence care centre. Patients are always urged to seek assistance in their daily tasks to ensure that further injuries and risks are minimized.  One should take heed of their licensed medical facilitator’s advice and focus on a healthy recovery at their own pace, as recovery times vary.

Slip and falls have accounted for a vast number of deaths in older adults. Patients who are eighty years or older are often most susceptible to falling and this usually occurs while they are walking to or using the washroom facilities. Injury admissions to Ontario Acute Care Hospitals and inpatient accident incidents often include falls as a significant contributing factor.  

While patients in their weakened state are more prone to slip and fall injuries, they are not the only ones affected by this type of accident.  Anyone can suffer a slip and fall or trip and fall accident.  Numerous reasons like clutter, slipperty or uneven surfaces and poor lighting can all be contributing factors to these types of accidents. Some of the common injuries that can occur from slip and fall accidents include head injuries, neck/back/spine injuries, broken hips/pelvis and torn tendons and ligaments.

Public and commercial locations like grocery stores, shopping malls, theme parks, parking lots and social venues like bars and clubs are all common sites where people can injure themselves from a slip and fall accident. These venues are required to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all their customers and visitors.

If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Ontario, we, at the law firm of Burn Tucker Lachaîne, have the knowledge and experience to defend your rights in a personal injury case. Our personal injury lawyers have handled cases, where our clients have tripped on broken stairs,  uneven surfaces or slipped on wet surfaces that were not clearly marked or cleaned up in a timely manner.

Falls can also happen on privately owned properties like your neighbour’s house. It is required by law in Ontario that homeowners also keep their properties in a reasonably safe condition, not just for themselves but for others as well. Some common instances when unsuspecting people can get injured on a private property include slipping on icy driveways, falling on loose flooring or steps inside or outside the house.

Finally, slip and fall accidents may also commonly occur on government (federal, provincial or municipal) owned properties. These include sidewalks and parks. If you have been injured in this manner, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

An occupier must follow the rules and regulations of the Occupiers’ Liability Act to keep the public safe and having an experienced firm such as Burn Tucker Lachaîne to represent your rights will go a long way in helping you receive your just compensation. We urge you to call us as soon as possible in order to have your claim freely assessed.

The personal injury lawyers at Burn Tucker Lachaîne are all experienced and empathetic. Our firm’s professionalism and accommodating nature helps anyone who has been hurt know what their rights and options are. Our French and English speaking lawyers are readily available to help you in your time of need. Visit us online or give us a call if you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident.