Slip-and-fall incidents might seem innocuous – who hasn’t taken an occasional wintertime tumble? – but they can sometimes result in serious injuries. Slip-and-falls are especially dangerous for older people, who are at risk of breaks, fractures, and in rare cases brain or spinal injuries. If you or a member of your family has been injured in a fall, consider contacting Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers today to speak with an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer about the possibility of accessing compensation.
According to a Toronto Public Health report from October 2016, winter slip-and-fall accidents cause 30,000 emergency room visits and nearly 3,000 hospitalizations between 2006 and 2015 in Canada’s largest city. These accidents cost the Province of Ontario almost $4-million per year, while the city paid out roughly $6.7-million per year as a result of liability insurance claims.
On February 13, Dr. Brett Belchetz of Toronto told CBC Radio’s Metro Morning that better footwear choices could prevent at least some of these accidents.
“It’s amazing to me the number of times where I see people that are out, you know, women in their high heels, men wearing dress shows, with slippery flat bottoms,” he said. “Fashion is not the priority at this time of year. You want good, gripping soles. So go out, get a big ugly pair of winter boots that have very good treads on it.”
Property maintenance is also to blame in some cases. The CBC spoke with a personal injury lawyer who had represented clients who were unable to work for extended periods following slip-and-fall events. In order to secure compensation, a slip-and-fall lawyer must prove that the party responsible for clearing away snow or ice was grossly negligent in failing to do so. In some cases, it is the municipality’s responsibility; in others, the responsibility may fall to a business-owner or private resident.
Winter is slowly winding down in southern Ontario, but there is still plenty of time for treacherous walking conditions to materialize. In the weeks leading up to spring, make sure to exercise caution while out and about, and don’t forget to wear your “big ugly” winter boots.
Do you know what to do after a slip and fall accident? If you or a member of your family does suffer a fall, contact a slip-and-fall lawyer at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced and knowledgeable representatives can assess your claim and guide you on your path to compensation or recovery. Reach us today at 1-866-920-4242, or via the free consultation form at https://www.neinstein.com/contact/.
Image credit: SmartSign/Flickr
Greg Neinstein
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