Slips and falls may seem like minor accidents, but they can cause serious injuries including permanent disabilities and death. Wet or icy sidewalks, poorly maintained floors, and other hazards can easily cause a major injury.
Because slip and fall injuries in Toronto can make a huge impact on your life, it is crucial that property owners maintain safe conditions both inside and outside of their properties. Legally, both property owners and municipalities are required to keep their properties safe.
Below, you’ll learn about the most common types of slip and fall injuries and what property owners and municipalities are liable for.
Common Injuries from Slips and Falls
Head injuries are among the most common slip and fall injuries. If your head hits the ground and you sustain a brain injury, it can be truly life-changing. Many head injuries require extensive rehabilitation; some can lead to long-term problems with mobility, thinking and memory, and behavior.
Spine, neck, and back injuries such as slipped disks and broken backs are other serious injuries that are common after a slip or fall. They can result in chronic pain, surgery, and difficulties going back to work.
In addition, many people who experience slip and falls are elderly, which makes them more likely to fall, to be injured, and for their injuries to be serious or even result in death. Broken pelvises or hips can result in the need for hip replacement surgery, or the need to stay in a nursing home for an extended period.
Even torn tendons and ligaments can cause extensive pain and long-term problems. Tears in feet, wrists, or knees often fail to heal for several months or demand physical therapy or surgery. These injuries can linger and, in some cases, never fully heal.
Sometimes slip and falls cause short-lived injuries, but other times the consequences are long-term. From carpal tunnel syndrome and soft tissue injuries, to back and spine injuries and fractures, recovery can take a long time. Chronic symptoms frequently persist, including pain, migraines and sleep disorders.
If you sustain an injury during a slip or fall, make sure to seek medical attention and legal advice immediately.
Slip and Fall Liability
Property owners may be liable for your injuries if they occurred due to negligence. All commercial spaces such as stores and restaurants must be kept safe. Wet floors, broken or uneven floors and tiles, dim lighting, or hazards from construction can all result in slips, falls, or other injuries.
Private property owners and landlords are obligated to keep their properties safe to prevent visitor injuries. Keeping driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice are also important. If a tenant is injured in a landlord’s building, the landlord may be liable.
Municipalities and governments must also keep properties, public transportation, airports, sidewalks, buildings and roads properly maintained. This includes keeping roads and sidewalks free of snow and ice in winter.
What to Do After a Slip or Fall
No matter where your slip or fall happens, make sure to take pictures of your injuries and the conditions at the site of the accident. Whether weather or a liable party is responsible, document what happened as well as the conditions. If there were witnesses, collect statements and contact information from them. Finally, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
If you’ve been injured due to a slip or fall, consult with a personal injury lawyer.
