Part of being Canadian is growing accustomed to the harsh elements of winter. Aside from the blistering cold, we are all aware that winter makes it very easy for you to slip and fall. Slipping on ice is not only embarrassing but can also cause immense pain and damage on your body that can potentially affect the quality of life you live.
Most victims of slip and fall accidents are embarrassed to come forward and seek the assistance they need (and rightfully deserve) because they are almost always certain that they are at fault. While it is known that we have to be extra careful when exposed to the elements of winter, there is really no avoiding slippery sidewalks and paths.
Read the article below to learn more about slip and fall accidents and your next course of action as a victim.
What is Premise Liability?
To better understand your rights as a victim, we must first understand the concept of PREMISE LIABILITY. Premise liability is the property owner’s (be it commercial or residential) to keep the premises safe for everyone. If you were invited to a property, your safety is the owner’s responsibility.
Failure to keep a property safe for anyone who is in it is considered negligence on the owner’s part. A victim of a slip and fall accident may claim for settlements if the owner’s negligence has resulted to damages, lost of wages, or suffrage.
But I Don’t Want to Sue!
Claiming for settlements to cover for the damages, your hospital bills and suffrage is not the same as suing. As a victim, the idea of putting financial strain on someone else (especially if it is a friend or a family member) may irk you.
Claiming for settlements for lost wages, damages and even medical bills may seem like you are suing but in reality, it is not. Depending on the type of place where the accident took place, the money that will cover for the damages will not come from the owner themselves but from their insurance company.
Now that you have a better idea about slip and fall accidents, you can now choose the best course of legal action. Knowing who is responsible for the accident would depend on the type of property. Below, we have made a short list of the different types of properties so you can have a better idea on what to do next.
Residential Properties
When someone invites you to their home, your safety becomes their responsibility. Homeowners must remove ice and snow that may potentially cause someone to slip and fall –be it in their sidewalk, walkway or driveway.
As the victim, you have full rights to ask the homeowner to cover for any medical bills you may incur due to the accident.
Commercial Establishments
Commercial properties and places of business must take strict safety measures to ensure the safety of their patrons. If it can be proven that a commercial property fails to follow safety measures resulting to your accident, you can call a lawyer to claim for settlements for your pain, suffrage, lost of wages and medical bills.
Rental Properties
Rental properties are a bit more complex compared to the two previous ones discussed. If an accident happens while you are renting a property, review your leasing agreement in order to find out if the original owners hold any responsibility.
If you find yourself in pain or suffering from a slip and fall accident, give us a call. We have legal experts who have been handling practical injury cases for years. We will give you the sound legal advice and assistance you need, when you need it most.
No matter how careful we are, accidents can find their way to us. It is important to know your rights as a victim in order for you to get the right medical and financial assistance you need.
