Inclement Weather Slip and Fall Injury
During the winter months, Ontarians are surrounded by weather-related hazards that could lead to slip and fall accidents. Even people who are accustomed to the icy conditions of winter in Mississauga are susceptible to falls on slippery patches of ice. These kinds of accidents can happen when you least suspect them and can result in serious injuries.
The negligence of other parties can sometimes cause weather-related accidents. Owners of properties like retail stores or apartment buildings are responsible for maintaining the space outside their buildings, even in inclement weather. They must make every effort to remove ice and snow from their premises, and properly warn people of any dangers they may encounter as a result of unavoidable weather conditions.
If you live or work in Mississauga and have sustained an injury due to another party’s negligence, an inclement weather slip and fall injury lawyer may be able to assist you seek compensation. Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers to discuss your case’s circumstances.
Steps to Take Following a Slip and Fall on Ice or Snow
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, over 42,000 Canadian workers are injured in fall accidents each year. Inclement weather conditions are among the leading causes of these injuries.
If you’ve slipped and fallen on ice, photographs or video of the area surrounding your accident can serve as proof that a weather-related hazard was not adequately cleared. Time is an important factor in photographing or filming the location of the accident, as waiting too long could result in the melting or removal of hazardous conditions.
Alerting the management office or business owner of your accident can lead to the creation of a written report. Your properly documented incident report can serve as proof of your accident if it is disputed at a later date. You are entitled to request a copy of any written report created or to take a photo of the report for your records.
Following your accident, it may be possible to collect the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. If your accident occurred at an apartment complex or other residential community, the contact information of tenants who’ve previously filed complaints with the building’s management about the exterior’s hazardous conditions could also be collected. These witnesses may be able to provide testimony at a later date, if necessary.
Understanding the Severity of Slip and Fall Accidents Due to Ice or Snow
In Ontario, treacherous hazards go hand in hand with winter weather. As temperatures drop, the combination of ice and snow leads to potential slips and falls in almost any outdoor space imaginable. It’s not uncommon for residents of Mississauga to encounter dangerous weather-related conditions outside of homes, in parking lots, on sidewalks, or in building entryways.
Snow and ice hazards can come as complete surprises, and injuries suffered as a result of a slip and fall can be serious. Depending on the nature of the fall, a victim could suffer from severe ankle, head, hip, knee, leg, or wrist injuries. Other injuries include the following:
- Bone breaks or fractures
- Concussions or traumatic brain injury
- Nerve damage
- Ruptured or herniated disks
- Severe strains or sprains
- Torn ligaments, muscles, or tendons
- And possibly more
Recoverable Damages from a Slip and Fall Due to Inclement Weather Conditions in Mississauga
If another party’s negligence directly led to your injury following a slip and fall accident, a Mississauga inclement weather lawyer can work on your behalf to try recovering damages for the claim. The Ontario Limitations Act stipulates that victims have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Examples of recoverable damages for these types of cases include:
- Intangible losses, including pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the injury
- And possibly more
Speak with Preszler Injury Lawyers to Determine Eligibility
Victims of weather-related slips and falls may feel embarrassed by their circumstances, but these accidents are no joke. They can lead to serious injuries, with long recovery periods and unexpected financial burdens. Following a slip and fall accident due to weather conditions, a personal injury lawyer could help you by:
- Conducting an immediate and thorough investigation of the incident
- Consulting with a variety of experts, including property management specialists, engineers, architects, and more
- Reviewing your medical records and, as necessary, consulting with experts regarding the nature and extent of your injuries
- Preparing a case that negotiates a settlement or, if necessary, going to trial
- And possibly more
If you or a loved one is the victim of a slip and fall injury due to inclement weather conditions such as ice and snow, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free initial review of your case.
