Guelph Slip and Fall Accidents Caused by Cracked Sidewalks

If you or someone you love recently suffered an injury due to a cracked, damaged, or defective sidewalk, you may be eligible to collect compensation from a number of parties. Preszler Injury Lawyers serves clients in Guelph and fights for the rights of injured victims. We can help you file a sidewalk injury claim and recover money from the responsible party or parties and their insurance companies.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we believe in a client-first philosophy. After an injury, you should be focused on getting better, not stressing out over the minutiae of filing a claim. That is why our Guelph personal injury lawyers may be able to handle everything on your behalf. Honesty, transparency, and communication are paramount to us. To learn more, you can schedule a free initial case evaluation with a member of our team today. Call us at 1-800-JUSTICE.

Sidewalk Injuries in Guelph

Sidewalks may seem like safe places away from traffic to walk, but if not properly maintained, they can be hazardous.

Some of the most common causes of sidewalk injuries include:

Unrepaired Cracks

If sidewalk cracks are allowed to fester for years, they can expand in both size and depth, at which point they become tripping hazards.

Uneven Pavement

If the pavement on a sidewalk is uneven, it becomes much easier to catch your toe or the side of your foot on a raised surface, leading to a fall. And if you hit the ground wrong, your injuries could be more than minor.

Unmarked Drops or Ridges

Most sidewalks are painted a different color at drop-off points, making it easier for pedestrians to recognize when they need to adjust their gait. But when a drop or ridge is concealed or not marked, it can lead to a dangerous situation.

Slippery Surface

Some sidewalk surfaces are slippery and lack sufficient traction to prevent falls. If the sole of your footwear also does not feature good gripping material, injuries become more likely.

COMMON INJURIES FROM SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS

Falls are a leading cause of severe bodily injury and death, particularly in the very young and the very old.

Some of the most common types of injuries we have seen in victims of sidewalk falls include:

Head Injuries

Most sidewalk surfaces are hard, such as concrete, asphalt, and cement. If you fall on to one of these surfaces and land on the side or back of your head, it can result in a severe head injury, such as a concussion.

Spinal Cord Injuries

If you land wrong from a fall, you can contort your back into an unnatural position. If this happens with enough speed and force, it can result in a spinal cord injury. Injuries to the spine are a big deal for a number of reasons, the biggest of which is that, unlike most parts of the body, the spine lacks the ability to heal itself, meaning any damage you do is likely permanent. Also, the spine governs a long list of bodily functions, everything from ambulation (walking) to using the bathroom. An injury can impair or take away your ability to perform these functions on your own.

Broken Bones

If you fall hard on an unforgiving sidewalk surface, you could break one or more bones, causing you to miss work and require assistance with everyday tasks while recovering.

Sprains and Strains

Many victims of sidewalk falls suffer sprains or strains, the most common body parts affected being the knees and ankles.

Lacerations

The force of your body landing on a hard sidewalk can cause cuts or lacerations to open on your skin.

DETERMINING LIABILITY

While many people attribute sidewalk falls to their own clumsiness, the truth is that falls are rare on well-maintained walkways. If you tripped or fell on a sidewalk, a strong chance exists that someone else is responsible. A few common liable parties for sidewalk injuries include:

• The property owner
• The property manager
• The maintenance company
• The municipality

Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to investigate your injury, determine exactly what happened and why, and identify all potentially liable parties. To learn more, call us today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-JUSTICE.

What Your Sidewalk Fall Settlement May Be Worth

Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you recover a settlement for your injuries that includes payment to cover both your economic and your non-economic losses. Your compensation may include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and inconvenience
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress

To find out what your personal injury claim might be worth, call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE and set up a free initial consultation. You may have a limited time to pursue damages due to the statute of limitations under the Limitations Act.