If my injury was caused by tripping on a city sidewalk, do I have a case?
Ottawa Lawyer — One of the most common questions our Ottawa personal injury lawyers receive is, “do I have a case if I was injured after tripping on a city sidewalk?” The answer to this question depends on the reason why you tripped. You may have a legal case if there was a significant defect in the sidewalk where you were walking. A large, deep hole or a cracked raised portion of the sidewalk could cause someone to trip. Such defects could be seen as hazards. It could be argued that the city of Ottawa has a responsibility to maintain safe sidewalks so if you tripped because of a significant defect you might be able to make a case that the city failed to keep their sidewalks safe for pedestrians.
In addition, you may have a case if the sidewalk was not cleared of ice or snow. Winter in Ottawa brings wet, snowy, icy weather which can really make being a pedestrian quite dangerous. If you slipped and fell on a sidewalk that was covered with ice or snow, and should have been cleared, you may be able to make a legal case. Again, the city is supposed to maintain safe sidewalks, which involves routine maintenance during the winter months.
A personal injury lawyer will be able to tell you if your situation can qualify as a legal case. The circumstances of your fall are the most important factor in determining whether or not you have a case. The injuries you sustained are secondary. If you think you might have a legal case due an injury sustained by tripping on a city sidewalk, you should contact a personal injury lawyer who can advise you. If you are unsure if you have grounds for a claim or not, speak with a personal injury lawyer and they will assess your situation and tell you if you have a case.
