Scarborough Slip and Fall Lawyer
A serious fall can change your life in an instant. Our Scarborough personal injury lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process with care, compassion, and commitment so you can focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve. At Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers, we represent individuals in Scarborough who have sustained slip and fall injuries due to negligence and unsafe environments.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Scarborough
Slip and fall accidents often occur due to poorly maintained or hazardous conditions on municipal or private property. Understanding the common causes can help determine liability and build a strong personal injury claim.
Icy and Snowy Conditions
Ice and snow accumulation is a leading cause of injury-causing accidents during winter. Failure to perform timely snow removal activities or apply salt can lead to serious falls. Property owners have a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act to maintain safe premises.
Uneven Surfaces
Cracked sidewalks, broken pavement, or uneven tiles create trip hazards. These are common on both municipal property and private property, including commercial spaces and apartment buildings.
Wet or Slippery Floors
Slippery floors due to spills, leaks, or cleaning without proper warning signs can result in sudden falls. Grocery stores, restaurants, and malls are frequently liable under occupier’s liability laws for failing to correct or warn about such hazards.
Improper Lighting
Dim or non-functioning lights in stairwells, hallways, or parking garages reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of falls. Property owners must ensure adequate lighting to prevent avoidable accidents.
Poorly Maintained Walkways
Walkways without proper carpeting, cracked stairs, or missing tiles increase the risk of slips. These hazards violate safety standards and can result in occupiers being found liable for resulting injuries.
Inadequate Handrails
The absence of secure railings along stairs or ramps contributes to falls. Inadequate handrails are a breach of the duty of care owed to lawful visitors and tenants.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries We Handle
Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor discomfort to life-altering trauma. The impact of a fall depends on the nature of the hazard, the force of the impact, and the victim’s age or physical condition. Our team regularly represents clients facing both visible injuries and those with delayed or hidden symptoms requiring extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
- Cuts and Bruises – Surface injuries caused by impact with sharp or rough surfaces. May require stitches, tetanus shots, or wound care.
- Soft Tissue Damage – Includes muscle strains, sprained ankles or wrists, and ligament tears that can impair mobility and take weeks or months to heal.
- Fractures – Common in hips, arms, wrists, and legs, especially in older adults. May require surgery, immobilization, or long-term physiotherapy.
- Head and Brain Injuries – Falls can cause concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries, resulting in cognitive and behavioural impairments.
- Spinal and Back Injuries – Spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, or nerve compression can lead to chronic pain, paralysis, or reduced quality of life.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Scarborough
Taking immediate steps after a slip and fall accident is critical for your safety and for building a strong personal injury claim. Prompt action preserves evidence and supports your legal right to pursue compensation under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, internal or soft tissue damage may worsen over time. Maintain medical records for your case.
- Document the Scene – Take photographs of the hazard, such as slippery floors, icy sidewalks, or missing railings, before conditions change.
- Collect Witness Information – Names and contact information of witnesses can support your claim with independent testimony.
- Report the Incident – Notify the property owner, store manager, or municipal authority. Request a written incident report when possible.
- Preserve Evidence – Save physical evidence like damaged footwear and maintain records of all medical treatment, police reports, and communications with the insurance company.
- Avoid Giving Statements Without Legal Advice – Speak to an injury lawyer before discussing the incident with an insurance adjuster.
Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Establishing legal responsibility in a slip and fall accident requires more than showing that a fall occurred. The key is proving that the occupier failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable hazards, violating their duty of care under occupiers’ liability laws.
To prove liability, our firm gathers:
- Photos and Video Footage – Captures the condition of the premises at the time of the fall.
- Witness Statements – Testimony can confirm how long the hazard existed or the lack of warning signs.
- Maintenance and Cleaning Logs – Helps identify negligence in snow removal, inspections, or upkeep.
- Medical Records – Demonstrate the extent and direct cause of injuries sustained.
- Police Reports or Municipal Documentation – If the incident occurred on municipal property, official reports help determine government liability.
- Expert Opinions – When needed, we retain building code experts, engineers, or accident reconstruction specialists.
Proving liability often hinges on showing the occupier knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to act, breaching their duty to maintain reasonably safe premises.
Compensation for Slip and Fall Accidents
Victims of slip and fall injuries may face unexpected financial burdens, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. Ontario law allows injured parties to seek compensation for losses caused by negligence through personal injury claims.
Available compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses – Reimbursement for hospital visits, prescriptions, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and assistive devices.
- Lost Income – Coverage for time away from work, future lost earning capacity, and loss of employment benefits.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Household and Personal Care Costs – Includes attendant care, home modifications, and transportation to medical appointments.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Includes costs not covered by insurance, such as mobility aids or private physiotherapy.
- Insurance Settlements – We negotiate with the insurance company to ensure fair settlement terms aligned with the full scope of your losses.
Each case is assessed individually, and our personal injury lawyers work closely with you to calculate the full value of your damages based on medical records, wage loss documentation, and expert reports.
Why Choose Our Scarborough Slip and Fall Lawyers
We understand the complexities of personal injury law and the stress injuries place on victims and their families.
Real Support Throughout the Process
From investigation through litigation, we manage every step of your personal injury claim while you focus on healing.
No Matter Where You Are in Ontario, We’re Here for You
Our firm represents clients across Ontario and offers flexible consultations by phone, video, or in person.
Your Case Matters to Us, Not Just the Settlement
We take the time to understand your injuries, medical needs, and financial losses. Every file is handled with dedication and care.
FAQs About Slip and Falls in Scarborough
Can I sue a grocery store for slipping on a wet floor?
Yes. If the store failed to clean the spill or post visible warning signs, they may be liable for injuries under occupier’s liability laws.
How long does a slip and fall case take to settle in Ontario?
Timelines vary, but many cases resolve within 12–24 months. More complex cases involving severe injuries or litigation may take longer.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury?
Even minor injuries can lead to long-term complications. A personal injury lawyer can help you assess damages and protect your rights.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Scarborough Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Scarborough, legal guidance is essential to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Contact Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers for experienced representation in personal injury cases involving negligence and unsafe premises.
