Slipping on Ice. It’s not Nice.
Wet and icy winter weather is upon us in Ottawa and slipping on ice and snow is a common problem every year. Do you know what to do if you slip and fall on ice, snow, or a slushy floor? If you’ve suffered a fall on ice or snow, you should consult with an Ottawa slip and fall lawyer today!
Slipping Inside an Office Building or Store
When someone slips on a wet or slushy floor, the consequences can be serious. Every year, we have clients who break hips and suffer head injuries from falls just like these. So much rushes through your mind when you fall.
What to do when you slip inside?
- Make sure you notice what caused you to fall. Is it water? Is it slush? Is it a slippery puddle of soap or syrup or soup? Later, when you seek compensation, you must be able to explain why you feel.
- If people come to your assistance (and they should!), get their names. Whether they are bystanders, security guards or employees of the building, you will need to identify them later.
- Tell your medical team that your injuries were caused by a fall the first time you go for health care, and every time after that.
- Take a photo of the floor and your wet clothes. Save your footwear. Save your receipt if you had checked out your purchases.
Slipping on Ice Outside
The most common injuries we see for slips and falls outside are broken bones, but head injuries and concussions are also very common.
What to do when you slip outside?
- Notice why you fell. Is the route you are on cleared or uncleared? Salted or not salted? Is the sidewalk underneath you uneven, causing an ice buildup? Is there a downspout that directs water onto the path?
- Take photos if you can.
- Save your shoes or boots.
- GIVE NOTICE!
- There is a 10-day limit to give notice to any municipality if you slip and fall on municipal property, such as a sidewalk.
- The Ontario government is in the process of passing a new law that will require you to give notice within 60 days if you slip and fall on ice or snow on private property (for example, slipping on ice in a Costco parking lot)
- Our office can help you understand how to give notice.
Do You Need a Lawyer after Falling on Ice?
You improve your chance to secure the best compensation by hiring an experienced slip and fall lawyer. You will dramatically improve the outcome of your case if you speak to a personal injury lawyer BEFORE you speak to an insurance adjuster.
Read what Colleen had to say about us on Google:
“Jessica was empathetic, understanding, and able to advocate on our behalf. The process is really difficult to go through and can be exceptionally emotionally draining. Jessica was very easy to work with and really cared about getting what we deserved. We really appreciate everything that she’s done for us!”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Call Us After Slipping and Falling this Winter
If you have been injured in a slip and fall on ice or anything else related to Ontario’s winter weather, contact us for a free consultation. We will tell you your options and what your case is worth.
