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Slips, trips, and falls are a common cause of injury. When a property owner or business operator does not take adequate care to keep their premises safe for visitors, someone who suffered an injury in a fall could bring legal action for compensation.
The common causes of slip and falls in Chilliwack are preventable. If you or a family member suffered an injury due to someone else’s failure to follow Occupier’s Liability law, contact our personal injury law office for help. Our respected slip and fall lawyers can determine whether you have a viable claim, and if so, help you pursue appropriate compensation.
Slipping and tripping hazards typically result from improper maintenance. Numerous injuries can be prevented if property owners and lessees keep their premises clean and tidy, swiftly address wet or slippery floors, and keep walkways free of obstructions and debris.
Many potentially dangerous conditions result from inattention to safety concerns. Slips, trips, and falls can result from:
Quick repairs, regular inspections to discover safety hazards, and posting warning signs are all actions that could prevent many falls.
A lawyer in our Chilliwack office will investigate the cause of any fall that caused injury. When there is evidence the injury could have been prevented if the occupiers of the premises had taken reasonable care, a legal claim for compensation may be warranted.
Everyone who owns or occupies property has a responsibility under British Columbia’s Occupiers Liability Act, section 3, to maintain it in a safe condition for visitors. They must take reasonable care of the physical premises, considering the activities that will occur there and the people who will be engaging in those activities.
The law applies to buildings and land. It also applies to boats and other vessels, trailers, and temporary structures used as a residence, business, or shelter.
When someone is injured in a fall on another party’s property, there may be multiple occupiers who share legal responsibility. A lawyer in our Chilliwack office can hold them liable to pay compensation for an injured person’s non-pecuniary damages such as inconvenience, physical pain, temporary or permanent disability, and psychological trauma. The negligent parties must also compensate an injured person’s lost income and out of pocket medical expenses, if any.
Sometimes slip and fall accidents are partially the responsibility of an injured person. Ignoring warning signs, talking or texting instead of paying attention to surroundings, or wearing improper footwear for the activity can all lead to partial responsibility for a slip and fall accident.
When a slip and fall case goes to trial, the jury must allocate responsibility amongst all the involved parties on a percentage basis. If the jurors find an injured person partially at fault, the amount they can collect is reduced by a percentage that equals their degree of responsibility. In other words, if an injured party is deemed 10 percent at fault, their final damages will be reduced by 10 percent.
Most slip and fall cases settle before a trial, and sometimes before an injured person ever files a lawsuit. However, apportionment of responsibility is likely to be an issue during settlement negotiations. It is critical for an injured person to work with an experienced Chilliwack lawyer to ensure they receive the maximum compensation possible.
Property owners and occupiers have a duty to protect their visitors. If they have not corrected one of the common causes of slip and falls in Chilliwack, and you suffer an injury, you can hold them responsible.
Our law firm has been in business for more than five years, and we can help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries when a property owner is negligent. Reach out today to learn more with a free consultation.