Winter in British Columbia brings beauty and danger in equal measure. A quick walk to the car or store can lead to a slip-and-fall on ice or snow, resulting in injuries that disrupt work and family life. The occupiers liability lawyers with Warnett Hallen LLP are here to help if you suffered slip-and-fall injuries due to a property owner’s negligence.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Winter
Icy conditions can develop overnight when temperatures rise and drop around freezing. Snow melts in the day, refreezes at night, and forms thin ice on stairs and pavements. Failing to clear those areas creates hazardous conditions that increase the risk of accidents in snow and ice.
Typical causes of injuries from a slip-and-fall on ice or snow include:
- Walkways and car parks left uncleared after storms
- Sloped entrances where meltwater refreezes
- Leaking gutters dripping onto paths
- Wet indoor floors from tracked-in slush
Each hazard can trigger a slip and fall that could leave injury victims dealing with serious injuries to the back, shoulder, hip, head, and other parts of the body. Depending on the severity of these injuries, victims may face costly medical expenses, a lengthy recovery period, and/or the need for long-term care. Obtaining full and fair compensation can help offset the financial burden caused by these sudden expenses.
Who Is Responsible for an Ice or Snow Slip-and-Fall in BC?
In British Columbia, the Occupiers Liability Act holds a property occupier responsible for keeping their visitors reasonably safe. An occupier could be a homeowner, landlord, or business controlling the area. That person or company must take reasonable steps, such as shovelling, salting, or addressing drainage issues, to prevent ice and other winter-weather-related hazards.
Liability can become unclear when several parties share control over a property. For example, a property manager might hire a maintenance contractor who fails to clear a walkway properly. A Vancouver personal injury lawyer can review maintenance logs and contracts to identify who held legal responsibility at the time of your slip-and-fall accident.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Follow these steps to protect your slip-and-fall case:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Medical documentation links your injury to the fall and demonstrates to the insurance company that you took your injury seriously.
- Document the accident scene. File an incident report with the property owner. Take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, your visible injuries, and any missing warning signs. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Keep the clothing and shoes you wore at the time of the accident without cleaning them.
- Consult a slip-and-fall lawyer in British Columbia. A qualified personal injury lawyer can investigate the slip-and-fall incident, place an appropriate value on your claim, and help you seek compensation for your losses.
Filing a Slip-and-Fall Claim in British Columbia
If a property owner or business failed to remove snow or ice from their premises — or warn you of the hazard — you could have a valid personal injury claim against them. However, the insurance company may attempt to minimize or deny your claim by arguing that snow or ice is a natural hazard that they did not have time to address before your fall. Alternatively, the insurer might claim you contributed to your injuries by failing to take reasonable measures to avoid an open and obvious danger or by not wearing appropriate footwear. An experienced lawyer can represent you throughout settlement negotiations and challenge unfair arguments.
How a Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Warnett Hallen LLP is an award-winning personal injury law firm based in Vancouver and serving clients throughout the province. If you suffered injuries after a slip and fall on someone else’s property, we can review your claim in a free consultation. Call or contact us today to get started.
