Beware of slips, trips and falls at this time of year
Slips, trips and falls can happen year-round in Canada. However, fall presents a unique set of circumstances that can lead to more slip and fall personal injuries. Firstly, fall rain means more wet sidewalks and floors in building entryways. Secondly, fallen leaves can create slippery sidewalk debris that may result in a slip and fall. Additionally, darker evenings, poorly lit walkways, snow and ice, and even trailing Halloween decoration wiring can all result in unforeseen personal injuries at this time of year.
When slips, trips, and falls are on hard concrete, injuries can include fractures and dislocated joints, spinal misalignment, sprains, cuts, bruises, and lacerations. Should you become the victim of a slip and fall accident, a personal injury law firm like MG Law can work on your case while you undertake the rehabilitation process.
5 rehabilitation tips for victims of slips, trips, and falls
- See your family physician, go to the walk-in clinic, or go to hospital. After your slip, take a photo of the location of the fall too.
- For muscle bruises, use the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method to enhance recovery.
- Get plenty of sleep and eat well to speed up your body’s ability to heal. A lack of sleep and a poor diet can delay the recovery process and prevent an injured party from returning to work.
- Take it easy and embrace more relaxed days at home with mild exercise in between. Follow your doctor’s orders and seek out proper treatment including physiotherapy and massage.
- Purchase non-slip boots for added peace of mind and to reduce the chance of experiencing a similar accident.
Recognize the importance of where your slip and fall injury took place
It’s very important that you recognize how the aftermath of a slip and fall injury should be handled. Injuries from slips and falls on municipal (city) property are treated differently to those on private property. If your slip and fall occurs on municipal property like sidewalks and pathways, the Municipal Act states you have 10 days to provide written notice to the municipality. It’s worth noting that municipal entities have to be found grossly negligent to stand a fair chance of success.
Secondly, for private property, new legislation was introduced in 2020 that changed the notice requirements for slip and fall claims resulting from snow and ice. Bill 118 dictates that anyone intending to bring a claim for damages resulting from a personal injury caused by snow or ice must give 60 days’ notice. This law is applicable to non-municipal owners or contractors of the property. The notice must contain information as to the date, time and location of the incident. The notice will need to be personally delivered (or sent by registered mail) to the “occupier” or to the contractor employed by the occupier to remove snow or ice on the premises. Click here to read the exceptions to the law.
How long does it take to recover from a slip and fall accident?
Timelines for recovery from a slip and fall injury vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some slips and falls can take just a few short months to recover from, while other cases could result in a long-term commitment to rehabilitation. Similarly, slip and fall accident settlements vary depending on the intricacies of each case. Click here to read how we recovered the slip and fall accident compensation that our clients deserved.
Need a slip and fall lawyer in Ottawa? Turn to MG Law.
When you need an Ottawa slip and fall lawyer, MG Law’s highly experienced team is here to guide you. Not only do we have a proven track record assisting slip and fall injury victims. We will get to work on your case while you focus on what is truly important – your recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Call 613-730-8460 to speak to our team of slip and fall accident lawyers today.
