Spring is a wonderful time of year. Trees and flowers are in bloom, the Frisbees are flying, the barbecues are heating up and all is well with the world – for the most part. If you’ve had a long, cold, stormy winter, such as the one we’ve had in Toronto this year, it means there will be a lot of snow melt and slippery ice around. With all of the beautiful trees and flowers to take in, you may not be focused on where you’re walking, and this can be very dangerous. At Goodman Elbassiouni LLP our number one priority is getting our clients fair compensation for their trauma and hardship, so if you take a nosedive on a patch of melting ice this spring season, call us immediately for a free consultation.
Slip and falls can certainly happen any time of year, and while here in Canada ice and snow are often the culprits, there are countless other legitimate factors that could lead to a slip and fall. Even if a property manager is shoveling and salting their walkways and stairs sufficiently, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re performing maintenance on the stairs and railings every few years to make sure they are safe. Our Toronto based slip and fall lawyers will be able to figure out pretty quickly whether or not you’re eligible for compensation, and what the limit of compensation might be, based on your description of the accident. If you’ve been hospitalized for the duration of your recovery, you could send a trusted friend or relative for the consultation, fill out an assessment form online, or simply give us a call!
Ontario’s Occupier’s Liability Act states that you have the right to pursue compensation if you sustain an injury on someone else’s property. Keep in mind, however, that the burden of proof is very high in these cases, so gathering as much evidence as possible and producing reliable witnesses is crucial. Because we specialize in slip and fall cases, we should be able to tell you whether or not to evidence you have gathered is sufficient to obtain the compensation you deserve.
In general, it is wise to wear shoes with very good tread until all of the snow and ice have completely melted and disappeared. You may be tempted to bust out your Chuck Taylors or Vans early this season when you see that shining sun, but trust us, it’s beneficial to wait for the streets to dry. Spring and summer are a terrible time to be stuck in the hospital or at home recovering from an injury.
Another point that’s important to keep in mind is that if you suffer a slip and fall related injury anywhere on the premises of your workplace, it may qualify as a WSIB or work-related injury. Much in the same way that an auto accident falls into WSIB jurisdiction if you are running an errand for your boss, there is also overlap with slip and falls. It’s your boss’ job to ensure that your workplace is clear of hazards, so don’t hesitate to file for compensation when you are hurt at work. If you need a workers compensation lawyer in Toronto and the GTA, Goodman Elbassiouni LLP should be number one on your contact list. Call us for a free consultation today!