Apart from the physical and financial injuries and losses suffered when people are injured in accidents, the emotional component is equally important. People suffer enormous pain and suffering both physically and mentally as a result of serious injuries. Some of these consequences may result in serious emotional and psychological disturbances. For instance, accident victims may suffer from sleep problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, behavioral issues, phobias, fears, etc. Besides these negative aspects, people may experience the loss of joy and happiness, which are essential for living a normal life and conducting normal relationships.
Accidents are rarely accidental and are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Accident victims are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries.
In Canada, courts impose an upper limit for compensation claims for pain and suffering. This is usually in the region of $350,000. There are other conditions to be met under new insurance regulations, where a statutory deductible is made on all settlements. There is also a “verbal threshold” limit imposed by the Ontario legislature. This threshold has to be met and this evaluation rests entirely on the presiding judge in the case.
However, if a robust claim, based on clear and compelling evidence, backed by expert testimony from physicians and employers, and a credible, honest plaintiff, is presented, there are very good chances of meeting the criteria. Each case is different and the circumstances in every accident are different. Our experienced, skilled and expert personal injury lawyers can help you to get the compensation you deserve.
Falling from a height, however small, can result in various types of injuries, ranging from a minor bruise or sprain, to serious traumatic brain injury, spine and neck injuries, facial and dental damage, disability, fractures or even death.
Such falls are more common than we think. With so many scenic locations to visit around the country, it’s no wonder that Canada is a dream destination for tourists from around the world. Many of these accidents happen at or around locations of natural and scenic beauty, like waterfalls, ravines, mountain-trails etc. A number of them also take place at high-rise buildings, skyscrapers, towers, condominiums, apartment blocks, etc.
Work-places also present potential safety hazards. Construction sites are filled with areas that require people to work at different heights, on uneven terrain, etc.
Public places like parks have play-equipment, steps, different elevations for flower and plant display, while malls and shopping areas have large concentric floors built around a courtyard. Escalators and elevators are facilities where people can sustain falls from heights.
Added to the height, if the elevated location is also uneven, wet or greasy, this compounds the severity of the fall.
If you or a dear one has sustained injuries due to a slip and fall from an elevated location, it’s important to get immediate medical attention. Consult an experienced Hamilton personal injury lawyer without delay. You may be entitled to compensation.
Typical Injuries
Injuries due to falling from a height are caused by the body’s absorption of the severe impact. Paradoxically, not all such falls result in severe injuries. The nature and extent of injury depends on area of impact, height from which the person fell, landing ground, age, general health etc.
Spine and neck injuries, especially lumbar spine injuries
Traumatic brain injuries and head injuries (very common in children)
Thoracic injuries like rib fracture and lung contusion, cardiac rupture in very high falls
Internal organ damage
Severe facial and dental damage
Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
Disability, disfigurement
Death
If the person was atop a temporary structure, it can collapse on top of them when they fall, leading to even more severe trauma.
Seeking Compensation
Slip and fall injuries result in various types of injuries. Falling from a height is generally more traumatic than slipping and falling on level ground. Such accidents put a severe physical, financial and mental strain on the victims and their families.
Loss of income, wages or wage-earning capacity
Medical and rehabilitation expenditure
Pain and suffering
In the case of death, loss of guidance and companionship, lost income, funeral and hospitalization expenses etc can be claimed. For injured persons who suffer long-term or permanent disability, a life plan has to be made to ensure that they and their families retain some level of security and comfort in spite of the devastating injury.
Accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Slip and fall accidents may be the direct or indirect result of such a situation.
The fault is to be proven and liability established, in order to receive compensation and an experienced Hamilton personal injury lawyer can assist you with this.
Slip or Trip and fall accidents happen out of the blue but their effects can last for a very long time. These nasty mishaps occur anywhere and at any time to anyone, resulting in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor sprains, bruises and cuts to serious fractures, traumatic brain injuries, head and neck injuries, facial and dental damage and in extreme cases to permanent disability or even death.
Serious injuries have a lasting impact on the physical, financial and emotional well-being of not just the injured person but also of the family. If the victim contributed to the family income or was the sole income-earner, the family’s finances take a huge impact. This coupled with the emotional trauma, shock, confusion and anxiety and the cost of medical and rehabilitation care makes life difficult indeed.
Property owners have a duty of care to ensure that all those who visit their premises are assured of reasonable safety. If you or a dear one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact the nearest Burlington personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation.
Stay Safe!
In general, slip/trip and fall accidents are caused by:
wet greasy floors
liquid spills
freshly-polished or mopped floors
lack of warning signs
unanchored rugs, carpets
badly-maintained grounds, floors
poor lighting
missing broken insufficient hand-rails
broken steps or stairwells
damaged tiles
pot-holes
unmarked elevation changes
debris clutter
Property owners need to have a regular inspection-maintenance-repair-replace schedule to keep their premises safe. Burlington personal injury lawyers can evaluate your case and help you with the right information, advice and assistance.
Absorbent Runners
Today, there are many products that help home-owners, work-place and retail space management and public property owners to keep their premises as safe as possible. PVC fiber material absorbent runners can absorb large quantities of liquid and keep the area dry and safe for walking.
These products are great to use around pool areas, shower/locker rooms, factory floors, kitchens, in boats, around the bath-tub etc. These runners are also anti-slip and can help prevent accidents even on hard flooring. Some of them are manufactured using the latest micro-fiber technologies, and can soak up huge quantities of liquid. Some are specially designed to soak up oil spills, chemicals and grease. They also dry in double-quick time, are durable and easily machine-washed.
During winters, you can place them over your regular carpeting so that people trooping in with muddy shoes and boots don’t ruin your expensive floor-coverings.
Establishing Liability
Such accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault/negligence/breaching of safety norms. However, establishing these aspects can be challenging without presentation of robust evidence that fixes responsibility and proves negligence.
When you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to report and document it immediately. Seek medical attention without delay, however minor you assume your injuries to be.
An experienced Burlington personal injury lawyer can help you to put together a compelling compensation claim, backed by strong proof and evidence.
