Coquitlam Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Whether a slip and fall accident occurs on a commercial or residential property, the impacts can be long-lasting and wide-ranging. Slips and falls are unexpected occurrences that can happen in a split second, but they have the potential to negatively affect an accident victim for the rest of their life. 

If you were injured on someone else’s property, you might instinctively blame yourself, your own lack of attention, or clumsiness for the accident. However, in many circumstances, when slip and fall accidents happen on premises owned or operated by another individual or entity, they may be due to their negligent or careless actions in leaving a hazard unattended. 

In accordance with the British Columbia Occupiers’ Liability Act, the people who control access to the premises must take reasonable, proactive steps to ensure their property is safe for others to visit. An “occupier” could refer to a property’s owner, a business manager, a landlord, a tenant who controls access to the premises, or another person or entity responsible for safe maintenance. 

If an occupier fails to meet their duty of care and a fall occurs, they may be held liable for the injuries sustained by the accident victim. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our Coquitlam slip and fall lawyers help injured slip and fall victims pursue the compensation they need to recover. To schedule a free consultation and discuss your situation, contact us today.

Slip and Fall Hazards That Cause Injuries in Coquitlam

Although “slip and fall” is the more familiar term, trip and fall accidents are also a leading cause of preventable injuries. Both occur when property owners fail to maintain reasonably safe premises. The difference is that trips and falls are caused by hazards or blockages that cause a person to trip over, instead of slipping.

Common hazards that can cause slip and fall and trip and fall accidents on commercial and residential properties include:

• Recently mopped or wet floors
• Improperly cleared ice and snow
• Uneven surfaces or cracked pavement
• Potholes
• Poor lighting
• Broken or missing handrails
• Warped staircases
• Loose or upturned carpeting
• Debris or clutter in walkways
• Uncovered cables or open drawers
• And more

Landlords and property owners are required to ensure their properties are “reasonably safe” for visitors. Duties might include shovelling and salting in winter, clearing walkways, making all floors level, ensuring adequate lighting, and complying with building code standards. When these duties are neglected, accidents happen.

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Tell Us About Your Case

For more than 60 years, Preszler Injury Lawyers has been helping people across British Columbia pursue the compensation they deserve for their slip and fall accident claims. As one of the country’s longest-standing personal injury law firms, our practice is devoted entirely to injury law and helping accident victims–it’s all we do.

Schedule a free consultation today to speak with our award-winning personal injury lawyers and find out if you have a case. Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call.

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The Consequences of Slips, Trips, and Falls in Coquitlam

The injuries sustained in a fall can vary from mild cuts and bruises to permanent and severe injuries that affect a person’s quality of life. Accident victims could sustain serious:

• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis
• Chronic pain
• Degeneration
• Long-term mobility issues
• And more

In fact, roughly one-third of people in Canada who slip and fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries, including hip fractures, head trauma, spinal cord damage, or forearm fractures. Falls are also particularly dangerous for older adults. 85% of injury-related emergency room visits for older Canadians are the result of a fall, and falls account for 61% of their fatal injuries.

Even when injuries appear minor at first, they may worsen over time or reveal complications days later. That’s why it’s critical that you seek immediate medical attention, document your injuries, and follow all your doctor’s treatment recommendations.

What Compensation is Available for Slip and Fall Injuries in Coquitlam?

If you were injured in a slip or trip and fall on someone else’s property, you might be entitled to compensation. Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Loss of income or reduced earning capacity
• The cost of housekeeping services
• Medical treatment, medications, and equipment
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Counselling costs
• And possibly more

Some of these damages are straightforward, such as tallying up medical bills or lost wages. Others–like estimating the future costs of long-term conditions such as fractures, brain injuries, or spinal cord damage–are more complex and may require legal and/or medical expertise. 

In Canada, the maximum award for pain and suffering is capped at around $360,000. However, your final compensation may depend on many factors, including your ability to work, the extent of your medical treatment, your age and health, and whether you are found partially at fault for your accident.

Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Coquitlam

In most cases, British Columbia allows up to two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This includes slip and fall claims. Exceptions exist for:

• Claims against government entities, which require notice within two months and filing within six months from the date of the accident. 
• Minors, who may file within two years after their 19th birthday, although parents or guardians can also file on their behalf sooner.
• “Delayed discovery” claims, which are rare cases in which deadlines may be extended up to 15 years.

Because limitation periods can vary, it is always best to contact a slip and fall accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. 

Why Should You Work With Our Coquitlam Slip and Fall Lawyers?

Preszler Injury Lawyers’ experienced Coquitlam slip and fall lawyers routinely handle slip and fall and trip and fall cases throughout the Lower Mainland. For over 50 years, we’ve built a reputation for honesty, compassion, and pursuing the fullest extent of compensation for our clients. 

Our team provides full-service legal advocacy, including: 

• Medical referrals and documentation support
• Thorough investigation and evidence collection
• Liaising with insurance companies and law clerks
• Negotiations with defendants and opposing counsel
• Representation in court, if necessary
• And more

Most cases are resolved in settlement, but we are prepared to litigate when required. Importantly, we work on a contingency basis only. This means you pay nothing upfront, and if your case is unsuccessful, you owe no fees. 

Contact Our Coquitlam Slip and Fall Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a slip or trip and fall in Coquitlam, you don’t have to face the consequences alone. Our lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more, so you can focus on healing. 

Call 1-844-373-8202 today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking experienced, compassionate representation.

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