Vancouver Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

If you have been hurt in a trip or slip and fall accident in Vancouver, you may have already noticed just how disruptive sustaining serious injuries can be. These accidents can result in significant physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress. On top of that, injured victims often face substantial financial costs related to their recovery, especially when their injuries prevent them from performing their regular work duties. 

When slip or trip and fall accidents happen on someone else’s property–whether at a Vancouver business, residential building, or public space, it can be difficult to know who is at fault. Many injured victims may instinctively blame themselves. However, many of these accidents are the result of another party’s negligence. 

Although you may feel the urge to leave an establishment immediately after your fall, doing so could prevent you from taking critical steps to establish liability. Immediately after being involved in a slip and fall accident in Vancouver, it’s important to: 

• Report the accident to the building’s supervisor, manager, or local authority.
• Request a copy of the official incident report.
• Take photos of the scene and any hazards that contributed to your fall.
• Collect the contact information of eyewitnesses.
• Seek medical attention and retain all documentation.
• Contact a Vancouver slip and fall accident lawyer for legal advice. 

Our Vancouver slip and fall lawyers offer free initial consultations to all prospective clients. If you have been injured and believe you might be entitled to compensation, call 1-844-373-8202 or contact us online to speak with a member of our legal team today.

Slip and Falls vs. Trip and Falls

While both slips and trips can cause similar injuries, the way they occur is quite different. A slip happens where there is a loss of traction–such as on a wet, icy, or slick surface–causing you to fall backward. A trip happens when your foot catches on an object or uneven surface, sending you forward. 

Understanding this distinction helps our Vancouver slip and fall lawyers identify the cause of the hazard and determine which party may be legally responsible under the Occupiers’ Liability Act. If you have questions about your situation and whether it may qualify for a legal claim, contact our Vancouver office today.

Who is Eligible for Compensation Following a Vancouver Slip or Trip and Fall Accident?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related fatalities worldwide. Each year, an average of 37.3 million people are hospitalized because of injuries sustained in falls–many of which are entirely preventable. 

In Vancouver, these accidents often occur because a property owner or occupier failed to take reasonable care to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Under the British Columbia Occupiers’ Liability Act, property owners, landlords, tenants, and managers are legally required to ensure that anyone entering their property is reasonably safe.

This duty of care applies to commercial, private, and public properties alike. People who might be owed this duty of care include:

• Customers and employees
• Tenants and visitors
• Delivery workers and postal agents
• Contractors and maintenance workers
• Neighbours and passersby

If the property’s owner or occupier fails to repair, remove, or warn others about a dangerous condition–and a slip or trip and fall accident occurs as a result–they may be considered negligent and held liable for damages. That means if you were injured on someone else’s property in Vancouver, our slip and fall lawyers may be able to help you pursue a civil claim for compensation.

Common Hazards in Slip and Fall Accidents

Seemingly commonplace, everyday, difficult-to-notice maintenance issues can cause serious accidents with life-altering impacts. Loose carpets, wet floors, uneven sidewalks, broken handrails, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and icy pathways are all common contributors to Vancouver slip and fall accidents. 

The severity of these accidents varies depending on the conditions and the injured person’s age or health. While younger individuals may recover quickly, older adults often suffer prolonged pain and mobility issues. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors, and more than half of injury-related fatalities in older adults result from falls. 

Common injuries sustained in Vancouver slip and fall accidents include:

• Hip fractures
• Facial or dental injuries
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Fractures and sprains
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• And more

No matter the victim’s age, the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a slip and fall can be severe. Victims may lose wages, require rehabilitation, and face ongoing medical expenses.

Compensation Available to Vancouver Slip and Fall Victims

If you were injured because of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses and prescription drugs
• Pain and suffering
• Attendant care or mobility aids
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Mileage to and from medical appointments
• Housekeeping or personal care services
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or strength-training classes
• Psychological treatment
• Legal fees and other out-of-pocket costs
• And more

Each case is unique, and the total compensation you’re eligible for will depend on the nature of your injuries and the long-term effects on your life. Our Vancouver slip and fall lawyers can evaluate your case and calculate the full value of your claim. 

Proving Negligence Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act

In accordance with the Occupiers’ Liability Act, property owners and occupiers in Vancouver must take reasonable steps to protect those entering their premises. This means they must perform regular inspections, repair known hazards, and post clear warnings about any unsafe conditions.

Those who fail to meet this duty may be found negligent if a visitor is injured as a result. Negligent parties might include: 

• Property managers
• Landlords
• Business owners and operators
• Tenants
• Superintendents
• Contractors and landscapers
• Anyone responsible for property maintenance or access

If a property owner or occupier knew–or should have known–about a dangerous condition but failed to address it, they can be held liable for injuries caused by their inaction. 

Call Our Vancouver Slip and Fall Lawyers Today

The process of recovering from a fall can be isolating and overwhelming. That’s why Preszler Injury Lawyers handles every aspect of your claim, giving you the time to focus on healing. 

Our Vancouver slip and fall lawyers can:

• Investigate the cause of your accident
• Gather witness statements and photographic evidence
• Obtain surveillance footage and inspection records
• Consult medical experts to support your claim
• Negotiate settlements with insurance companies
• Represent you in court, if necessary
• And more

Our legal team believes no one should have to bear the financial or emotional burden of another person’s negligence. If you sustained injuries on someone else’s property, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. 

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency-fee basis. This means you pay no fees unless we win your case. 

Don’t miss any important deadlines and forfeit your right to claim. To review your situation and learn about your legal options, call 1-844-373-8202 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Vancouver slip and fall lawyers today.

Proudly Canadian

Case Results

Slipped and Fell in Vancouver?