Slip-and-Fall Lawyer: Hamilton, Ontario
Falls are one of the most common types of fall accidents in Hamilton and throughout Ontario. These incidents can happen anywhere. Sidewalks, stairwells, building entrances; each of them poses a hazard if not properly maintained. Injuries can range from bruises and sprains to fractures, soft tissue tears, or head injuries.
Property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure their premises are safe. That includes both private homes and public spaces. If a property owner fails in that responsibility and someone is hurt, they may be held liable.
If you have suffered personal injuries from a slip, speak with a slip-and-fall lawyer at DWA Law. We’ll review what happened and begin investigating your case immediately.
Who is Liable for a Slip-and-Fall?
Every fall incident must be evaluated on its own facts. That includes the location of the accident, the surface condition, any signage, and what efforts were made to prevent harm. For example, a fall caused by icy steps may be linked to a landlord who did not hire seasonal maintenance in time. A fall in a building under renovation could point to a contractor or maintenance crew.
Our fall lawyers will review the details and identify where the responsibility lies. We gather records, speak with witnesses, and review the scene in detail to prepare your personal injury claim.
Other People’s Injuries
Many homeowners carry insurance that covers injuries like slip and falls on their property. These policies typically include clauses for medical expenses and general liability. Despite this, homeowners are often hesitant to file a claim. They worry about rising premiums or losing coverage.
This can complicate things for the person who was injured. That’s where we step in. If you’ve suffered fall injuries on someone else’s property and they’re reluctant to report it, we’ll take over the communication and protect your legal rights. Your recovery should not depend on someone else’s discomfort.
We represent injured victims with serious injuries, including broken bones, torn ligaments, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and others. If you’re dealing with insurance claims after a fall, speak with one of our lawyers.
In Public
If it happens to be on city property, the city would be liable, depending on the location of the accident. Many slip and fall accidents occur on public property and often for reasons related to:
- Badly maintained or icy walkways
- Areas under construction that lack proper signage
- Areas that were not adequately cleaned
- Old or damaged park equipment
- Poor lighting
When a fall occurs on public property, the City of Hamilton or another municipal body may be responsible. This depends on the location, the cause, and who was in charge of maintenance.
Public areas can become dangerous due to poor lighting, icy conditions, broken pavement, or construction work with no warning signs. The city may also hire outside contractors to manage those areas. In some cases, liability is shared between the municipality and the company that failed to meet its obligations.
Cases involving public property often involve strict notice periods and multiple parties. These matters require careful investigation and legal coordination. Whether your injury was minor or a serious fall, contact us for a free consultation and legal support in securing fair compensation.
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Property Owner Responsibility and the Occupiers’ Liability Act
The Occupiers’ Liability Act governs the responsibility of Hamilton property owners. It applies to private homeowners, commercial property owners, restaurant operators, landlords, and others. It applies to:
Shoddy Work
- Landlords
- Store owners
- Hotel owners/property managers
- Restaurant owners
- Private homeowners
A slip and fall injury can result from shoddy work, such as loose handrails, uneven staircases, and malfunctioning elevators. Buildings need to be built to code, so occupants and visitors can feel safe and move about with relative ease.
If the property is not safe or built to conform to an acceptable standard of safety, then the owner of that property can be sued according to the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
Hiring Maintenance Companies
Property owners often hire third-party companies to handle snow removal, salting, or other routine maintenance. These crews must show up on time and work to a standard of safety. If they don’t, and someone falls, responsibility may rest with both the property owner and the contractor.
Stairs and walkways are especially dangerous in winter. If a crew fails to shovel or salt properly, or leaves behind tools or equipment, the property becomes unsafe. There should also be clear signage if cleaning or repairs are underway.
Our fall injury lawyers investigate the entire chain of responsibility, then we hold them accountable. If you’ve suffered an injury on private or commercial property, get in touch with us. We’ll walk you through your options.
Can I Sue for a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
If you were injured at work, your costs may be covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The WSIB provides coverage for medical care and income replacement without the need to prove fault. However, once you file a WSIB claim, you typically give up the right to sue your employer.
There are exceptions. If the injury was caused by reckless or intentional conduct by your employer, a lawsuit may still be possible.
In cases involving independent contractors or consultants, the situation becomes more complex. Employers sometimes argue that consultants are not entitled to compensation. In those cases, it’s up to the court to decide whether a legal claim can proceed.
Before you file anything, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We’ll review your situation and guide you toward the option that protects your health and your legal rights.
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Handling Your Slip-and-Fall Case: Questions on Compensation
At our free consultation, your lawyer will discuss the details of your case with you, as well as the legal process, fees and expectations should you decide to choose our Hamilton law firm to represent you.
When we meet for your initial consultation, we’ll go over the details of your injury. That includes the nature of your fall, your medical needs, and how the injury has affected your life. These may include:
- Expenses
- Ability to work
- Lost wages
- Physical inabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Personal injury cases are complex. When determining your compensation, we will review your injury, to see if it falls under the category of a serious injury. The reason for this is because medical benefits for catastrophic injuries will be at least $1 million. These types of injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
During our first meeting, we will be happy to answer any questions you have and clarify legal procedures, so you know what to expect should we move forward. Speak with a hamilton personal injury lawyer now!
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Avoid Limiting Your Compensation
A one-time settlement may seem appealing. It’s a fast resolution and it puts money in your hands quickly. But it can also be a trap. If your injury gets worse and you need additional care, that money won’t last.
We’ve worked with many clients who accepted early offers without legal advice. Months later, they were left without resources. That’s what we help you avoid.
Hamilton residents shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden of their injury. Future medical expenses, lost time from work, and long-term care costs should be covered. Our legal team ensures your settlement reflects those needs. Call us today!
Investigations
A strong personal injury case begins with strong evidence. We gather everything we can, from accident reports to maintenance logs to medical documentation. If you took photos, collected witness names, or filed an incident report, we’ll include those details in the file.
Your slip-and-fall lawyer will also gather any surveillance footage that is available and review whether or not it recorded your accident. They will search for other witnesses, such as store workers, and interview them. This is the value of hiring an experienced lawyer. We not only know the value of investigatory legwork, our experience shows we know where to look to find it.
Your lawyer will also speak with your healthcare professionals and review your medical documentation to determine the severity of your injury. Your slip-and-fall lawyer will take into consideration your healthcare professionals’ opinion of how your injury will heal, as well as what complications may develop.
DWA Law leaves no stone unturned, giving you peace of mind while you recover from your slip fall.
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
DWA Handles All Kinds of Accidents
Regardless of who was at fault, our staff ensures you are protected and receive the accident benefits you deserve.
Each DWA personal injury lawyer is ready to take your case, represent you in court, and assist you in finding the right support service. It’s important that you know your rights. Call us for a free consultation, and we’ll get started on your case.
Our law firm handles these types of car accident cases:
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Should I Get A Lawyer For A Slip-And-Fall?
Yes. A lawyer can help you make sense of the legal process, deal with insurers, and support your recovery. This isn’t about going to court. It’s about ensuring you are treated fairly and that your claim is taken seriously.
Don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury law firm for legal services and a free consultation. Our personal injury practice represents clients injured in fall cases, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and even medical malpractice or motor vehicle accidents that have resulted in life altering injuries, fatal injuries, or other injuries sustained.
At DWA Law, we examine each case carefully. Our fall injury lawyers, legal staff, and personal injury assistants all work toward the same goal: protecting your interests and supporting your recovery. That includes access to treatment, therapy, and medical support as needed.
Don’t hesitate to contact our Hamilton personal injury lawyers for a free consultation!
