Langley Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall cases are far more serious than the public often believes them to be. They are the leading reason why older adults lose their independence. Younger adults can take spinal injuries or head injuries which cause a lifetime of chronic pain and difficulties with work.

When your slip and fall injury is the result of someone else’s negligence you have the right to receive compensation. Let Merchant Law help you get the compensation you deserve.

How Premises Liability Works

Every property owner has a “duty of care” to ensure their property is a safe place to visit. This means they are supposed to keep an eye out for certain hazards, and they’re supposed to make sure that those hazards are dealt with in a timely fashion.

For example, when it snows in Langley every property owner is supposed to salt and shovel their walks. What happens if a property owner leaves a walk unsalted for longer than normal? If you walk across it expecting it to be safe and then slip and fall, the landowner is responsible for causing that injury.

Of course, it’s not quite cut-and-dried. The landowner might claim they didn’t have enough time to respond to a sudden snow. They might claim it was obvious the walk was unsafe, yet you used it anyway.

Indeed, claims like this are very common defenses in slip and fall cases, and they’re part of the reason why these cases are so complicated. These sorts of defenses demonstrate precisely why it’s so important to have an experienced slip and fall lawyer by your side when you try to file your claim.

You can expect the property owner to fight you, especially if you were on a piece of commercial property, like a retail store. You can expect them to throw everything they have at you to avoid paying you. You don’t want to do this alone.

How to Strengthen Your Slip and Fall Case

There are a few things you can do immediately after your slip and fall which can help you strengthen your case.

First, you need to gather the names, numbers, addresses, and email addresses of any witnesses on the scene.

Second, you need to watch what you say. Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s a good idea to avoid making statements you don’t have to make. Even saying things like, “I’m okay,” can be used against you later. Stick to questions like: “Can I get your contact information?”

Third, take pictures, both of the hazards and the shoes you were wearing.

Next, get medical attention and follow all of your doctor’s orders. Do not refuse medical attention even if you think you might be okay. You won’t know for sure until you get examined, and this can be a real problem if an injury presents itself later.

Finally, call a lawyer. Try to do so as soon as you’re medically capable of doing so, before the property owner’s insurance company contacts you. This will allow you to refer insurance officials to your lawyer, avoiding costly mistakes.

Why Merchant Law?

We have a proven track record of helping slip-and-fall plaintiffs get the money they need to manage their losses. We’re known as some of Canada’s toughest litigators, so you can feel confident knowing we’re fighting hard for you.

Schedule a free consultation today. Call (604) 535-7777, or visit our office at 6337 198 St. #101, Langley City, BC.