As the ice storm raged over Ontario and Quebec for the holidays, hospitals across the province reported a jump in slip and fall related injuries – even injuries caused by falling ice.
Obviously, there’s nothing anyone can do when Mother Nature decides to pack a wallop, but a sudden storm or so-called act of God doesn’t absolve property and business owners from taking reasonable measures to protect those who walk on the areas they’re responsible for. When it comes to a predicted storm, precautions can be taken beforehand and before too long after the snow/sleet/hail has begun, measures need to be taken to clear away key areas of access.
That is a responsibility that falls on property and business owners as well as the governmental owners of public property and areas and even employers when it comes to protecting their employees.
Bad Weather Responsibilities
According to Municipal Code Chapter 719 (Toronto,) homeowners have 12 hours after a winter event ends to clear the ice and snow from the sidewalk in front on their property. As a business owner or employer, the responsibilities include:
- Being proactive – salt or sand if you know in advance
- Clearing any areas the public will use, including parking lots, walkways and so on
- If the conditions are severe enough or the area doesn’t allow for snow or ice removal then it should be closed to the public until it can be
- Keeping doorways, entrances and fire exits clear
Remember, if a business is open, they are responsible for clearing the way.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Most people think of broken bones or soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains when they think of slip and fall injuries, but some of the worst effects can take place weeks, months or even years later as they develop into conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
- Chronic back pain
That’s why it’s important to get medical attention right away even if your injuries seem relatively minor.
The second thing you need to do is to contact a slip and fall lawyer immediately. It’s the only way you can fully protect your interests and try to get the compensation you need to start on the road to recovery and rehabilitation.
At Petrillo Law, we work on behalf of injured people to get them the compensation they deserve. As experienced slip and fall lawyers, we understand the pain and uncertainty that comes with being injured. We have successfully recovered damages on behalf of hundreds of slip and fall victims throughout Mississauga, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ontario. And we can help you too.
Get the Legal Representation You Need
Contact us today at (905) 949-9433 to schedule your free complimentary consultation. We look forward to hearing from you. We are located at 2600 Skymark Ave., Unit 1, Suite 201, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5B2.
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