Slip and Fall Lawyers Calgary

Slip and fall accidents are common in Calgary, especially during the winter months when snow, ice, and freeze–thaw cycles create dangerous conditions on sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Falls can also happen inside grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centres, offices, or rental properties when floors are wet, uneven, or poorly maintained.

At Watson Goepel Alberta, our focus is on helping people who have been injured because a property owner or occupier did not take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. Many clients come to the firm after a fall on ice or snow, but slip and fall claims might also involve unsafe staircases, loose mats, poor lighting, or hazards that were not properly marked or repaired. Our Calgary slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to ensuring our injured clients get the compensation they deserve after these incidents happen.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall, it can be difficult to know where to start. Pain, time off work, and uncertainty about the future can feel overwhelming. Speaking to a slip and fall lawyer in Calgary gives you a chance to understand your rights, the strength of your claim, and what steps to take next. To arrange a consultation, call (403) 984-1302 or contact the firm online.

The Law On Slip And Fall Accidents In Alberta

Most slip and fall claims in Alberta fall under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, which outlines the duty of care owed by “occupiers” of premises. An occupier is not only the owner of a property, but also anyone who has control over the condition of the property or who is responsible for inviting others onto it. That may include landlords, tenants, commercial businesses, property managers, and condominium or strata corporations.

The Act requires occupiers to take reasonable care to see that visitors are reasonably safe while on their premises. This does not mean that every accident leads to a successful claim, but it does mean that when hazards are allowed to develop or remain, and an injury results, the occupier may be held legally responsible for the harm that follows.

Examples of negligence under Alberta’s occupiers’ liability laws often include:

• Failing to clear ice, snow, or slush from sidewalks, walkways, and stairs within a reasonable time frame
• Leaving spills or wet floors unattended, or mopping without proper warning signs
• Ignoring broken stairs, loose handrails, uneven flooring, or torn carpeting

Time limits also play an important role in slip and fall cases in Calgary. Alberta’s Limitations Act generally gives injured people two years from when they knew, or ought to have known, that their injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence.

Some slip and fall claims in Alberta, particularly those involving municipalities or public authorities, can be subject to even shorter notice periods and strict requirements. For that reason, it is usually important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a slip, trip, or fall.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Slip And Fall In Calgary?

Responsibility for a slip and fall often depends on where the accident occurred. Residential homeowners may be responsible for failing to clear their sidewalks or steps, especially during Calgary’s winter months. Landlords and property managers may be accountable when common areas in apartment buildings or condominiums are not adequately maintained. Commercial occupiers such as grocery stores, shopping centres, restaurants, and hotels are also expected to have proper systems in place to regularly inspect and clean floors, aisles, and entrances.

In some situations, third-party contractors can be involved in a slip and fall lawsuit. Snow removal companies, janitorial services, or maintenance providers may share responsibility if their work is careless or incomplete. For falls on public sidewalks, streets, or other areas, there may be special rules and notice requirements that apply to claims against a municipality.

Determining which parties can be named in a claim requires a careful look at the location, the contractual arrangements in place, and the pattern of maintenance or inspections that existed before the fall. A Calgary slip and fall lawyer can help identify all potential defendants and insurance sources to help develop a robust case on your behalf.

Common Causes And Injuries After Calgary Slip And Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents in Calgary often involve winter conditions, but hazards are not limited to snow and ice. Falls can happen on wet tile in a supermarket, on loose mats at a building entrance, on uneven concrete in a parking lot, or even on staircases that lack proper handrails or lighting.

The injuries that follow can vary widely. Some people experience relatively minor sprains and bruises that resolve over time, while others are left with long-term or permanent limitations. Many of our clients at Watson Goepel LLP report injuries such as:

• Hip fractures
• Wrist or arm fractures from trying to break a fall
• Injuries to knees or ankles when the joint twists awkwardly
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries if the head strikes the ground, a wall, or a step.
• Neck and back injuries, including damage to discs or the spinal cord
• Chronic pain conditions that affect day-to-day function
• Psychological effects such as anxiety, low mood, and sleep disruption
• And more

Some injuries might appear minor at first, but will worsen over time. This is why getting an early medical evaluation and keeping ongoing documentation on file is essential.

To help organize the issues in a case, it is often helpful to think about both the cause of the fall and the progression of the injuries. Medical records, photographs, witness statements, and expert reports can all play a role in painting a clear picture of what happened and how the injury has changed a person’s life.

What To Do After A Slip And Fall Accident

The moments after a fall can often be confusing, painful, and embarrassing. Even when this is the case, taking certain steps can make it easier to protect your health and your legal rights.

Seek Safety

Get medical attention promptly. Your health should always be your first priority. A medical professional can assess the seriousness of your injuries, recommend treatment, and create a record of your symptoms and complaints. Conditions like concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage are not always obvious at the scene, but may develop over time.

Report the Accident

When possible, it is helpful to report the incident to the property owner, manager, or staff on site and ask that an incident report be completed.

Take Pictures & Videos

If you are physically able, take photographs or a short video of the area where you fell, including any ice, snow, liquid, or other hazard that may have contributed to the accident. Weather conditions, lighting, and footwear can all be important details in your case later down the line, so capturing those details can make a difference.

Gather Detailed Documentation

Keeping copies of receipts and documents related to your injury, including medical expenses, transportation costs, and notes regarding time away from work, will help you track the impact of your accident over time. You should also keep thorough records of the medical treatment you have needed as a result of your accident.

It is also sensible to avoid signing any documents from insurance companies, providing detailed recorded statements to insurers, or accepting early settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

What Compensation is Available For Slip And Fall Victims In Calgary?

A successful slip and fall claim can provide financial support that helps an injured person rebuild their life. Compensation may cover the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, including:

• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic care
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological counselling
• And possibly more

It might also cover lost wages for time missed from work and, where injuries affect future employment, compensation for reduced earning capacity.

There may also be amounts available to accident victims for pain and suffering, which aim to recognize the physical and emotional impact of the injuries, although these are subject to legal limits and regulations in Alberta.

Out-of-pocket expenses such as medication, transportation, home care, or modifications to living space may be part of a slip and fall claim, along with future care costs in more serious cases. Where family members provide significant care or support, their losses might also be considered for compensation.

Every case is unique, and calculating damages in Alberta depends on the specific facts, medical evidence, and legal framework. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Calgary can help you understand the range of possible outcomes based on similar cases and the evidence available in your situation.

Our Experienced Calgary Slip and Fall Lawyers

A slip and fall claim often involves complex factual and legal questions. Our Calgary slip and fall lawyers can help clients in a variety of ways to pursue the best possible outcome. We can evaluate the circumstances of your accident, obtain maintenance and inspection records, seek out witnesses, and, where appropriate, work with engineers or other experts to analyze the condition of the property. Our legal team also gathers medical records, consults with treatment providers, and may arrange independent assessments to fully understand the prognosis and long-term impact of your injury.

Negotiations with insurance companies can be stressful, especially for someone who is already coping with pain and loss of income. Having our legal representation on your side will help ensure that all communications with insurers are managed carefully, that settlement offers are evaluated properly, and that your claim is advanced in a way that reflects the full scope of your losses. If a fair settlement is not possible, our lawyers can commence and pursue litigation in the Alberta courts on your behalf.

Slip and Falls in Calgary: Frequently Asked Questions

Will a homeowner be liable if they don’t clear their sidewalk in the winter?

Bylaws in Calgary require that homeowners remove snow and ice from their property within 24 hours. However, violating this bylaw does not automatically create liability. Negligence, such as allowing unsafe icy conditions to persist for an unreasonable amount of tme, must still be proven.

Will the homeowner have to pay damages for a slip and fall accident personally?

Most homeowners are covered by insurance that covers personal injury liability. Typically, compensation comes from their insurer and not directly out of their pocket, although this may not be true in every circumstance.

Can I still make a claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Yes. Alberta applies contributory negligence principles to personal injury claims. If you share fault for your accident, the damages you’re entitled to may be reduced proportionally, but you can still recover compensation.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Alberta?

Under the Alberta Limitations Act, you generally have two years to file a slip and fall claim. This period may be extended under special circumstances. However, evidence is best preserved early on, so you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Contact Our Calgary Slip And Fall Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Calgary or elsewhere in Alberta, legal advice can make a real difference. Your initial consultation with our team will provide you with an opportunity to discuss what happened, review your options, and understand what a claim might involve.

To speak with a Calgary slip and fall lawyer, call (403) 984-1302 or reach out through the contact form on the Watson Goepel Alberta website.

Take the next step toward recovery with guidance from Watson Goepel LLP Alberta.