Slip and Fall Lawyers Calgary

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from icy sidewalks and snowy parking lots to slippery grocery store aisles or uneven staircases. In Alberta, where weather conditions change dramatically from season to season, these accidents are especially common. Unfortunately, the injuries they cause can be serious, long-lasting, and life-changing.

At Watson Goepel, our Calgary slip and fall lawyers represent individuals who have been injured because property owners, landlords, or occupiers failed to keep their premises reasonably safe. We understand how overwhelming the recovery process can be, which is why we’re committed to guiding clients every step of the way, from documenting their claim to pursuing full and fair compensation.

To schedule a consultation with our legal team today, call our Calgary office at 403-984-1302 or fill out our online contact form. We serve clients across the province of Alberta.

The Law on Slip and Fall Accidents in Alberta

Slip and fall claims in Alberta are governed by the Occupiers’ Liability Act. It places a duty on occupiers, such as property owners, landlords, tenants, and managers, to ensure that visitors are reasonably safe while on their premises. If an occupier fails to maintain their property and you become injured as a result, they can be held legally responsible for your losses.

Examples of negligence defined in the Occupiers’ Liability Act include:

• Failing to clear ice, snow, or other debris from sidewalks, walkways, and stairs
• Allowing black ice to form due to poor drainage or leaking gutters
• Neglecting to repair uneven flooring, loose mats, or broken stairs
• Leaving spills on floors in grocery stores, restaurants, or bars
• Inadequate lighting that makes hazards hard to see
• And more

In addition, Alberta’s Limitations Act sets a general two-year deadline for filing slip and fall claims. The clock typically starts from the date you knew (or ought to have known) that your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Missing this deadline can bar you from pursuing compensation, so it’s important that you speak to a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible.

Common Causes and Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents in Calgary

While icy sidewalks are a leading cause of injury in Calgary, slip and fall accidents can occur in many different environments for many different reasons. Common causes that affect victims in Calgary include:

• Black ice or ice buildup on sidewalks, driveways, and stairs
• Snow that is not cleared within the required 24-hour window under Calgary bylaws
• Wet floors in supermarkets, restaurants, movie theatres, or other public spaces
• Freshly mopped surfaces without warning signs
• Poorly constructed or uneven staircases
• Clutter or loose cables in public or private spaces
• Uneven sidewalks, potholes, or broken pavement
• And more

Sometimes, “trip and fall” may be used to refer to an accident where you stumbled over a hazard rather than slipped. It should be noted that whether it is a slip and fall or a trip and fall accident, you may still hold a negligent occupier liable for your injuries.

The severity of slip and fall injuries is often underestimated, especially at the time that the accident occurs. However, victims may suffer from serious effects, such as:

• Sprains and fractures in the ankles, hips, knees, or other body parts
• Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries, which may lead to paralysis
• Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments or chronic pain conditions
• Psychological effects, like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• 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.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, taking the right steps after your accident can protect both your health and your legal rights:

• Seek Medical Attention: You should see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms seem minor at first, injuries like concussions or internal damage might not appear right away. Medical records can also serve as evidence for your claim.
• Report the Accident: You should notify the owner of the property, landlord, or manager and request that the incident be documented.
• Document the Accident Scene: If you are able to do so, take photos or videos of the hazard that caused your injuries. For example, of ice, spills, poor light, and the area surrounding the scene. You may also consider taking pictures of your footwear/clothing at the time, as this may be considered helpful evidence to support your claim.
• Collect Witness Information: If anybody witnessed the accident, you should record their name, phone number, and any statements you can take.
• Preserve Records: After your accident, you should keep a record of all losses you have sustained as a result. For example, receipts for travel, medical bills, documentation of lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and more.
• Contact a Calgary Slip and Fall Lawyer: Our experienced lawyers can help you collect surveillance footage, weather records, expert testimony, and other documentation before important evidence starts to fade. By doing so, we aim to build you the strongest case possible.

What Compensation is Available to Slip and Fall Victims in Calgary?

To receive compensation in a slip and fall claim, you must be able to prove that negligence on the part of the property owner resulted in your injuries. If you are able to demonstrate a direct link between the occupiers’ carelessness and your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, medication, and more.
• Lost income, if you’re unable to work while you recover
• Loss of future earning capacity, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries
• Out-of-pocket expenses, such as home modifications or mobility aids
• Future care costs for ongoing treatment and assistance
• And more

At Watson Goepel, our Calgary slip and fall lawyers will assess your situation and help you determine the total value of the losses you have incurred. Not only do we examine the past and present toll that your accident has taken, but we also consider how your life will continue to be affected into the future. This way, we can ensure that we pursue full and fair compensation 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 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 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.

How Can Our Calgary Slip and Fall Lawyers Help You?

Slip and fall claims can be complicated. Insurance companies might try to deny liability or argue that you should have been more careful before your accident. Our Calgary slip and fall lawyers will advocate for your side by:

• Investigating the circumstances of your accident thoroughly to gain a full picture of the events that occurred
• Gathering medical, photographic, and witness evidence
• Consulting experts in medicine, engineering, and accident reconstruction
• Handling negotiations with insurers and pursuing litigation, if necessary
• Advocating for the full amount of compensation you need to cover both your immediate and long-term needs
• And more

At Watson Goepel, we understand that recovery isn’t only about financial compensation. It’s about helping you regain stability and peace of mind. Our legal team is committed to helping injured individuals in Calgary and across Alberta pursue the compensation they truly deserve.

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, we can help. Our experienced team provides personalized support, guiding you through the legal process so you can focus on healing.

To schedule a case review with our Calgary slip and fall lawyers now, call our office at 403-984-1302 or fill out our online contact form.