by Tim Louis
Have you recently experienced a slip and fall in Vancouver? If so, you’re not alone—and you deserve to know your rights. In our city, where charming older buildings sit alongside modern developments, the risk of accidents on poorly maintained property is a real concern. This guide is designed to help you understand how to prove negligence and secure the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall injury.
Whether you were injured in a local store, on a busy sidewalk, or in any public space, the process of navigating a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming. Vancouver’s diverse urban environment means that conditions can vary greatly, and sometimes hazards are simply overlooked. As someone seeking trusted British Columbia legal services, you need clear, straightforward advice on how to move forward.
If you’ve been hurt by a slip and fall incident or suspect that unsafe premises contributed to your injury, remember that you have options. Contact Tim Louis today for a free consultation to explore your claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
A slip and fall injury occurs when you lose your footing on a surface that is not properly maintained. These injuries can vary in severity and may include:
Understanding exactly what constitutes a slip and fall injury is the first step in determining if you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Slip and fall injuries can happen in many different settings across Vancouver and BC, including:
By identifying the specific location of your accident, you can better understand the potential liability of the property owner or manager.
Understanding premises liability is crucial for anyone who’s suffered a slip and fall or other injury due to unsafe conditions in British Columbia.
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. In BC, this means that whether you’re in a commercial space, a public area, or even a private residence open to the public, the property owner has a duty to maintain the area and warn visitors of potential hazards. If these responsibilities are not met, and you are injured as a result, you may have a valid claim.
Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent injuries by addressing hazards promptly. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur. This is why many people search for advice on “injury at a store BC” or look for a “premises liability Vancouver” lawyer when they are hurt.
In British Columbia, several legal standards set the stage for premises liability claims:
By understanding these legal standards, you can better assess whether your injury was the result of a property owner’s negligence and whether you have grounds to file a claim.
Navigating the legal complexities of premises liability in BC requires expert guidance. A dedicated Vancouver personal injury lawyer like Tim Louis can help you:
If you’ve been injured because a property owner in Vancouver didn’t take reasonable care to maintain their premises, you have options. Contact Tim Louis today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore how a knowledgeable Vancouver lawyer can help protect your rights under BC personal injury law.
By understanding the legal framework for premises liability in British Columbia and knowing what evidence you need, you’re one step closer to achieving a fair resolution. Don’t wait—reach out to get the help you deserve.
Many slip and fall injuries are the result of hazards that could have been prevented. Here are some typical environmental issues:
Slip and fall incidents are especially common in busy areas where large numbers of people are present. Consider these examples:
At the heart of many slip and fall cases is the failure of property owners to maintain their premises:
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall injury, here are a few practical steps to consider:
To prove negligence in a slip and fall case, you must establish four critical elements:
Collecting solid evidence is crucial in proving negligence. Here are some practical tips to help you build a strong case:
Expert opinions can significantly bolster your case by providing an objective analysis of the situation. Consider these options:
Proving negligence in a slip and fall case involves a clear demonstration of the duty of care, a breach of that duty, a direct link between the breach and your injury, and the resulting damages. By gathering strong evidence—from photos and witness statements to maintenance records and expert testimonies—you can build a compelling case.
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe premises and need guidance on how to prove negligence, contact Tim Louis today for a free consultation. As a trusted Vancouver personal injury lawyer, Tim Louis & Company Law is here to help you navigate your claim with the expertise and care you deserve.
When you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury in Vancouver, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Not only do you have to deal with physical pain and recovery, but you also need to navigate a complex legal landscape to secure the compensation you deserve. That’s where a specialised Vancouver personal injury lawyer comes in. Here’s how expert legal representation can make a real difference in your case.
A knowledgeable Vancouver lawyer will begin by evaluating the strength of your claim. This process includes:
Once your case has been thoroughly evaluated, professional guidance becomes indispensable. Here’s how legal representation benefits you:
The ultimate goal in any personal injury claim is to secure fair compensation for your losses. Here’s how expert legal representation helps:
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury and believe that the unsafe conditions contributed to your accident, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Tim Louis today for a free consultation and let a trusted Vancouver personal injury lawyer help you navigate the complexities of your case. With compassionate, expert legal support, Tim Louis & Company Law is committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve under British Columbia law.
Your health and your rights are too important to delay—reach out now and take the first step towards a fair resolution.
Below are 10 common questions about slip and fall injuries and premises liability in Vancouver, along with clear, concise answers. These FAQs are designed to provide valuable information, help you understand your rights, and guide you toward the right legal action. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact Tim Louis today for a free consultation.
A valid slip and fall injury claim generally requires proof that a property owner failed in their duty to maintain a safe environment. If you’ve suffered an injury on poorly maintained property—whether at a store, public area, or private space—you may have grounds for a claim. A qualified Vancouver personal injury lawyer can review the specifics of your case and help determine its strength.
Premises liability in British Columbia refers to the legal obligation of property owners to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. This duty includes maintaining surfaces, addressing hazards promptly, and providing appropriate warnings about known dangers. Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in a successful personal injury claim.
To prove negligence, you’ll need evidence that demonstrates:
It’s important to get medical attention immediately after your fall—even if the injury seems minor. Prompt treatment not only safeguards your health but also creates a documented record of your injuries, which is crucial for your BC personal injury claim.
After a slip and fall, follow these steps:
In BC, the general deadline for filing a slip and fall claim is 180 days from the date you received your estate grant or from the incident date (depending on the claim type). It’s crucial to consult a Vancouver lawyer promptly to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Absolutely. If you were injured in a store due to negligence, such as an unclean floor or failure to warn about hazards, a Vancouver personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong claim. They will evaluate your case, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with the property owner’s insurance to secure the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for a slip and fall injury may include:
Expert testimony from building inspectors or safety experts can be invaluable in demonstrating that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment. These experts can provide objective analysis and confirm that the hazards present were not adequately addressed, bolstering your argument that negligence occurred.
Documenting the accident scene is essential because it provides tangible evidence of the hazardous conditions that led to your injury. Clear photographs, detailed written accounts, and witness information can all help to establish that the property owner breached their duty of care. This documentation is critical when you present your case to a Vancouver personal injury lawyer or in court.
If you have questions or believe you have a viable claim, contact Tim Louis today for a free consultation. As a trusted Vancouver personal injury lawyer, Tim Louis & Company Law is here to provide personalised advice and guide you through BC personal injury claims with care and expertise.
Understanding slip and fall injuries and the legal framework surrounding premises liability in British Columbia is crucial for anyone who’s been injured. By now, you should have a clear idea of the importance of recognising hazardous conditions, knowing your rights under BC law, and taking prompt action after an incident. Whether it’s the need to gather solid evidence, report the incident immediately, or consult with a knowledgeable Vancouver personal injury lawyer, every step plays a vital role in securing the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall injury, don’t delay in seeking the help you need. Contact Tim Louis today for a free consultation and get personalised advice from a trusted Vancouver lawyer who understands the unique challenges of BC personal injury claims. Prompt legal advice is essential in navigating premises liability claims and ensuring that you receive fair compensation.
Click here to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
Below is a curated list of reputable resources and government websites that provide valuable information on premises liability and personal injury in British Columbia. These sources offer authoritative insights into legal standards and safety guidelines in BC, helping you better understand your rights and the responsibilities of property owners.
“Why do I feel watched?” LTD Surveillance in BC — What’s legal, what’s not, and how to protect yourself By Tim Louis, Long-Term Disability Lawyer, Vancouver If you’re on long-term disability and you’ve caught yourself glancing at a parked car a little too long, you’re not overreacting. Feeling watched can
Henson Trusts for Disabled Beneficiaries in BC – Insights from Estate Lawyer Tim Louis By Estate Lawyer Tim Louis If you have a loved one living with a disability, estate planning must balance compassion with legal precision. Families often worry about how to leave an inheritance without putting vital disability
by Tim Louis
I have been fighting for injured clients for over 37 years. My goal is to achieve an out of court settlement for trial dollars. My motto is the best way to avoid a trial is to prepare thoroughly for the trial. This sends a clear message to the other side that I mean business and that if they are not prepared to offer trial dollars, then we will proceed to trial.
For most clients, the foundation of their case is getting excellent expert reports. This begins with my client’s family doctor who I ask to provide not just a clear diagnosis of the injuries, but also the treatments provided and, perhaps most importantly, a prognosis. The length of time an injured person will require to fully recover plays a large role in determining the amount they would receive at trial.
Next, I obtain expert reports from medical specialists. Finally, if my client is never going to fully recover, I obtain expert reports from an occupational therapist and a vocational expert. These two types of reports build a strong case for a claim for compensation for loss of income.
One of the most important steps in a lawsuit is Examinations for Discovery. At this step, the lawyer for the defendant examines my client over oath. There is no judge present, but there is a court reporter, who takes a transcript of all of the questions and answers. By thoroughly preparing my client in advance of the Discovery, the defendant’s lawyer gets a glimpse of what they will be up against if the case goes to trial.
Throughout my client’s case, I keep them fully informed and up date. This mean copying them on all incoming and outgoing correspondence such that the file they keep in their home is a copy of the file in my office. My law office prides itself on how accessible we are.
As a personal injury lawyer in Vancouver, I have represented clients with every type of injury including slip and falls, dog bites, and burns. While I get great satisfaction no matter what the type of case, I particularly enjoy fighting for clients who have been turned away by other lawyers who felt the case was too weak. I just settled a case where my client fell while boarding a bus.
The questions was had she slipped or tripped. If she had slipped, then the bus company was probably not at fault. If she had tripped and it could be proven that the cause of her trip was an object that should have been repeal, then the bus company would be at fault. Immediately after her fall, she was taken to the emergency department where the nurse made a note that she said she had slipped.
The first personal injury lawyer she retained would not continue acting for her. I enjoy difficult cases and took her on with open arms. By aggressively and thoroughly examining the bus driver under oath at an Examination for Discovery, I was able to establish that, in all likelihood, she had tripped on a protrusion. We settled out of court for trial dollars.
Many of my clients want to know at the very beginning whether or not they have a case. As the above example shows, even a weak case is worth pursuing if you have an aggressive lawyer willing to put in the time to build your case.
The worth of your claim depends to a large degree on the quality of the expert reports your lawyer obtains for you. I take the time to obtain expert reports that will help you get what you deserve – trial dollars without going to trial.
Personal injury settlements are not taxable. This is a piece of great news most of my clients are unaware of.
One of the best ways to find the right lawyer for you is to see what other clients say about them. Google reviews is a great place to start. Once you have selected one or two lawyers, you should discuss the possibility of a contingency fee if you are unable to afford paying hourly.
If you would like a free consultation, call me any time – 778-855-3494.
Personal injury law is categorized under Tort Laws in Canada.
Learn more about Personal Injury and Tort Law
If you are injured on the job, the law does not permit you to sue your employer. Instead, you must make a claim with WorkSafeBC. The good news here is that you do not need to be concerned about your employer’s financial ability to pay you for lost wages and/or permanent lost earning capacity. The bad news is that WorkSafeBC can be a nightmare to deal with. You do not ever get your day in court.
A workplace injury is any injury that occurs within your scope of employment. What this means is that your injury, in order to be covered by WorkSafeBC, does not have to occur at a specific worksite. If, for instance, you are driving and doing so as part of your employment, then you are covered. As example might be your employer asking you to leave your worksite to go on an errand. If you are running the errand as part of your employment and suffer an injury, you are covered by WorkSafeBC.
From 2010 -2019, there were over 63,000 serious workplace injuries reported in BC. (read more).
According to WorkSafe BC, workers in B.C. …”missed 3.2 million days of work due to work-related incidents and disease…”(Worksafe BC). The most common types of injury claims accepted by us were:
If you have been injured on the job, it is important to report the injury as soon as possible to Worksafe BC. It is also a good idea to contact personal injury lawyer Tim Louis to get the best legal advice regarding workplace injury to assist you in ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Reporting a workplace injury is very easy. It can all be done over the phone (WorkSafeBC Teleclaim 1-888-967-5377).
In order for you to be eligible for WorkSafe benefits, your injury does not need to occur at a specific time. A perfect example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome from typing. A worker who develops this syndrome will do so as a result of typing over a number of weeks if not years. Another example is lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The “injury” would take place over many decades.
As soon as you suffer a workplace injury, you should immediately report it, not only to WorkSafeBC, but also to your employer and your family doctor. Failure to do so may seriously weaken your claim. Your doctor will be asked by WorkSafeBC to confirm your injury. If it is a very serious injury and you are taken to a hospital by ambulance, do not leave it to the ambulance crew or the hospital to report your injury to WorkSafeBC.
Most WorkSafeBC are relatively straight forward. However, sometimes, this is not the case. If you feel that you are not being treated fairly by WorkSafeBC, you should immediately hire a workplace injury lawyer familiar with WorkSafe claims.
Appealing Worksafe decisions to court is very difficult and rarely successful. In 2016 an injured worker, Anna Currie was successful. The chambers judge overturned Worksafe’s decision to refuse to provide retroactive vocational rehabilitation benefits to her. Sadly, Worksafe simply appealed the chambers judge decision to the BC Court of Appeal.
The BCCA reinstated the Worksafe decision to refuse to provide retroactive vocational rehabilitation benefits.
To keep everyone safe on the job, all employees should participate in workplace safety protocols. This group collaboration works to protect everyone, increase safety on the job, prevent workplace injury and helps with overall productivity.
In order to prevent workplace injury, it is important to:
If you have been injured on the job, contact Tim Louis today to get the best legal advice. As a seasoned personal injury and long-term disability lawyer, he will provide you with the best legal advice and help you navigate the complications of a WorkSafe BC claim. Give Tim Louis a call today at (604) 732-7678 for a no-fee telephone consultation, during which he will answer all your questions, no matter how complex.
Provincial Overview by Worksafe BC. Free data visualization software. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2022, from https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/worksafebc/viz/Provincialoverview/Didyouknow
Worksafe BC: Facts & figures. WorkSafeBC. (2021, March 12). Retrieved January 16, 2022, from https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/shared-data/facts-and-figures
If you are suffering from a slip and fall injury, you do not need to prove that it was not your fault. What you do need to prove is that it was the fault of the owner or occupier of the property where you suffered your injury. Many slip and falls occur in stores, and are caused by something having been left on the floor such as a liquid or an object.
Your lawyer will make a demand for the store’s floor inspection policy. If they do not have such a policy, you have a very strong case. If they have such a policy, your lawyer will make a demand for the floor inspection log. If the log does not confirm that the floors were being inspected as the schedule called for, then you have a very strong case.
Sidewalk slip and fall cases are much more difficult, but with the right facts, you may still have a very strong case. BC courts have held that municipalities must have a written policy requiring sidewalks to be repaired if there is a lip above a fixed height. The courts leave it to the municipality to decide what height is specified in the policy.
If you suffer a slip and fall caused by a lip higher than that permitted in the municipality’s policy, then you have a very strong case. However, even here you will lose your case if you or your lawyer do not give written notice to the City Clerk within 60 days of your Slip and Fall. The notice does not need to be fancy: just the date, location and a general description of your injuries.
Some slip and falls occur on stairways. In this case, your lawyer will not be looking for a policy. Instead, your lawyer will hire an architect or an engineer who measures the stairway, and compares it with the Building Code. You would be surprised at the number of stairways, both residential and commercial, that do not comply with the Building Code.
One of the first things I ask all of my slip and fall clients for are pictures of the location. This helps me begin to get an idea as to whether or not my client has a case.
Sometimes the defendant owner or occupier will argue that your Slip and Fall was at least partially your fault. The defendant’s lawyer will want to know what type of shoes you were wearing. Had you consumed any alcohol or drugs immediately before the slip and fall. Did you already know of the unsafe condition – for instance, you knew that the stairway was unsafe to use.
Your lawyer will order medical legal reports from your caregivers including your family doctor and any specialists you were referred to. Your lawyer will ask your caregivers to provide a diagnosis of the injury you suffered and also a prognosis – are you going to recover or is it a permanent injury.
If your injury has made it harder for you to work, or worse yet stopped you from working, your lawyer will order an expert report from a vocational consultant and a report from an economist who will measure the worth of your future income loss. If your injury is going to result in care costs into the future, then your lawyer will also order a Future Cost of Care report. Care costs are things such as treatment fees and housekeeping.
I recently settled a case for Michael Lesik. He suffered injuries when he fell walking down a stairway. He left the following review:
“If you are looking for a lawyer who is very intelligent, organized, knowledgeable, experienced, knows the law, humanistic and is committed to represent your interests. STOP!! Go no further!! Your search is over!! Your legal representative is Tim Louis. In addition, Karolina and Krista make a formidable legal team. They are knowledgeable, reassuring and a pleasure to work with. Collectively they make a winning team.”
I have been successfully representing Slip and Fall victims for 37 years. If you would like a free consultation, call me at 778-855-3494.
If you would like to know what my previous clients have to say about me, check out my reviews. Testimonials
Learn about the Occupier’s Liability Act:
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96337_01
If you are self-employed and have purchased a disability insurance policy, you have assumed that this policy serves as income replacement if you are unable to run your business for a period of time due to injury or illness.
Private disability insurance is commonly more expensive than group insurance, and generally, the type of coverage it provides is usually more valuable as it often provides benefits in the event you are unable to work in your regular occupation. Unfortunately, just because you have purchased an insurance policy, this does not necessarily mean that the insurer will not make it challenging for you to receive benefits after you have submitted a claim. Insurers often heavily scrutinize claims submitted by independent, self-employed individuals – this is because of the sometimes-large benefit amounts provided by some of these policies.
To protect your rights, it is integral that you understand the limitations and restrictions outlined in your disability insurance policy. The definitions of certain disabilities can change over time, so it is important to keep up to date and understand these changes that may apply to you.
Once you have purchased your insurance policy, be sure you are aware that although you have coverage, this does not mean you should “rest easy.” In reality, what you are really buying are rights that you can enforce against your insurer if they fail to provide the protection that was sold to you.
Many people do not realize that there are strict limitations with regards to filing a lawsuit against insurers, and oftentimes they are missed. If you do miss a limitation period, the insurance company is not required to pay your claim, and therefore your right to sue them is null in void.
Here some common red flags you should be aware of:
In many cases, filing a lawsuit is not necessary. The first step involves a demand letter, outlining any discrepancies, pointing out the facts, and the law – with the demand that an insurer complies with the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. Insurance companies are often fully aware when they are not in full compliance, and take advantage of policyholders because most people do not know the law in-depth, and are privy to any red flags before signing off on their policy.
Insurance companies may deny legitimate disability claims, as the majority of individuals will give up instead of fighting for the monetary compensation they deserve. If you are self-employed and an insurance company has denied your long-term disability claim, the team at Tim Louis and Company is on your side and will fight in your corner.
For a free, no-obligation appointment, contact us today by calling 604-732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com
A concussion is a mild form of Traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects brain function and usually caused by a blow to the head, bump, violent shake or any blunt force to the area. Concussions are usually temporary but are a common result of motor vehicle accidents or any other form of personal injury. It’s important to note that even a violent shake of the upper body can cause a concussion.
Most of those who suffer from a concussion, recover quickly and fully. However, in more serious cases, symptoms can last for weeks or longer.
It’s important to know that concussions don’t always present symptoms. If symptoms do show up, they may not present themselves right away and can last for days, weeks or longer. The most common symptoms of a concussive traumatic brain injury are amnesia (memory loss), headaches and disorientation.
Physical Symptoms of Concussion:
Other symptoms may include:
Seek medical attention immediately if you or your child has suffered from a head injury – even if emergency care isn’t required.
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of mild or severe TBIs or concussions. These head injuries can occur from any head injury such as hitting the dashboard, driver window or another passenger.
When you think about a slip and fall injury, you probably imagine sprains, broken bones, bad bruises or pulled tendons. Head injuries though are very common – so common in fact that they are one of the leading causes of mild to very severe, life-changing forms of concussion.
Any of these slip and fall accidents can result in a mild to severe concussion:
It’s obvious that victims of any type of physical assault are at risk for having a concussion. Any blow to the head, twist and or fall can result in a mild to serious head injury.
The Public Health Agency of Canada Reports that for females, approximately 20,000 (45%) of brain injuries result from sports and recreation. For males, approximately 26,000 (54%) of brain injuries result from sports or recreational injuries.
According to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), Ice Hockey, Rugby and Ringette are the most common sports with the highest the proportion of brain injuries among children and youth 5-19 years of age, ranging from 27% to 44% of all injuries that happened while playing these sports.
According to the government of Canada, 1 in 2 Canadians has little to no knowledge about concussions. Since only 4 in 10 Canadians are aware of available concussion tools and resources, we have added some reliable and trusted sources below to learn more about the causes and treatment of mild or severe concussions.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a mild or severe concussion resulting from a motor vehicle collision, or slip and fall, Tim Louis and his compassionate and talented legal team can give you the reliable, trusted advice you require. Contact us today for a free consultation at 604-732-7678 or TimLouis@TimLouisLaw.com
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15038-concussion
According to a 2017 Canadian Institute for Health Information report, falls were the number one cause of injuries leading to hospitalization in Canada. It is common for these types of falls to be caused by businesses or property owners who neglect their duty to ensure that their property is reasonably safe.
If you are injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injury. The property owner (known legally as “occupier”) is responsible for keeping their premise safe, and failure to do so can result in a potential injury that would otherwise not have happened.
An occupier may refer to the person in charge of caring for the property, or the physical owner of the premises, which may include:
In British Columbia, slip and fall claims are Occupier’s Liability Act (OLA) claims.
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96337_01
If an individual slips and falls or is injured on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions, they may be entitled to compensation that could cover one’s medical costs, out of pocket costs, lost income and or pain and suffering resulting from the injury.
This is a common question clients ask lawyers and is complex to answer. A number of factors are considered before assessing the value of a claim such as the severity of the injury and how much the injury has impacted your life, your ability to earn a living and your personal well-being.
In order to determine whether you are entitled to slip and fall compensation is dependent on whether you have a valid claim.
If you have suffered from a slip and fall injury resulting from a dangerous condition on a property (i.e. lack of lighting, unmarked spills, icy driveways) the owner or occupier may be liable if it can be proven that they were aware of the hazard and neglected to take reasonable measures to rectify the issue.
Insurance companies can make your life quite difficult during a slip and fall claim and will deny cases due to a lack of evidence.
If you are injured, it is important to cross your T’s and dot your I’s when it comes to documenting your experience so you have as much evidence as possible to support your personal injury claim.
If you suffer from a fall on someone else’s property, ensure that you seek medical attention straight away. Whether your injury is serious or not, it is always recommended that you visit your doctor or hospital as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours of being injured).
Keep in mind that symptoms for injuries don’t always present themselves immediately – another important reason to get checked out regardless of how your body feels.
If there are any witnesses, write down their names and numbers to assist with your case. Your insurance company or lawyer will ask for witness contact information as this will help with your claim.
If you are able, pull out your phone and take photos of the exact location your injury occurred. You can never have too much documentation to support your liability claim. If you were unable to take pictures of the scene, ask a friend or family member to take photos on your behalf.
It’s integral to know that you should never sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first. An experienced personal injury lawyer will ensure your rights are not being violated and protect the integrity of your claim.
You can trust Tim Louis & Company to ensure the best possible outcome for your slip and fall-related personal injury case. Contact us today (604) 732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com
Sources:
https://globalnews.ca/news/4315219/falls-most-common-injury-canada/
https://globalnews.ca/news/3576912/injury-related-hospitalizations-canada/
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96337_01
When we think about workplace injuries, what often comes to mind are high-risk occupations in construction, manufacturing, or those dealing with hazardous materials – but the fact is, workplace injuries happen across all industries, in all occupations – and most of them are entirely preventable with proper care and preparation.
Although the types of injury commonly sustained at work are as numerous as the number of jobs that can be listed – some of the more common and preventable injuries are:
These types of injuries also referred to as “repetitive strain injuries (RSI)” or “musculoskeletal disorders” are very common workplace injuries due to the number of occupations dealing with repetitive tasks throughout the day.
Some of the more frequent causes of these injuries can include:
Injuries related to the back are common among numerous occupations and can have an affect — both personally and professionally, long after the initial injury itself. Some of the more common factors resulting in back-related injury can include:
A head injury can be serious and can lead to contusions, hematomas (bleeding in the brain), and concussions. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon in the workplace –, especially in manufacturing and construction industries. ‘Closed’ head injuries do not pierce the skull and “open” head injuries happen when an object has pierced through the skull, causing possible brain injury. Generally, recovery time may be longer than other common workplace injuries, although most people fully recover from minor to moderate head injuries.
Some of the more frequent causes:
Both herniated and bulging discs can affect a person’s nerves, tendons, muscles, and joints. These are common injuries and can result from repetitive motion trauma and or soft tissue disorders resulting from a workplace injury. If you injure your back or neck, a spinal disc can move out of place and can bulge outward from between the vertebrae — putting pressure on spinal nerves. Sciatica (nerve pain radiating down one leg) is a
common symptom of a herniating disc injury, as well as numbing, tingling pain in the legs and weakness in the back and legs.
Some of the more frequent causes of these injuries can include:
With a little care and consideration, most of the workplace injuries we’ve listed can be prevented with proper understanding and preparation. Some of the methods for preventing these common injuries are:
These common workplace injuries can have a lasting impact on one’s health and quality of life. If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury while on the job, contact Tim Louis and his compassionate and experienced legal team today: 604-732-7678
A lawyer is not needed when making an injury compensation claim, but it is highly recommended that you have one. When you hire a lawyer it doesn’t mean you are ready to go to court it just says you want to seek legal advice from someone rational who is not emotionally involved in the claim.
It is not necessary to hire a lawyer when dealing with the Insurance Corporation of British Colombia (ICBC), but if you do, then you must make very informed decisions. The ICBC will appoint an experienced adjuster, who works for them, to negotiate for the settlement of your claim at a reasonable amount from ICBS’s point of view. The adjustors continuously deal with injury claim so they will be tough negotiators.
A good lawyer will do the following for you:
If your lawyer and the designated adjustor can’t come to a proper settlement, then it’s up to your lawyers to take the case to court so that they can obtain a full and fair compensation on your behalf. Less than 1% of the ICBC claims proceed to court.
If you are unsure on whether you should enlist for the services of a lawyer then pay a visit to one of the many experienced BC personal injury lawyers and seek legal advice and also obtain knowledge on the matter. Most of the lawyers offer initial legal consultation free of charge or obligations. After the meeting, you will be in a better position to decide whether you need to hire a lawyer.
The cost of a lawyer is entirely dependent on the case in which they are handling. In a personal injury insurance claim, you have the right to hire a lawyer and pay on a contingency basis. A contingency fee agreement means that the lawyer you hire will accept a predetermined fixed percentage of the recovery or the money to be paid to the client, if you recover nothing from your claim then you shouldn’t spend your lawyer anything. Regularly, contingency fees in British Colombia range from 20 to 33 percent of the total recoverable amount. Lawyers hired on contingency basis receive their payments at the time when they collect your compensation cheque from the insurance firm not before.
Most of the time when you want to enlist for the services of a lawyer you have to visit him. During the first meeting the lawyer gets to familiarize himself with a case, and then you will move on to the sensitive fee issue, make sure you understand the fee contract before signing it. In some cases the lawyer’s services can be paid using a predetermined hourly rate, when using such a mode of payment the lawyer may ask you for a retainer, a retainer is an amount of money that acts as security and will be used to meet the lawyer’s upcoming expenses, the lawyer will thereafter send you interim accounts for immediate payment. The method of payment while hiring a lawyer is entirely up to you.
While still discussing the topic of remuneration you must get to understand who will be responsible for disbursements. Disbursements are the expenses that the lawyer will incur in the prosecution of the claim example of such fees are the cost of medical records, cost of hiring experts, court registry fees, and other similar expenses. The disbursements may quickly sum up to thousands of dollars.
If you are to pay the lawyer on a contingency fee basis, then all the expenses incurred in the prosecution of the claim are covered by financed by the firm. It’s important to understand who will be responsible for this cost is they can’t be recovered from the ICBC. At times lawyers will deduct the expenses from their final fee if they can’t be collected as part of their final settlement.
There are specific laws in place to govern the relationship between the lawyers and their clients. The rules of the law society of British Colombia states that in case a court awards a higher amount, the maximum amount a lawyer is entitled to for personal injury and wrongful death arising from the use or operation of a vehicle is 33.33%. Lawyers rarely charge this percentage except in exceptional circumstances like a highly complicated case or if several numbers of procedures need to be taken to bring the claim to an amicable solution.
Also, there is a 90 day cooling off period; the law states that within 90 days of hiring a lawyer you can appeal to the district registrar of the supreme court of British Colombia to have the agreement reviewed if the fee is found to be too high it shall be adjusted accordingly.
Tim Louis & Company
175 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W2
(604) 732-7678
http://bc.timlouis.com/
(604) 732-7678
www.timlouislaw.com
2526 West 5th Ave,
Vancouver, BC V6K 1T1
ABOUT VANCOUVER, BC BASED LAW FIRM SPECIALIZING IN LONG-TERM DISABILITY, PERSONAL INJURY, EMPLOYMENT LAW AND ESTATE LITIGATION.
At the law firm of Tim Louis and Company, we are committed to helping people through difficult times. Starting with a free consultation, we help people who need it most to get the compensation they deserve. Our practice includes Long-Term Disability, Personal Injury, Employment Law and Estate Litigation. With over four decades of experience, Tim Louis has helped people across British Columbia get legal help when they need it most.
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By Tim Louis
By Tim Louis