Falling from a height, however small, can result in various types of injuries, ranging from a minor bruise or sprain, to serious traumatic brain injury, spine and neck injuries, facial and dental damage, disability, fractures or even death.

Such falls are more common than we think. With so many scenic locations to visit around the country, it’s no wonder that Canada is a dream destination for tourists from around the world. Many of these accidents happen at or  around locations of natural and scenic beauty, like waterfalls, ravines, mountain-trails etc. A number of them also take place at high-rise buildings, skyscrapers, towers, condominiums, apartment blocks, etc.

Work-places also present potential safety hazards. Construction sites are filled with areas that require people to work at different heights, on uneven terrain, etc.

Public places like parks have play-equipment, steps, different elevations for flower and plant display, while malls and shopping areas have large concentric floors built around a courtyard. Escalators and elevators are facilities where people can sustain falls from heights.

Added to the height, if the elevated location is also uneven, wet or greasy, this compounds the severity of the fall.

If you or a dear one has sustained injuries due to a slip and fall from an elevated location, it’s important to get immediate medical attention. Consult an experienced Hamilton personal injury lawyer without delay. You may be entitled to compensation.

Typical Injuries

Injuries due to falling from a height are caused by the body’s absorption of the severe impact. Paradoxically, not all such falls result in severe injuries. The nature and extent of injury depends on area of impact, height from which the person fell, landing ground, age, general health etc.

Common injuries sustained include:

• Skeletal injuries to extremities and limbs
• Spine and neck injuries, especially lumbar spine injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries and head injuries (very common in children)
• Thoracic injuries like rib fracture and lung contusion, cardiac rupture in very high falls
• Internal organ damage
• Severe facial and dental damage
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
• Disability, disfigurement
• Death

If the person was atop a temporary structure, it can collapse on top of them when they fall, leading to even more severe trauma.

Seeking Compensation

Slip and fall injuries result in various types of injuries. Falling from a height is generally more traumatic than slipping and falling on level ground. Such accidents put a severe physical, financial and mental strain on the victims and their families.

• Loss of income, wages or wage-earning capacity
• Medical and rehabilitation expenditure
• Pain and suffering

In the case of death, loss of guidance and companionship, lost income, funeral and hospitalization expenses etc can be claimed. For injured persons who suffer long-term or permanent disability, a life plan has to be made to ensure that they and their families retain some level of security and comfort in spite of the devastating injury.

Accidents are usually caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Slip and fall accidents may be the direct or indirect result of such a situation.

The fault is to be proven and liability established, in order to receive compensation and an experienced Hamilton personal injury lawyer can assist you with this.