Overview > Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and Fall Accidents in BC
Know Your Rights. Protect Your Claim. Get the Compensation You Deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, you’re likely asking the same questions most people do:
- What should I do right now?
- Do I have a case?
- Is this worth pursuing?
This page answers common questions about slip and fall claims in British Columbia.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?
The actions you take immediately after a fall can affect both your health and your legal claim:
1. Get medical attention right away
Even if your injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time. Medical records are also important evidence.
2. Report the incident
Notify the property owner, manager, or business, and ask for a written report if possible.
3. Document everything
Take photos of the hazard (wet floor, ice, poor lighting, etc.)
Capture the surrounding area
Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
4. Preserve evidence
Preserve the shoes and clothing worn during the accident.
5. Avoid speaking with insurers alone
Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim early in the process.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t assume it was just an accident.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement.
- Don’t delay medical care.
- Don’t post details about your injury online.
Do You Have a Valid Slip and Fall Claim?
Not every fall leads to a legal case, but many do.
In British Columbia, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they fail to do so, they can be held responsible.
You May Have a Case If:
- A hazard was present (wet floor, ice, uneven surfaces, poor lighting)
- The hazard should have been addressed or properly warned about
- The owner or occupier failed to take reasonable steps to address it
- You suffered injuries as a result.
Who Can Be Responsible?
Depending on where your accident occurred, liability may fall on:
- Business owners (stores, restaurants, gyms)
- Property managers or landlords
- Strata corporations
- Municipalities (sidewalks and public areas)
The Key Question
Was this accident caused by a preventable hazard?
If the answer is yes, the situation may support a civil compensation claim.
Many valid claims involve hazards that were known, ignored, or should reasonably have been discovered before someone was injured.
Criminal Proceedings vs. Civil Compensation
In some slip and fall accidents, there may also be separate regulatory, bylaw, or safety investigations depending on how the incident occurred. It is important to understand that these processes are different from a civil compensation claim.
Regulatory or enforcement proceedings focus on investigating safety violations, building standards, or other conduct related to the property or incident.
A civil claim focuses on whether compensation may be available for the injured person based on the circumstances of the accident and the losses they suffered.
These processes are separate, and one does not necessarily determine the outcome of the other. In some situations, a civil compensation claim may still proceed regardless of whether any fines, charges, or enforcement actions are pursued.
At Hanson Kohan Lawyers, we represent injured individuals in civil slip and fall claims. Our role is to help our clients understand their legal rights, evaluate whether compensation may be available, and pursue fair compensation based on the specific facts of their case.
How Much Compensation Can You Get?
This is one of the most common and important questions.
Compensation varies depending on the facts of the case. Compensation depends on several factors.
What Affects the Value of Your Case?
- The severity of your injuries
- The impact on your ability to work
- Any long-term or permanent limitations
- The cost of medical care and rehabilitation
- The strength of the evidence and liability
Types of Compensation Available
You may be entitled to damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income (past and future)
- Reduced earning capacity
- Long-term care needs
Important to Know
Insurance companies often offer low early settlements, which rarely reflect the true value of your case.
A proper legal evaluation helps assess the full value of a claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Time matters more than most people realize.
In British Columbia, strict deadlines apply to slip and fall claims.
Why Acting Quickly Is Critical
- Evidence can disappear
- Surveillance footage may be erased
- Witnesses can become harder to locate
- Legal deadlines can expire
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
If you miss the limitation period, you may lose your right to compensation entirely, even if your case is strong.
Speaking with a lawyer early can help preserve important evidence.
When should you hire a lawyer?
Not every situation requires a lawyer, but many do.
You should strongly consider legal help if:
- Your injuries are serious or ongoing
- Fault is being disputed
- An insurance company has contacted you
- You have been offered a settlement
- Liability or compensation is being disputed
How a Lawyer Helps
An experienced legal team will:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Gather evidence documentation (reports, footage, witnesses)
- Work to prove negligence
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Accurately value your claim
- Negotiate or go to court if necessary
Common Types of Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall accidents can happen in many different ways. If your situation resembles any of the following, you may have a claim.
Frequent Causes Include:
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
- Failure to enforce maintenance protocols
- Liquid, food, or oil spills in grocery stores, restaurants, or other commercial spaces.
- Recently cleaned or mopped floors without adequate warning signage.
- Ice, packed snow, or slush on sidewalks, parking areas, or building entrances.
Trip Hazards
- Uneven sidewalks, potholes, or deteriorated pavement.
- Loose tiles, torn carpeting, or unsecured mats.
- Unexpected changes in floor height, single steps, or inadequately marked curbs.
Stairway Hazards
- Broken, loose, or missing handrails.
- Inconsistent riser heights or tread depths.
- Inadequate lighting on stairways or obstructions on steps.
Poor Visibility
- Dim, inadequate, or non-functioning lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking garages.
- Visual obstructions, including displays or stored items, that conceal hazards or restrict walkways.
Unsafe Property Maintenance
- Highly polished or smooth surfaces without appropriate slip-resistant treatment.
- Walking surfaces that are not suitable for foreseeable conditions, such as smooth flooring at entrances exposed to rain or snow.
- Sloped areas or ramps lacking adequate traction or handrails.
Where These Accidents Happen
- Retail stores and shopping centres
- Restaurants and gyms
- Apartment and condominium buildings
- Sidewalks and public spaces
Why Choose Hanson Kohan Lawyers
Slip and fall claims often involve important evidentiary and liability issues that should be addressed carefully from the beginning. In many cases, property conditions change quickly, surveillance footage is overwritten, and important records or witness evidence can become more difficult to obtain over time.
At Hanson Kohan Lawyers, we help injured individuals understand whether unsafe property conditions, preventable hazards, or failures in maintenance may support a civil compensation claim. Our team investigates how the incident occurred, evaluates liability, and works to preserve evidence that may be important to the claim.
We have 40+ years of experience representing individuals injured in slip and fall and occupiers liability matters across British Columbia. Our role is to provide practical legal guidance, protect your interests throughout the claims process, and pursue fair compensation based on the specific facts of your case.
Consultations are confidential, and “no win, no fee” arrangements are available for eligible claims.
How Does Compensation Work?
Hanson Kohan Lawyers has extensive experience with the full range of slip and falls claims. We have secured damages for clients in the following categories:
Get Answers About Your Case
Many people assume a slip and fall was “just an accident”.
Until they learn the hazard could have been prevented and evidence has already started disappearing.
If your injuries required medical treatment, affected your ability to work, or happened because a property owner failed to address a dangerous condition, it is important to get legal guidance as early as possible.
Free Consultation for Slip and Fall Injury Victims
If you were injured because a property was unsafe, time matters. Evidence can disappear, and insurance companies may move quickly to protect their interests-not yours.
Delays can make claims more difficult to prove. Taking action early helps preserve evidence, clarify responsibility, and protect your position from the start.
Call (604) 984-7555 or contact us online to book your free, confidential, no-obligation consultation today. There are no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case.
At Hanson Kohan Lawyers, we proudly serve clients across British Columbia with compassionate, results-driven legal representation.
We focus on protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation – while you focus on your recovery.
