What is a slip and fall injury?
A slip and fall injury is any type of injury that occurs as a result of slipping, tripping, or falling due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. This could include something as simple as wet floors or loose carpets, but it could also include more serious hazards such as broken stairs or uneven walkways.
The Law in BC
In British Columbia, landlords are legally required to maintain their properties in a safe condition. This means that they must take reasonable steps to prevent slip and fall injuries from occurring on their premises. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries suffered by tenants or other visitors on their property.
In the South Okanagan, landlords are responsible for ensuring that all common areas of the rental unit are kept free of hazardous conditions such as snow or ice buildup during winter months. They must also ensure that all staircases are free from cracks and other defects which could cause someone to trip or slip. Additionally, landlords must ensure that all interior surfaces are clear of clutter which could cause tripping accidents such as loose rugs or cords running across walkways.
When it comes to leased property and slip and fall injuries, your rights may depend on several factors. Was it possible to foresee such an accident on the harmful obstacle that caused your injury? If a landlord took time maintaining the premises according to the conditions and standards, did it get neglected for an unreasonable length of time? Could this have been avoided or minimized? These are all questions that may be critical in determining if a landlord has a duty of care when injuries occur.