Rotondo Law Firm Comments on Harsh Winter Weather, Cautions Pedestrians in the Greater Toronto Area to Be Careful of Slip and Fall Accidents
Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) February 04, 2014 -- Rotondo Law Firm (http://www.RotondoLaw.com), a Greater Toronto Area (GTA) personal injury law firm and wrongful death law firm, weighs in on the unrelenting cold snap that has gripped the GTA and warns pedestrians to be careful of slip and fall accidents.
Since the beginning of the year, Toronto and the rest of Ontario have been plunged in and out of deep freezes, with parts of the province hitting -50 degrees Celsius with the wind chill. Last weekend, temperatures rose to above zero in Toronto, then dipped below freezing, with an estimated five to 10 centimetres of snow falling Saturday. The winter conditions, along with freeze and thaw cycles, pose a potential hazard for pedestrians navigating the city’s slippery sidewalks. (Source: Magi, K. and Fatima, S., “Dozens of flights cancelled as snowstorm hits GTA,” The Toronto Star, February 1, 2014; http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/02/01/snowfall_warning_issued_for_vaughan_richmond_hill_and_markham.html.)
“Slip and falls that result from navigating ice- and snow-covered sidewalks and pathways can result in serious injuries and even death. Even seemingly minor slip and fall accidents can result in dislocations, concussions, fractures, hospitalization, and loss of independence, which can impact a victim’s life for months or many years,” says P. Michael Rotondo, lead counsel at Rotondo Law Firm. “Even though ‘slip and fall’ is a generic term, the phrase applies to any individual who falls on the ground, and can include tripping or any other reason for falling.”
While many accidents occur at home on the stairs, sidewalk, or driveway, other slip and fall accidents occur due to the negligence of other homeowners or businesses. According to Rotondo, while municipalities across Ontario are ultimately responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, Ontario laws stipulate that property owners must provide safe, secure, and properly maintained premises for private property. Homeowners and businesses that fail to do so may be held liable if an injury occurs on or in front of their property.
“When it comes to winter conditions, homeowners, businesses, and municipalities are responsible for keeping sidewalks, driveways, and pathways as clear as possible,” Rotondo explains. “At the same time, it doesn’t matter what caused the slip and fall accident; whether it was a result of an issue with maintenance or even design, victims are entitled to full restitution for their losses.”
“If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident as a result of an inadequately maintained home, sidewalk, or business, it’s imperative to contact an experienced personal injury law firm as soon as possible,” he concludes. “There is a 10-day notice requirement for accidents on sidewalks and roadways, so it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about a case as soon as possible.”
Rotondo Law Firm is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto and has been providing personal injury law services to clients since 1999. Over the last 15 years, Rotondo Law Firm has been providing its clients with the highest level of legal service spanning many areas of personal injury law, including trip and fall accidents; motor vehicle, pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents; brain injuries; air flight accidents; accident benefit claims; and wrongful dismissal claims. Whether their clients have been injured in a car accident, are owed compensation from insurance, or have been wrongfully dismissed, Rotondo Law will work diligently to ensure they receive the settlement they deserve. More information on Rotondo Law Firm is available by visiting the firm's web site at http://www.RotondoLaw.com or by calling 416-868-0900.
Michael Rotondo, Rotondo Law Firm, http://www.rotondolaw.com/, +1 905-266-0350, [email protected]
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