Zvulony & Company Professional Corporation, Lawyers and Notaries Public

This article is intended to offer general comments on legal developments of concern to individuals, business and legal professionals and is not intended to provide legal opinions. Readers should seek legal advice on the particular issues that concern them. © Zvulony & Company. P.C. February  2006.

Slip and Fall Law in Ontario

What is a Slip and Fall?

Slip and Fall is the commonly used term by personal injury lawyers for when an individual is made to fall to the ground.  Although a Slip and Fall might occur due to a trip or for any other reason rather than a slip, it is still referred to as a Slip and Fall.

A Slip and Fall accident can happen in any number of ways and in any number of locations, whether it be on a sidewalk, in a grocery store, a parking lot, in somebody’s home or on their property.

The owner of any property you enter onto has a duty to keep the premises safe.  If you fall because of ice, snow, a pool of water, debris, poor maintenance, poor lighting or any other kind of hazards you likely have a claim.

Notice Periods

Notices to Municipalities

If you have a Slip and Fall accident on municipal property you may have as little as seven days from the date of the accident to give the municipality notice of the accident. Without providing this notice, you may not be able to proceed with a claim and may lose your right to sue! Therefore, it is strongly advised that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following a Slip and Fall to ensure that your legal rights are preserved.

Limitation Periods

It is also important to be aware that since January 1, 2004, anybody who has a Slip and Fall accident has two years from the date of the accident in which to issue a claim. However, if you were involved in a Slip and Fall before January 1, 2004, the general limitation period is six years, but it may also be a much shorter time period, perhaps only as long as 3 months depending on whose property you fell on. Again it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following a Slip and Fall to make sure that your rights are preserved and that you have not missed your opportunity to be compensated for your losses.

LEGAL NOTICE: The presentation of information on this page is not individualized legal advice and should not be relied on as such.  Persons seeking legal advice may consult one of our Toronto Lawyers. Your use of this website is subject to our terms and conditions, as set out in our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.  Site designed and maintained by Gil Zvulony. All Rights Reserved. 2007