Our services
Slip and falls
Injured in a slip and fall in Toronto? Ontario property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. If unsafe conditions such as wet floors, ice, snow, poor lighting, or damaged surfaces caused your fall, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost income, medical expenses, and other losses.
Kamyab Law helps injured people understand their rights under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, determine who may be responsible, and pursue compensation. You may still have a claim even if you were partly at fault.
Slip and Falls
What Is a Slip and Fall Claim?
A slip and fall claim arises when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property. Under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, property owners and occupiers must take reasonable steps to ensure their premises are safe.
This duty applies to:
- Grocery stores
- Shopping malls
- Parking lots
- Restaurants
- Apartment buildings
- Residential driveways
- Municipal sidewalks
- Public parks
Slip and fall accidents are typically handled as personal injury claims in Ontario.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Toronto
Slip and fall accidents often occur due to:
- Ice or snow not properly cleared
- Wet floors without warning signs
- Uneven surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Loose carpeting or flooring
- Debris left on walkways
Winter conditions in Toronto significantly increase the risk of falls, especially when sidewalks and parking lots are not maintained properly.
Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Claims in Toronto
Snow and ice are common causes of slip and fall injuries during Toronto winters. Property owners and occupiers may be responsible for taking reasonable steps to inspect and maintain walkways, entrances, parking areas, and other areas used by visitors.
Whether someone is liable for a winter slip and fall depends on the circumstances, including weather conditions, when the snow or ice accumulated, what maintenance was performed, and whether reasonable precautions were taken.
If you fall on snow or ice, photographs of the area, weather information, witness details, and records of when the incident was reported can become important evidence.
What Does “Reasonable” Mean Under the Law?
Property owners are not required to eliminate every possible danger. However, they must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.
For example:
- A spill that remains on a grocery store floor for two hours may be considered negligence.
- Ice that is not cleared within a reasonable timeframe after snowfall may create liability.
Each case depends on timing, maintenance policies, and surrounding circumstances.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall in Ontario?
Liability for a slip and fall depends on who had responsibility and control over the property when the accident occurred. Under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, an occupier must take reasonable care to ensure that people entering the property are reasonably safe.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may involve a property owner, tenant, business operator, property manager, maintenance company, or another party responsible for the condition of the premises.
Evidence such as inspection records, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, photographs, and witness statements can help determine whether reasonable precautions were taken.
What If You Were Partly Responsible?
Ontario follows the principle of contributory negligence.
Compensation may be reduced if:
- You ignored visible hazards
- You were distracted
- You wore inappropriate footwear
- You were impaired
However, partial responsibility does not eliminate your right to compensation.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If the property owner is found liable, you may recover:
Insurance companies often dispute liability in slip and fall cases. Early legal advice can strengthen your claim.
The value of your claim depends heavily on the severity of your injury and the evidence available.
To better understand your case, you can read about how much compensation you can get after an accident.
What If the Property Owner Denies Responsibility?
In many slip and fall cases, property owners or insurers may deny liability.
This does not mean your claim is invalid.
You may still have a strong case if:
• The hazard existed for a significant period;
• There were no warning signs;
• Maintenance was not performed properly; and,
• Evidence supports unsafe conditions.
Legal guidance can help determine whether your claim is worth pursuing.
Time Limits for Slip and Fall Claims in Ontario
In Ontario, many personal injury claims are subject to a two-year limitation period, generally running from the date the claim is discovered. Waiting too long can affect your ability to start a lawsuit.
Slip and fall claims involving snow or ice can have additional notice requirements. Under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, certain snow- or ice-related claims require written notice within 60 days of the injury.
Claims involving a municipality, including some incidents on municipal roads or sidewalks, may have much shorter notice deadlines. Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, written notice can be required within 10 days of the injury.
Because different deadlines may apply depending on where and how the fall occurred, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.
How Kamyab Law Can Help
Our legal team investigates:
- Maintenance records
- Surveillance footage
- Weather reports
- Incident reports
- Witness statements
We negotiate with insurers and pursue litigation when necessary to secure fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Claims
There is no fixed amount for a slip and fall claim. Compensation depends on factors such as the severity and duration of your injuries, medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the effect of the injury on your daily life. The evidence available and the degree of liability can also affect the value of a claim.
Being partly responsible does not necessarily prevent you from making a claim. Your conduct and the actions of the property owner or occupier may both be considered when liability is assessed, and any compensation awarded may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.
Report the accident to the property owner, occupier, or manager as soon as possible. If you can, take photographs or videos of the hazardous condition, collect contact information from witnesses, preserve your footwear and clothing, seek appropriate medical attention, and keep records related to the accident and your injuries.
Yes. You may have a claim if snow or ice created an unsafe condition and an occupier or responsible contractor failed to take reasonable precautions. In Ontario, certain snow- or ice-related claims also require written notice within 60 days of the injury, subject to limited exceptions.
In Ontario, many slip and fall claims are subject to a two-year limitation period, generally running from the date the claim is discovered. However, shorter notice deadlines may apply in some cases, including claims involving snow, ice, or municipalities. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.
Our services
Other services we offer
Legal Resources
.svg){kind=small}
