Choosing The Best Slip and Fall Lawyer In Ontario

Slip and fall accidents can leave you dealing with painful injuries, medical expenses, and a claims process that’s rarely straightforward. On top of trying to recover, you’re expected to gather evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, and understand Ontario’s premises liability laws.

The right lawyer can take that pressure off your shoulders.

This guide explains what the best slip and fall lawyers do, the qualities that matter most, and the questions that help you choose the right firm for your situation. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your situation and your possible legal options.

What Does A Slip and Fall Lawyer Do?

Before understanding what a slip and fall lawyer actually does, it helps to know how slip and fall  cases are handled in Ontario.

Understanding The Occupier’s Liability Act

Slip and fall claims fall under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, which sets out the legal duty owed by anyone who owns, manages, or controls a property. In simple terms, occupiers must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe for people who enter the space. This duty forms the starting point of every slip and fall accident claim and guides how lawyers assess the circumstances of an accident.

Occupiers can include property owners, landlords, tenants, businesses, municipalities, and property managers.

They may be held responsible when they fail to keep the premises reasonably safe or when hazards are allowed to develop and remain unaddressed.

It’s important to note that the key term in the act is “reasonable”. Occupiers are not responsible for every accident that takes place on their premises, and the burden is on the victim to prove the defendant’s negligent maintenance of the property. Common examples include icy walkways, wet or slippery floors, poor lighting, cracked pavement, missing handrails, and inadequate inspection or maintenance routines.

If an occupier’s negligence causes an injury, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. These principles set the legal framework for determining fault and evaluating the impact of the injury.

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Slip and Fall Lawyer

Once you understand the legal framework, the next step is knowing what a slip and fall lawyer actually does when handling your case. Their role is to manage the details, protect your rights, and build the strongest possible claim.

Investigating the Accident Scene and Gathering Evidence

Your lawyer reviews photos, footage, maintenance logs, witness statements, and weather data to understand how the hazard formed and whether it should have been addressed earlier. There are also actions you can take before a lawyer even gets involved to help preserve important evidence and protect your claim.

Proving Negligence

They assess inspection routines, cleaning practices, and maintenance records to show that the occupier failed to meet the standard of care required under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.

Commercial, residential, and municipal properties all have different maintenance expectations, and the evidence needed to prove negligence can vary. Our guide on proving liability in commercial slip and fall cases explains how this works.

Handling Insurance Company Negotiations

Lawyers manage all communication with insurers, respond to adjuster questions, and negotiate for a fair settlement based on your documented injuries and losses.

Pursuing Claims Against Property Owners, Businesses, or Municipalities

Slip and fall lawyers in Ontario determine who had control of the premises, identify all potentially responsible parties, and take action against those who may share liability.

Understanding Timelines and Legal Deadlines

A lawyer ensures your claim is filed within Ontario’s two-year limitation period and, in snow and ice cases, meets the 60-day written notice requirement introduced under the 2020 amendment.

Key Qualities to Look For In A Slip and Fall Lawyer

Now that you know what a slip and fall lawyer can do for you, choosing the right lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case is handled.

Here are some of the qualities that matter most when hiring a slip and fall lawyer in Ontario:

Quality	Why It Matters in Ontario
Experience with Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act	Slip and fall claims depend on proving that an occupier failed to meet their duty of care. Lawyers familiar with the Act understand how to assess unsafe conditions, identify breaches, and hold property owners accountable.
Strong Settlement Record	A history of successful settlements shows the lawyer can negotiate effectively and present a compelling case to insurers, often leading to better outcomes without going to trial.
Trial Experience	Even though many cases settle, insurers take trial-ready firms more seriously. Courtroom experience strengthens negotiation leverage and ensures the lawyer can pursue litigation when necessary.
Clear and Consistent Communication	Clients need regular updates, clear explanations, and timely responses. Good communication reduces stress and keeps you informed.
Transparent Contingency Fees	Reputable firms explain their fee structure upfront, including contingency percentages and disbursements. This helps you understand costs and avoid unexpected charges.
Access to Expert Witnesses	Engineers, safety specialists, and medical experts strengthen claims by documenting hazardous conditions and assessing injuries. A lawyer with access to strong experts can build a more persuasive case.

Why Preszler Injury Lawyers’ Proven Record Makes Us One Of The Best Slip and Fall Law Firms In Ontario

Preszler Injury Lawyers has represented injured Ontarians for decades, and our experience with slip and fall cases spans everything from unsafe commercial properties to poorly maintained residential and municipal walkways.

Preszler Injury Lawyers is one of Ontario’s highest-rated personal injury lawyers on Google. As of November 16, 2025, our Toronto office location holds a 4.8-star rating from 478 Google Reviews.

Our team understands how quickly a hazardous condition can change, how to preserve evidence, and what it takes to prove negligence under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.

Our results reflect that commitment.

Here are a few examples of slip and fall settlements we’ve secured for clients across Ontario:

Settlement: $1.1M After a Slip and Fall Accident

A woman was walking down fragile wooden stairs when they gave way, causing severe injuries that ultimately resulted in a leg amputation. She also had pre-existing injuries that were worsened by the fall.

Our team secured compensation that reflected the significant impact on her life and long-term needs.

Settlement: $860K After A Slip and Fall on Ice

Our client suffered a head injury and chronic headaches after slipping on untreated ice.

Through evidence gathering and expert input, we secured compensation that reflected our client’s needs.

These outcomes highlight our firm’s ability to handle complex slip and fall claims, assess long-term damages, and negotiate results that reflect the full impact of an injury. We bring the experience, resources, and legal insight required to guide clients through the claims process and pursue the compensation they deserve.

View All Settlements

Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Slip and Fall Lawyer

Now that you know what to look for when choosing a slip and fall lawyer, the next step is making sure you ask the right questions. The questions you ask early on can help you understand the lawyer’s experience, approach, and ability to handle your specific situation.

Here are key questions to consider during your initial consultation:

Question	Why It Matters
How many Ontario slip and fall cases have you handled in the past year?	Recent, Ontario-specific experience shows the lawyer regularly works with the Occupiers’ Liability Act and understands how these claims typically unfold.
What is your success rate in settling cases vs. going to trial?	Helps you understand their negotiation skills and whether they are prepared to litigate if needed.
How will you investigate my accident and prove negligence?	A strong process should include evidence gathering, inspection routines, reviewing maintenance records, and identifying hazards.
What support will I receive during my recovery?	Clear communication, regular updates, and accessible guidance reduce stress during the claims process.
How do your fees work?	Transparency around contingency fees, disbursements, and billing prevents surprises later.
How will you determine the value of my case?	A lawyer should explain how they assess medical evidence, lost income, long-term impacts, and pain and suffering.
Have you handled cases involving this property type (commercial, residential, municipal)?	Different occupiers follow different standards. Experience with your specific property type strengthens your claim.
Where can I learn more about what to ask after a serious injury?	See our resource: Questions to Ask a Lawyer After a Serious Injury.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Slip and Fall Accident

A consultation can tell you a lot about a lawyer’s experience and approach, but understanding the mistakes that often harm slip and fall claims is just as important. By avoiding these issues early on, you give your case a stronger foundation and ensure your lawyer has the evidence needed to advocate for you effectively.

1. Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Advice

Ontario has a two-year limitation period, and in snow or ice cases, a 60-day notice requirement. Delaying legal advice risks losing critical evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness memories, and weather data. Early guidance helps protect your claim.

You can learn more about notice requirements for slip and fall injuries in Ontario to understand how these deadlines work and what steps must be taken early in the process.

2. Failing to Preserve Evidence

Accident reports, photos, damaged clothing or footwear, witness contact information, and medical documentation all play a key role in proving negligence. Disposing of evidence or failing to document the scene can weaken your case substantially.

3. Missing Medical Appointments or Ignoring Treatment Advice

Seeking prompt medical care and following your treatment plan creates a clear record linking your injuries to the fall.

Missing appointments or returning to physical activity too soon can undermine both your recovery and the credibility of your claim.

4. Talking About the Accident Publicly or Privately

Posting details on social media or discussing the fall with friends, coworkers, property owners or insurance adjusters can unintentionally harm your case.

Seemingly harmless comments like “I’m fine” or “It was my fault” may be used against you.

Keep accident details private and direct all communication through your lawyer.

5. Choosing a Lawyer Based Only on Advertising

Strong marketing does not guarantee strong results. Look beyond ads and review the firm’s experience with Ontario slip and fall cases, their settlement history, and client feedback.

6. Overlooking Communication and Fee Transparency

Clear communication helps reduce stress during recovery. You should know how often you’ll receive updates and how accessible your lawyer will be. Likewise, contingency fee agreements should be fully explained, which includes percentages, disbursements, and what happens if your case doesn’t settle.

7. Assuming All Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Slip and Fall Cases the Same Way

Slip and fall claims require specialized knowledge of inspection routines, maintenance standards, and premises liability law.

Lawyers who regularly handle these cases know how to investigate hazards, prove negligence, and counter common defence arguments.

Finding the Best Slip and Fall Lawyer in Ontario

Finding the right slip and fall lawyer is ultimately about choosing someone who understands how these cases work in Ontario and has the experience to guide you through each stepA firm’s results, communication style, and familiarity with premises liability should all factor into your decision.

Preszler Injury Lawyers has helped injured Ontarians for decades, securing significant settlements for clients whose lives were disrupted by unsafe property conditions. Our team is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring your claim is supported by strong evidence from the start.

If you’re ready to discuss your case, we’re here to help.

Call 1-888-608-2111 for a free consultation and learn how we can support your recovery and your claim.

We’re here to help.