Ottawa Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

When someone else’s negligence caused you to suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may feel uncertain about where to turn. Our Ottawa slip and fall accident lawyers at Preszler Injury Lawyers can provide guidance on your legal options and help you pursue financial recovery for the harm you experienced.

Our Canadian personal injury firm has supported many injured people and families across Ontario. We offer free consultations so you can better understand how the law applies to your situation and what next steps may be available. Contact us now to learn more.

Key Takeaways About Slip & Fall Accidents in Ottawa

• Property owners in Ottawa have a legal duty to maintain safe premises and can be held liable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions.
• Slip and fall victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs under Ontario law.
• Evidence preservation is critical: document the scene, take photos, obtain witness information, and report the incident immediately.
• The Occupiers’ Liability Act governs slip and fall cases in Ontario, establishing different standards of care for different types of visitors.
• A two-year limitation period applies to most slip and fall claims in Ontario, making prompt legal action essential.

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Since 1959, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians get the compensation they deserve with their slip and fall accident claims. One of Canada’s oldest personal injury law firms, personal injury law is exclusively what we do. Book a free consultation today with our top-rated personal injury lawyers.

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What Are Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents happen when unsafe conditions cause someone to lose balance and suffer injuries. Different hazards can lead to slip and fall accidents in the city. Some common situations include:

• Wet or slippery floors: Spills in grocery stores, restaurants, or shopping malls can cause serious falls. In fast-paced businesses, staff may overlook hazards if inspections aren’t done frequently.
• Uneven surfaces: Cracked sidewalks or broken tiles often trip pedestrians. These hazards are especially dangerous for seniors or children who may not anticipate uneven footing.
• Inadequate lighting: Poorly lit stairwells or parking garages can hide hazards from view. Shadows often make it difficult to see steps, gaps, or puddles.
• Snow and ice: Ottawa winters create dangerous walking conditions on sidewalks, driveways, and public pathways. A patch of black ice can be nearly invisible, yet it may cause serious injuries.
• Cluttered walkways: Loose cords, debris, or poorly placed displays in businesses can easily create tripping hazards.
• And more.

Where Slip and Fall Accidents Most Often Occur

In Ottawa, slip and fall accidents frequently take place in areas where people gather and move about regularly. For example:

• Rideau Centre shopping mall, where high foot traffic increases the risk of wet floors or clutter.
• Downtown Ottawa sidewalks, especially during busy rush hours, where uneven pavement or ice can catch pedestrians off guard.
• Residential apartment complexes in neighbourhoods like Sandy Hill, where landlords are expected to maintain stairways and entrances.
• Public libraries or recreation centers, where heavy use can lead to unnoticed hazards.
• Hospitals and medical clinics, where liquids, disinfectants, or equipment may leave floors slippery.

Weather-Related Slip and Fall Hazards in Ottawa

Ottawa’s long winters create unique risks. Ice often forms on sidewalks in areas like ByWard Market or around OC Transpo bus stops. Property owners have a legal duty to clear snow and apply salt or sand. When they fail to act promptly, pedestrians can suffer serious injuries from falls on icy pathways. Freezing rain events add another layer of danger, since conditions can worsen quickly and remain hazardous for hours if untreated.

What Makes Property Owners Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents?

Not every slip and fall accident creates legal liability. Ontario law examines the property owner’s responsibilities, the visitor’s role, and whether proper safety measures were taken. Liability often hinges on whether the owner acted reasonably under the circumstances.

Understanding the Occupiers’ Liability Act in Ontario

The Occupiers’ Liability Act governs the duty of care owed by people who control property. An occupier can include a homeowner, business owner, landlord, or tenant. The Act requires them to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe.

Key points under the Act:

• Reasonable care: Owners must maintain safe conditions and repair known hazards.
• Visitor protection: The law applies to both invited guests and customers entering a business.
• Hazard prevention: Owners should anticipate risks, such as icy sidewalks or broken steps, and take steps to prevent accidents.
• Documentation: Regular inspection and cleaning records may demonstrate whether an owner acted responsibly.

Duty of Care Standards for Different Types of Visitors

The law sets varying standards depending on who enters the property:

• Invitees: Shoppers or clients must be provided with reasonably safe conditions, and businesses must actively look for hazards.
• Licensees: Social guests are owed similar protections, though some risks may be more apparent in a home setting.
• Trespassers: Even trespassers are owed a basic duty not to face deliberate harm. Courts also consider whether the occupier knew trespassers regularly entered the property when determining fault.

When Property Owners Can Be Held Responsible

A property owner or occupier may be responsible when:

• They knew about a hazard but failed to correct it.
• They should have reasonably known about the hazard through regular inspections.
• They ignored municipal bylaws requiring snow and ice removal.
• Their employees or contractors created unsafe conditions.
• Warning signs were missing when hazards couldn’t be fixed immediately, such as during cleaning.

What Damages Can You Recover in an Ottawa Slip and Fall Case?

Ontario’s healthcare system covers medically necessary treatment, but many accident victims still face additional costs and losses. In a slip and fall case, you may pursue compensation for:

• Private rehabilitation costs: Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or specialized treatments may not be fully covered by OHIP. For example, a person with a back injury may require several months of physiotherapy that isn’t publicly funded.
• Lost income: Wages you could not earn while recovering from your injuries. Even missing a few weeks of work may cause financial strain.
• Future lost earning capacity: Income you may lose if your injuries limit your ability to work long-term. A construction worker with a knee injury may need to shift careers, affecting long-term earnings.
• Pain and suffering: The discomfort and emotional hardship caused by the accident. Broken bones, concussions, or chronic pain often limit independence and mobility.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Activities or hobbies you can no longer participate in. Someone who used to skate on the Rideau Canal may be unable to continue after a serious leg injury.
• Future care costs: Assistance beyond basic medical treatment, including home health services, long-term rehabilitation, or household help.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Prescription medication, mobility aids, or necessary modifications to your home, such as ramps or stair lifts.

How Do You Prove a Slip and Fall Case in Ontario?

To hold a property owner accountable, you and your lawyer will need to show that negligence directly caused your injuries. This process often relies on thorough evidence.

Essential Evidence to Collect at the Scene

Accident victims should try to gather:

• Photos of the hazard, such as icy patches or broken flooring.
• Images showing lighting conditions or a lack of warning signs.
• Contact information for witnesses.
• Notes about how the accident happened, including the exact time and location.

The Role of Incident Reports and Witness Statements

When a fall happens in a store, gym, or office, ask for an incident report. These records often provide details about the condition of the property at the time of the accident. Witnesses who saw the hazard or your fall may also provide valuable testimony about whether the danger existed for an extended period.

Medical Documentation and Expert Testimony

Medical records connect your injuries to the fall. Doctors or specialists may also provide reports showing the long-term impact of your condition. For example, an orthopedic surgeon may explain how a hip fracture affects mobility and work capacity.

Establishing Negligence and Causation

To succeed, your claim must show:

• A hazardous condition existed.
• The property owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn you about it.
• The hazardous condition directly caused your injuries.
• You suffered measurable losses as a result of your injuries, such as medical expenses or reduced income.

What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Ottawa?

Most slip and fall claims must be filed within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation. Courts rarely allow exceptions if the limitation period has expired.

Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule

Certain cases may extend or shorten this period:

• Claims involving municipalities often require written notice within 10 days.
• Minors may have longer to file, with the clock starting when they turn 18.
• People who lack mental capacity may also have extensions until they regain capacity or a litigation guardian acts on their behalf.

How Acting Quickly Can Protect Your Rights

Starting your claim promptly allows our Ottawa slip and fall lawyers to secure evidence, locate witnesses, and preserve important records before they disappear. Prompt action also ensures compliance with municipal notice requirements.

Common Challenges in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall cases often involve disputes about who bears responsibility. Defendants sometimes argue that the injured person contributed to the accident, for example, by wearing improper footwear. Ontario uses a system called contributory negligence, which can reduce the amount you recover if you’re found partly at fault.

Overcoming Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies sometimes downplay injuries or suggest your fall was unavoidable. Legal representation helps counter these arguments with documented evidence and a clear presentation of your case.

How Our Ottawa Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we advocate for people injured in slip and fall accidents in Ottawa. Our team offers legal support tailored to your situation.

Comprehensive Case Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We examine accident scenes, review maintenance records, and interview witnesses to build a strong foundation for your claim. We may also work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists when needed.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies and Property Owners

Our lawyers handle discussions with insurers and property owners, working to resolve claims through fair settlement negotiations. This process often saves time and stress compared to a trial, though we remain ready to proceed if negotiations stall.

Litigation Support and Court Representation

When insurers or property owners refuse reasonable settlements, we are prepared to present your case in court and advocate on your behalf. We prepare detailed submissions, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for accountability under Ontario law.

Maximizing Your Compensation Recovery

We help document all losses, from medical bills to missed income, so that your claim reflects the full impact of the accident. Our approach ensures that long-term needs, such as rehabilitation or career changes, are factored into the claim.

No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation for You

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay upfront legal fees, and we only receive payment if we recover compensation on your behalf. This approach makes legal representation accessible to people who might otherwise hesitate to pursue a claim.

Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Ottawa Now

Slip and fall accidents can create unexpected hardships, from missed work to long-term recovery. If negligence played a role, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable. Our Ottawa slip and fall lawyers have experience representing injured people throughout Ottawa.

Call 1-888-608-2111 today for a free consultation. Taking early action helps protect your rights and strengthens your case.

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