Slip and fall / trip and fall
The law in Ontario imposes a duty upon property owners to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of people while on the property. When a property owner fails to do this, their property can fall into such a state of disrepair that it becomes a safety hazard.
Failing to shovel snow, salt ice, fill potholes, or fix broken steps are all common hazards we see at Wolfe Lawyers. Someone who is injured as a result of such a hazard may have a claim against the property owner or others who have responsibility for the control and condition of the property (such as a property manager or snow removal company).
If you think you have a claim, you should consult a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law immediately. There are strict statutory deadlines for making these claims which, if missed, can prevent an injured person from receiving any compensation — no matter how badly they have been injured.
Things to do after a slip / trip and fall
- Provide notice immediately. If you think you have slipped or tripped on City property, notify the City of the circumstances right away. The Municipal Act, 2001 requires that notice be given to the City within 10 days of the incident.
- Precisely identify the location of the fall. Gather as much information as you can — street or intersection, municipal address, doorways, planters, traffic lights — anything that pinpoints the spot.
- Preserve your footwear. Footwear is evidence. Stop using the shoes or boots you were in and bag them for future inspection.
- Take photographs. Wide-angle and close-up photographs of the scene — even days later — can be enormously helpful.
- Collect witness information. Full names, addresses and telephone numbers. A witness's account can go a long way toward quickly resolving a claim.