How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall claim in Ontario?

Most claims have a two-year limitation period, but notice deadlines can be much shorter.

Who is responsible if I fall on a sidewalk in Ottawa?

Responsibility may rest with the municipality, an adjacent property owner, or both.

Can I sue the city for a slip-and-fall?

Yes, but strict notice requirements apply.

What evidence is needed to prove a slip and fall claim?

Photos, medical records, witness statements, and incident reports are often critical.

How much is my slip-and-fall case worth?

The value depends on injury severity, financial losses, and long-term impact.

How much does a slip and fall lawyer cost?

Van Dyke Law works on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.

Slip and Fall Lawyer in Ottawa

A slip-and-fall in Ottawa, whether on icy sidewalks, wet store floors, or uneven public walkways, can lead to more than just embarrassment. These accidents often result in serious injuries with lasting consequences. If you’ve been hurt in a fall, Van Dyke Law can help you pursue fair compensation and navigate Ontario’s personal injury law system, no fees unless we win.

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What to Know After a Slip and Fall Injury

If you’ve been hurt in a fall, knowing what to do next can help safeguard your health and legal rights:

Seek immediate medical attention and document all injuries
Report the fall to the property owner or municipality as soon as possible. (Hazardous conditions can change quickly, limiting evidence gathering; melting ice, or cleaned spills)
Collect evidence: photographs, witness statements, incident reports
Identify who controls the property where the fall occurred to ensure notice is given to the correct party. (Liability may involve a municipality, property management company, or private owner)
Speak with a slip-and-fall lawyer before providing detailed statements to insurers or municipalities. This can help protect your legal rights before the full extent of injuries is known, helping limit or deny compensation
File your injury claim within Ontario’s limitation period

The Difference Between Slip and Fall vs. Trip and Fall

Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents involve different hazards. Identifying whether a fall was caused by slipping or tripping helps clarify the condition present and whether the property owner took reasonable steps to address it.

Slip and Fall Accidents

These incidents often occur when there is a loss of traction between footwear and the walking surface, leading to slips.

Trip and Fall Accidents

Trip-and-fall injuries occur when a person’s foot catches on an object or an uneven surface, causing a sudden loss of balance, such as from debris, loose mats or raised pavement.

Where Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Happen in Ottawa

Responsibility for maintenance depends on ownership and control of the property where the fall occurred.

Public property

Sidewalks and crosswalks
Public parks and pathways
Government buildings and centres
Transit stations

Private property

Apartment buildings
Shopping centres
Restaurants and cafés
Private homes and driveways

Premises Liability & Ontario Law

Slip and fall claims in Ontario are governed primarily by the Occupiers’ Liability Act. This legislation outlines the legal responsibilities of property owners: