Slip and fall on municipal sidewalk accidents can lead to serious injuries and raise complex legal questions about responsibility. Knowing the legal perspective on the issue is crucial for both accident victims and property owners. This blog post will explore the laws governing slip and fall on municipal sidewalk accidents, the process of establishing municipal liability, and how a personal injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process.

Key Takeaways

• Municipalities and property owners have an obligation to inspect and maintain sidewalks, with potential liability for slip and fall injuries.
• Filing a claim against a municipality requires adhering to deadlines, consulting legal counsel, gathering evidence & claiming damages.
• Taking necessary precautions & reporting hazardous conditions are essential for preventing accidents on municipal sidewalks.

Municipal Sidewalk Slip and Fall: Understanding the Basics

Municipalities have an obligation to maintain sidewalks in a satisfactory state of repair and ensure they are free from ice and snow. They are expected to:

• Inspect sidewalks regularly
• Prioritize maintenance according to their condition
• Adhere to certain standards for sidewalk repair and maintenance in Ontario
• Address any surface discontinuities no greater than two centimetres

These measures guarantee that sidewalks are in a state of repair and safe for public use.

One can establish negligence or gross negligence in a municipality’s sidewalk maintenance by presenting evidence of absent or inconsistent policies for sidewalk inspection and maintenance. Furthermore, if the municipality fails to meet the Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) or acts unreasonably may be considered negligent.

In cases of gross negligence, where there is a high degree of recklessness or disregard for safety, the municipality may be held liable for personal injuries caused by snow or ice on sidewalks.

Property Owner Responsibilities

In Ontario, property owners bear the responsibility for removing snow and ice from their sidewalks, as well as from any adjoining municipal sidewalks. They are obligated to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within 12 hours after the condition has ceased from the sidewalk or any highway in front of, alongside, or rear of the building. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences if an accident occurs due to the lack of clearance.

Private property owners do not have a heightened level of responsibility compared to municipalities. However, they must still exercise reasonable care in maintaining their sidewalks to prevent accidents and potential liability for injuries caused by hazardous conditions.

Legal Framework: Occupiers' Liability Act and Municipal Act

Maintenance of safe sidewalks and addressing slip and fall accidents fall under the purview of the Occupiers’ Liability Act and Municipal Act, which govern the responsibilities of property owners and municipalities. The Occupiers’ Liability Act stipulates the duty of property owners and occupiers to ensure the safety of pedestrians and maintain a reasonably safe property. The Municipal Act outlines the statutory obligations of municipalities to sustain municipal property.

The distinction between operational and policy decisions in municipal liability cases is crucial. Operational decisions can render municipalities liable for slip and fall injuries, while policy decisions made in good faith exempt them from liability. The case of City of Nelson v. Taryn Joy Marchi, 2021 SCC 41 is of great importance, as it established that operational decisions can make municipalities liable for slip and fall injuries.



Establishing Municipal Liability for Slip and Fall Injuries

For a slip and fall injury to establish municipal liability, the injured party is required to demonstrate the municipality’s negligence or gross negligence in sidewalk maintenance. This involves demonstrating that the defendant had a duty of care towards the injured party, that the defendant failed to uphold that duty, and that the breach caused the claimant’s injury.

Municipalities are held to a higher standard of care than private property owners or occupiers. They must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their citizens, such as regularly inspecting and maintaining sidewalks, municipal highways, and other public areas to uphold their duty of care.

Private vs. Public Property: Differences in Slip and Fall Claims

There’s a distinction between slip and fall claims on private property and public property, with municipalities required to adhere to higher standards of care, and the legal processes involved also differ. For accidents on municipal property, like sidewalks or public parks, the injured party must demonstrate that the municipality was remiss in its upkeep of the property. Conversely, for accidents on private property, the injured party must prove that the property owner or occupier was remiss in the upkeep of the property.

The legal process for slip and fall accidents on public property may differ from private property in regard to notice requirements and time limits for filing a claim. For instance, slip and fall accidents on private property due to ice and snow may necessitate written notice to the owner/occupier within a particular period, such as 60 days. Conversely, slip and fall accidents on public property may have different notice requirements and time limits, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction. It is very important for you to seek counsel from a legal professional to understand the precise legal process for slip and fall accidents on public and private property in your locality.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident on a Municipal Sidewalk

Depending on the severity of the injury, compensation for slip and fall injuries on municipal sidewalks could encompass damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings. Personal injury lawyers can assess the value of a slip and fall case and inform you of your legal alternatives. They can also assist you in negotiating with the insurance company and secure you the settlement you are entitled to.

In order to claim compensation for slip and fall injuries, the insurance company will conduct an investigation of the incident, review any medical records associated with the injury, and make a settlement offer. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate this process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Municipal Sidewalk Slip and Fall Claim



For slip and fall injuries on municipal sidewalks, a personal injury lawyer can offer indispensable assistance in steering through the legal process, bargaining with insurance companies, and securing a fair settlement. They can evaluate your slip and fall accident case, inform you of your legal options, and guide you through the legal process. A personal injury lawyer can also help gather crucial evidence, such as photos of the accident scene and medical records, to build a strong case for compensation.

In addition to their legal expertise, personal injury lawyers can provide support and guidance throughout the process of personal injury claims, helping you understand your rights and the steps involved in pursuing a claim. They can also ensure compliance with strict notice requirements and deadlines, which are particularly important when filing a claim against a municipality.

If you have suffered a slip and fall injury on a municipal sidewalk, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. They can help you determine whether pursuing a claim is in your best interest and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Tips for Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents on Municipal Sidewalks

Being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions are essential components in preventing slip and fall accidents on municipal sidewalks. Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles and good traction to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents on municipal sidewalks. Be mindful of uneven pavement, potholes, and raised sidewalks, which can be potential sources of trip and fall accidents.

In addition to personal precautions, report any hazardous conditions to the relevant authorities, such as the municipality or property owner. Promptly notifying the responsible party will help ensure that the hazardous condition is addressed and may prevent further accidents.

Summary

Understanding the legal perspective on slip and fall accidents on municipal sidewalks is crucial for both accident victims and property owners. This blog post has provided an overview of the laws governing these accidents, the process of establishing municipal liability, and the differences between slip and fall claims on public and private property. By taking the appropriate steps after an accident, seeking legal counsel, and working to prevent slip and fall accidents, individuals can navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sue for falling on sidewalk Ontario?

Yes, you can sue for falling on a sidewalk in Ontario under the Occupier's Liability Act.

What is the new slip and fall law in Ontario?

As of January 2021, Ontario has a new slip and fall law in effect which requires claimants to provide written notice of the incident to a property owner, manager, contractor or tenant within 60 days.

Are homeowners liable for slips on icy sidewalks?

Under Ontario's snow removal laws, property owners may be held liable for injuries sustained on icy sidewalks if they have failed to clear the sidewalk of snow, rain, or hail within 12 hours. Exceptions to this include if the owner is occupying the sidewalk, or when city laws require premises owners or occupiers to clear sidewalks of snow and ice. Victims of slip and fall accidents can pursue compensation under the Occupiers' Liability Act when an owner fails to maintain hazard-free premises.

What is the average settlement amount for a slip and fall case in Ontario?

The average settlement amount for a slip and fall case in Ontario is between $10,000 and $418,000, depending on the severity of the injuries and legal strength of the case. It is recommended to consult an experienced slip and fall lawyer to best determine the expected compensation.

What is the difference between a slip and fall accident on private property and one on public property?

The main difference between a slip and fall accident on private property and one on public property is the legal processes and standards of care. Municipalities have different notice requirements and time limits for filing a claim compared to private property owners.