Slip, Trip, and Fall: Ontario Injury Lawyers Help With Fall Injuries

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations in Canada—those are the fall statistics that matter when you're hurting today. At UL Lawyers in Burlington, we help people across Ontario after a slip, trip, or fall accident at a store, apartment, workplace, or on a city walkway. We combine fast action with prevention insight—slips and trips leave patterns we know well—and meticulous evidence gathering so you can focus on healing.

Immediate tip you can use today: Photograph the floor and the exact walking surface, report the incident in writing, and keep your footwear in a bag. Small steps now can reduce the risk of losing crucial proof.

What counts as a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in Ontario?

A slip happens when there's little friction or traction between your shoe and the walking surface (think polished tile, slick spots, or a slippery surface). A trip usually involves an obstruction, uneven walkway, curled mat, or bad lighting. Either way, a slip-and-fall accident or trip and fall accident can leave you with a serious slip and fall and other life-interrupting losses.

From malls on Fairview Street in Burlington to condo corridors in Mississauga, accidents occur when property dangers aren't addressed. We regularly help clients after an ontario slip incident in parking lots, grocery aisles, and public sidewalks.

Common causes of slips and falls across Burlington and the province

Here are the common causes of slip-and-fall accidents we see most:

• Fresh spill left unmarked, or residue that remains oily or wet.
• Housekeeping gaps such as missing wet-floor signs or clutter that creates a trip hazard.
• Worn floor finishes that need recoating to restore grip.
• Seasonal winter conditions not cleared or salted on a walkway.
• Cracked tiles and uneven thresholds—the classic causes of tripping.
• Poor lighting that hides a step edge or other hazard.
• Mats that slide on polished floor surfaces; abrasive strips not used where they should be.

We’ve handled claims where the surface offered poor grip, where metal or synthetic decking became slick, or where modifying walking surfaces with anti-slip coatings was ignored. These preventive measures aren't optional; they're part of reasonable safety—especially for victims of slip events.

The types of injuries we see—and why fall accidents can happen

Fall incidents range from sprains to broken bones. We also see head injuries, neck injuries, and the occasional brain injury—including a single traumatic brain injury. The severity of injuries depends on the type of fall, the surface, and age (and yes, seniors are more likely to be badly hurt).

Why do falls happen? Many slip events occur on the same level on smooth tile or wet concrete; trip and fall events often involve thresholds or curled mats. In winter, icy or snowy walkways magnify the risk of falling. There isn't one single way to prevent every event, but targeted fixes work.

Ontario law: Who is the property owner and when are they liable for your injuries?

Ontario's Occupiers' Liability Act requires property owners and managers (called "occupiers") to keep places reasonably safe. Proving negligence means showing they knew or should have known about a hazard and failed to act.

Deadlines that matter (read this twice):

• Most claims have a two-year limitation period under the Limitations Act, 2002.
• Municipal sidewalks/roads have a 10-day written notice rule under the Municipal Act for trip and fall on public property—miss it and your claim is at risk (there are narrow exceptions).
• For private-property injuries involving snow and ice, Ontario added a 60-day written notice requirement to the Occupiers' Liability Act. Serve both the occupier and any snow contractor.

In our Burlington practice, we've seen good claims falter because the injured person spoke only to an insurer and not to a lawyer. Different judges in the Superior Court of Justice weigh evidence of inspection logs and housekeeping practices closely; missing records can be decisive.

Not sure about your legal options? We'll assess your timelines and evidence in a free call—no obligation.

Workplace slips and trip cases in Ontario: WSIB or lawsuit?

If your workplace injury is covered by WSIB, you generally pursue benefits instead of suing your employer. But if a third party—like a cleaning contractor or plaza property owner—caused the cause of injury, you may have a civil personal injury claim as well. We routinely map both routes and explain the trade-offs, especially when fall injuries affect your ability to work (honestly, WSIB paperwork can be frustrating).

What to do right now if you were injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident (after any trip or fall)

• Report in writing to management right away and ask for a copy.
• Photograph the floor, the walkway, and any spill, sign, or obstruction.
• Bag and keep your footwear—don't wash it. The pattern and debris can show how traction between the footwear and the surface failed.
• Ask for video preservation. Most cameras overwrite within days.
• See a doctor the same day, even if pain feels mild. "Adrenaline normal" is common.
• Call a personal injury lawyer early if you were injured in an accident—tight municipal and snow notices apply.

Progress Plan: Intake (same day) → Evidence preservation (first 7–14 days) → Medical documentation (ongoing) → Settlement dialogue or lawsuit filing → Discovery → Resolution by settlement or trial.

How we prove negligence in a slip and fall or trip and fall

Winning these cases takes methodical work:

• We demand inspection logs, sound housekeeping practices, and cleaning contracts.
• We inspect the walking surface for code issues, slip-resistance, and whether appropriate footwear guidance existed.
• We determine if modifying walking surfaces—like re-finishing high-traffic zones or adding abrasive strips—was skipped.
• For winter cases, we obtain winter maintenance records and weather data.
• We retain experts when needed to explain how footwear and the walking surface interacted on a slippery day.

We can't promise results, but we can tell you what typically happens—insurers test every weakness. That's why documentation matters.

Compensation in Ontario Slip/Trip/Fall Cases

Depending on the evidence, you may claim:

• Pain and suffering (general damages)
• Past and future income loss / reduced earning capacity
• Medical and rehabilitation expenses (therapy, devices, medications)
• Housekeeping/home maintenance losses
• Out‑of‑pocket expenses
• Family Law Act claims for close family (loss of care, guidance, and companionship)

We tailor claims to your medical situation and job demands, not a one‑size template.

Practical Steps to Take Immediately

1. Photograph the scene (and your shoes), focusing on hazards and lighting.
2. Report the incident to the owner/manager and keep a copy of the report.
3. Get witness contacts and note what they saw.
4. Preserve your footwear (bag it; don't keep wearing it).
5. Seek medical care right away—even if symptoms seem mild.
6. Write a timeline while details are fresh.
7. Call us early so we can meet notice deadlines (60‑day private snow/ice, 10‑day municipal) and secure CCTV.

Next Step

If you were hurt in a slip, trip, or fall, contact UL Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. We'll open your file and send preservation/notice letters within two business days, so crucial evidence isn't lost.