Property Owner Responsibilities – Ice Falling from Roof
In Ontario, all property owners and occupiers, whether they own private property, residence owners, building owners, business owners etc…have a duty to maintain their property safe for people using their property. Property owners and occupiers have a duty to clear their property of ice and snow as best as is reasonable under the circumstances to avoid a danger that may cause someone to be injured.
The obligation extends to ensuring their property is safe from ice, icicles, snow, and debris that has collected on their property. The aim is to take reasonable care to protect others while on a property.
Municipalities have also passed by-laws to ensure property owners take care of their properties.
Every year people are injured due to falling snow or ice. Property owners could be held liable for injuries sustained by persons hurt on their property as a result of falling ice or snow.
Our experienced slip and fall lawyers are very familiar with all laws relating to falling ice and snow and any injuries caused by ice or snow generally. Our Ottawa ice and snow injury lawyers settle many cases every month due to injuries sustained by ice and snow.
Some of the law that applies to ice and snow injury cases include City of Ottawa By-Law 2005-208 and the Ontario Occupier’s Liability Act:
Section 3 of the Occupier’s Liability Act states, in part, as follows:
Occupier’s duty
3. (1) An occupier of premises owes a duty to take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that persons entering on the premises, and the property brought on the premises by those persons are reasonably safe while on the premises.
Idem
(2) The duty of care provided for in subsection (1) applies whether the danger is caused by the condition of the premises or by an activity carried on the premises.
City of Ottawa Property Maintenance By-law No. 2005-208 states, in part, as follows:
Snow and ice
Snow and ice removal is regulated under the Property Maintenance By-law No. 2005-208, which also regulates the clearing and cleaning of refuse or debris.
SNOW AND ICE
5. Every owner or occupant of a building shall keep the roofs of the building and the surrounding lands free of accumulations of snow or ice that might create an accident hazard.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to ice, snow or icicles, our Ottawa injury and accident lawyers in Ottawa can help you win a settlement. Our injury lawyers can help you obtain compensation for all types of damages such as pain and suffering, loss of income, medical expenses, care costs etc…Our lawyers regularly successfully settle snow and ice cases. Call us for a free, no obligation consultation at 613-315-4878.