Slip and Falls in Summer – It Happens!
 
It is not unusual for people to slip and fall on ice or snow in winter. However, we receive many calls in the spring and summer from people falling on other slippery surfaces such as slippery areas of shopping malls and grocery stores. We receive many calls of people slipping on produce in grocery stores and also people who trip on items left in the aisles in malls, retail stores and grocery stores.  In most cases, the fall could have been prevented if only the store owner or manager took reasonable steps to maintain the property and adhere to a reasonable inspection system.
 
Persons who own or manage property have a positive duty to maintain their property to a reasonable standard. If they fail to do so, they could be held legally responsible to compensate injury victims. This obligation applies to private property, public property and all stores and businesses.
 
In most cases, claims for compensation are covered by liability insurance, either home owner’s insurance, tenant’s insurance or commercial insurance.
 
In Ontario, the law is clear. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, all property owners have a duty to ensure that their property is reasonably safe for anyone who enters or uses it. This usually requires an owner or manager or occupier to ensure that they have a reasonable inspection and maintenance in place and they adhere to it. What is reasonable is determined by the specific facts or circumstances of each case.  Standards can vary when it comes to municipalities and falls on municipal property. There are also special notice periods for claims against municipalities.
 
If you have been seriously injured as a result of someone else’s carelessness, please contact one of our Ottawa injury lawyers. Consultations are free and our lawyers work on the basis of no fee until you win
 
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide only and is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult an injury lawyer who can review the facts of your particular case.
 
Marc Quinn
Ottawa Injury Lawyer
613-315-4878