The Occupiers’ Liability Act Has Important New Changes

February 09, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

In Ontario, the responsibilities, duties and obligations of an occupier owed to individuals on their property is outlined in the Occupiers’ Liability Act. The Act was recently updated and there are significant changes to the notice periods required when a person is injured on another’s property.

As of January 29, 2021, an individual has only 60 days to notify the owner or occupier of a property if they are injured in an accident due to the negligence of the owner/occupier involving snow and ice. These common slip and fall accidents can result in serious long term personal injury.

The notice is required to be given in writing stating the date, time and location of the accident. It must be delivered in person or by registered mail to the occupier or owner of the property. The contractor responsible for snow and ice clearing may also be served the notice. Putting one of the parties on notice is sufficient.

If the accident occurs on municipally or government-owned property then the written notice period of 10 days from the date of the accident remains unchanged.

Slip and fall accidents remain one of the leading causes of emergency room and doctor visits, particularly in the winter months. The injuries can range from sprains and back injuries to broken bones and concussions.

If you do slip and fall on snow or ice please take a moment to assess if you are injured. If you are hut and require emergency attention call 911. If you are hurt and there are witnesses to the accident collect their contact information and take pictures of the area with your phone camera. Seek medical attention immediately and indicate the circumstances that led to the fall.

If you or a loved one is injured due to the negligence of someone else you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any important procedural dates for filing a claim for benefits. You can call us and count on Deutschmann Law to work for you.   The first consultation is free.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.