If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Ontario, you may have the right to seek compensation. But there’s an important fact most people don’t know: you must give written notice of your accident within a very short time—or you could lose your right to sue forever.
Many people miss these deadlines because they don’t immediately realize how badly they’re hurt. Unfortunately, Ontario law is strict. If you miss the notice period, your claim can be dismissed—no matter how serious your injury is.
Slip and Fall on Private Property: The 60-Day Notice Period
If your accident happens on private property—such as in a store, parking lot, apartment building, or someone’s home—you must give written notice to the property owner or occupier within 60 days of the incident.
Your notice should include:
- The date, time, and location of your fall
- A short description of what happened
- Your contact information
Miss this 60-day deadline, and your right to sue could be gone forever.
Slip and Fall on Municipal Property: The 10-Day Deadline
If you slip and fall on municipal property—like a city sidewalk, public road, park, or municipal building—the deadline is even shorter. You must give written notice to the municipality within 10 days of your accident.
This short timeline exists so the municipality can inspect the location before the hazard is fixed or disappears. Snow melts, ice is salted, and spills get cleaned—making it harder to prove your case later.
Why Deadlines Are Missed
Often, slip and fall victims delay taking legal action because:
- They think their injuries are minor and will heal on their own
- They’re focused on medical treatment and recovery
- They don’t know the law requires quick notice
Unfortunately, Ontario slip and fall law doesn’t make exceptions for late discovery of serious injuries. By the time you realize your injury is serious, the deadline may have already passed.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip and Fall
- If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Ontario:
- Get medical attention – This protects your health and documents your injuries.
- Report the accident in writing – To the property owner, manager, or municipality.
- Take photos and gather evidence – Include the hazard, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
Contact a slip and fall lawyer immediately – They can send the correct notice on time.
How a Lawyer Helps With Slip and Fall Deadlines
An experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer can:
- Identify who must receive the notice (sometimes more than one party)
- Prepare and deliver your notice to the correct office within the deadline
- Preserve critical evidence before it’s lost
- Advise you on whether you have a strong case
- Provide a free consultation so you can decide your next steps without cost or risk
At Girones Law, we have over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of injured Ontarians. We act quickly to make sure your claim isn’t lost due to a missed deadline.
Don’t Wait—The Clock Starts the Day You Fall
- Private property: 60 days to give notice
- Municipal property: 10 days to give notice
Even if you’re not sure you want to sue, it’s better to send notice right away. This keeps your options open if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought.
Free Consultation – Protect Your Rights Today
If you’ve had a slip and fall in Ontario, contact Girones Law immediately. We can quickly determine who needs to be notified, prepare your notice, and explain your legal options.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced Ontario slip and fall lawyer.
Don’t let a missed deadline take away your right to fair compensation.
