Slip and fall accidents can happen quickly—but the consequences can last a long time.
Whether it’s a slippery sidewalk, icy parking lot, or unsafe flooring in a store, falls can cause serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, or chronic pain. If you’re hurt in a fall on someone else’s property, it’s important to report it as soon as possible—both to protect your health and to preserve your legal rights.
So, how long do you have to report a slip and fall in Ontario? The answer depends on whether the slip and fall was due to snow or ice and whether the fall occurred on municipal or private property.
Report the Fall Immediately, If You Can
Regardless of where it happened, you should report the incident right away:
- To the property owner or manager (e.g., store staff, building superintendent, security)
- To your doctor or a walk-in clinic, even if you feel “fine” at the time
Reporting the fall creates a record that could be critical later. If you wait, it may be harder to prove the incident or connect your injuries to it. Where possible, you or someone on your behalf should take photos of the scene.
Special Rules for Municipal Property
If you fell on municipal property—such as a city-owned sidewalk, road, or public space—Ontario’s Municipal Act requires that you give written notice to the city within 10 days of the incident. This notice must include:
- The date and time of the fall
- The location (as specific as possible)
- A brief description of what happened
Failure to provide this notice within 10 days can bar you from bringing a successful claim later, although courts can sometimes allow exceptions in cases where the injury prevented earlier reporting. If you have missed the notice period, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer about your options.
What About Private Property?
If the fall happened on private property—like a business, apartment building, or private residence—there’s no strict notice period unless it was caused by snow or ice. In those cases, claimants must provide notice of their intent to claim damages within 60 days of the incident. In particular, you must personally serve or send by registered mail a letter to an occupier of the property where the fall occurred to meet the notice requirement.
That said, the sooner you report the fall and seek legal advice, the better. Property owners and insurers are more likely to take your claim seriously if it’s reported right away, and early action allows for better evidence collection (like surveillance footage or witness statements).
What If You’re Not Sure Who Owns the Property?
If you’re unsure whether the fall occurred on municipal or private property, don’t wait—report the incident to both the city and the property owner, if possible. A personal injury lawyer can help identify the responsible parties and make sure notice requirements are met.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall and aren’t sure what to do next, our team can help you understand your rights and make sure important deadlines aren’t missed. Contact us at info@nelliganlaw.ca.
