Slip and Fall Settlements in Ontario: What Can You Expect?

With the icy roads and sidewalks, slipping and falling is a common side effect of winter weather. What may seem like an innocent accident could actually be a case deserving of a slip and fall settlement, depending on where and why the incident happened. You could be entitled to a large settlement amount in a slip and fall case. Wondering what the average slip and fall settlement amounts in Ontario are? It can be challenging to determine an average payout for slip and fall cases since the circumstances of each case are different. In Ontario the average settlement amount for a slip and fall case is anywhere from $10,000 to $418,000. It is always best to speak with an experienced slip and fall lawyer near you when trying to determine the expected amount of compensation.

Slip and Fall Settlements

Proving slip and fall negligence claims can be difficult, but there are benefits to keeping the case out of court. Before you seek a settlement, this is what you can be expected to prove in order to get the largest slip and fall lawsuit settlement amount possible for your claim:

• How You Fell: First, you will need to be able to prove that someone’s negligence caused you to fall

For example: You will not have a case if you were walking through a restaurant that was obviously being mopped, however, you may have a legitimate claim if you slipped on a puddle at the restaurant that had not been mopped for a significant period.

• Where You Fell: Depending on where the fall occurred, you may be suing a property manager or building owner. You may have to also sue maintenance workers or contractors who were responsible for the maintenance of the property. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to identify and draw in all the relevant parties.

Average Slip and Fall Settlement Amounts in Ontario

A settlement could help you obtain a higher payout while avoiding steep litigation fees in the event you went to trial. Often, injuries related to slips and falls can have a debilitating effect on a victim’s life. It could mean expensive medical bills, rehabilitation, and a loss of wages or earning capacity.

For slip and fall lawsuit settlement amounts in Canada, here’s how payouts work, you can only be awarded up to a maximum of approximately $418,000, adjusted for inflation in 2022, for pain and suffering resulting from an injury as a result of another’s negligence. Your family could also receive compensation if your injury takes your time and money away from them.

What to Do After a Fall?

The amount of your settlement depends in large part on how well you were able to document your accident injuries.

If you slip and fall, make sure to do the following right away:

• Ensure the parties involved preserve any evidence. For example, you only have 10 days to notify a municipality if you slip and fall on a city sidewalk.
• Gather evidence from the accident scene, such as what you slipped on, what shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the fall, and evidence of any lost wages or medical bills related to the fall.
• Reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to get your claim filed quickly and accurately.

Who Can Help?

Timing is critical. You have two years after an accident to start a lawsuit. An Ontario personal injury lawyer can review evidence, reach out to the property owners, and negotiate the best terms for your slip and fall settlement amount in Canada to help you recover what you deserve. To find out if a settlement is your best option after a slip and fall, call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Updated content: Originally published July 26, 2018