Services
Slips, Falls and Dog Bites
At ICS Legal Services, we understand the profound impact that personal injuries can have on your life. In Ontario, slip and fall accidents are common incidents that often lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in such an incident, our experienced personal injury experts are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone loses their balance and falls due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. These accidents can happen anywhere and often the result of negligence and poor up-keeping by property owners, managers or municipalities. Theses incidents occur at grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, public sidewalks, or even in private homes.
Slip and fall accidents are exceedingly common, and the property owner may be held responsible for their inability to ensure a safe premise for visitors or tenants. If you or somebody you know has been seriously injured in a slip and fall and requires medical attention, our accident experts will ensure that you receive compensation for your pain and suffering caused by another’s recklessness and negligence.
At ICS Legal Services, we are committed to making the legal process as seamless as possible. Our clients are our number one priority, and we are always available to any address any questions or concerns you may have. We will keep in touch with you regularly so that you are up to date with the development of your case.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
- Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, leaks, or cleaning activities can create slippery surfaces.
- Uneven Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes, or uneven flooring can cause tripping hazards.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or hazards.
- Cluttered Walkways: Obstructions like boxes, cords, or debris can cause trips and falls.
- Icy or Snow-Covered Surfaces: Failure to remove ice or snow promptly can lead to dangerous conditions.
Slip and Fall & Premises Liability Accidents
While not covered by SABS, slip and fall accidents are governed by the Occupiers’ Liability Act, the Municipal Act, and other statutes in Ontario.
Taking the right steps immediately after a fall can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your ability to claim compensation. Below are key actions you should take as soon as possible:
- Seek medical attention immediately – If an ambulance is not called to the scene, visit your local hospital’s emergency department. Never assume your injuries are minor—you may not feel their full extent right away.
- Collect contact information – If possible, write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the incident. If you cannot do so yourself, ask someone nearby to help.
- Identify witnesses – Witness statements can be crucial, as the police typically do not investigate slip and fall accidents. Obtain names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
- Note the exact location of your fall – Even a small difference in distance can determine who is legally responsible—for instance, whether you fell on private property or a municipal sidewalk.
- Take photographs of the scene – Capture any hazards, such as an unmarked wet floor or uneven pavement. Do not rely on security cameras, as footage may not be preserved.
- Inform your family doctor – Report all symptoms and injuries as soon as possible so that they are properly documented.
- Notify your employer or school – If you have disability insurance, also contact your insurer to report the injury.
- Notify other insurers – Inform any additional insurance providers, such as mortgage or credit card insurance, that may offer coverage for accident-related injuries.
- Consult a legal representative – Speak with an experienced legal representative has a strong track record handling slip and fall claims. They can explain your rights and guide you through the process.
- Keep all receipts – Save documentation for all expenses related to your accident and recovery.
- Track caregiving support – Ask family members to record the time and money they spend assisting you with daily activities.
We assist by:
- Investigating hazards (ice, snow, spills, poor lighting) and securing maintenance logs.
- Pursuing negligence claims against property owners, municipalities, or contractors.
- Coordinating expert evidence from engineers, safety inspectors, and medical professionals.
Important Note
You are not required to speak with the insurance company representing the other party. If you decide to give a statement, it’s best to have your representative present—anything you say could impact your right to compensation.
Legal Considerations and Liability
In Ontario, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, they must take reasonable steps to prevent injuries to visitors. To succeed in a slip and fall claim, the injured party must prove:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owned, occupied, or controlled the property.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to maintain the property safely.
- Causation: The hazardous condition directly caused the injury.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual harm or loss.
Compensation Available
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and future care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and physical pain.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Diminished quality of life due to the injury.
Important Timelines
Suing a private or commercial property owner is generally more straightforward than pursuing a claim against a municipality. Claims against municipalities involve strict notice requirements and different standards of care.
- The general limitation period for filing a slip and fall claim is two years from the date of the accident.
- However, if your fall occurred on municipal property, you must provide written notice within 10 days of the accident. The notice should include the date, time and location of the accident, as well as your contact information. It can be delivered in person or sent by registered mail.
- If the incident involves ice or snow on private property, the individual must notify the property owner or occupier of a slip and fall accident within 60 days.
Our team can help you act quickly to ensure your claim is filed within all statutory time limits and your rights are fully protected.
Dog Bites
Understanding Dog Owners’ Liability Act
The Province of Ontario has established strict liability laws with respect to dog owners, and the risks that they assume if they wish to go out into a public space with their dog; it may require them to walk their dog on a leash, ensure their dog wears a muzzle, or only allow their dog off-leash in specified and enclosed dog parks. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contract our experts at ICS Legal Services to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve for incurred medical bills, loss of income or any other type of loss, and hold the dog owner responsible for their actions.
In Ontario, the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means that an owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s previous behaviour or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressiveness. If a dog bites or attacks someone, the owner can be held liable for damages.
We help victims by:
- Gathering medical and incident reports.
- Pursuing claims for pain and suffering, scarring, infection, or psychological trauma.
- Negotiating settlements or litigating where insurers deny responsibility.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, including:
- Puncture Wounds: Deep holes in the skin caused by the dog’s teeth.
- Lacerations: Tear-like injuries that may require stitches.
- Infections: Bacterial infections like tetanus or rabies.
- Scarring: Permanent marks or disfigurement.
- Emotional Trauma: Fear, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you or someone you know is bitten by a dog:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor bites can lead to serious infections.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the dog’s identification and the owner’s contact information.
- Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or the police.
- Document the Injury: Take photographs and keep records of medical treatments.
- Consult a Legal Representative: An experienced personal injury legal representative can help navigate the legal process.
Compensation Available
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence by the dog owner.
The victim of the attack is eligible for compensation on the following scenarios:
- The owner of the dog through “Strict Liability”
- A Person who violated the leash law or a law prohibiting dogs from “running large”
- A person who kept a dog knowing that the dog had a history of injuring people.
Important Timelines
Two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim.
Why Choose ICS Legal Services?
At ICS Legal Services, we are committed to advocating for victims of dog bites. Our team offers:
- Expert Legal Representation: Experienced legal representatives specializing in personal injury law.
- Personalized Service: Tailored legal strategies to meet your unique needs.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis—no recovery, no fee.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident or dog bite incident, don’t wait. Contact ICS Legal Services for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
We Speak Your Language
We can assist you in the following languages: English, French, Italian, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Telugu, Vietnamese, Spanish, Tamil , Sinhalese, Farsi.
Results for Our Clients
We’re a leader in providing accident victims with quality legal advice and services, while ensuring that our clients understand their rights.