PREMISES LIABILITY
PREMISES LIABILITY & OCCUPIERS’ LIABILITY LAWYERS IN ONTARIO
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you may have the right to pursue compensation. At Littlejohn Barristers, our experienced premises liability lawyers in Ontario help clients hold negligent property owners accountable and recover the damages they deserve.
Whether your injury occurred due to unsafe conditions, poor maintenance, or inadequate supervision, we provide clear guidance and strong legal representation every step of the way.
WHAT IS PREMISES LIABILITY IN ONTARIO?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners and occupiers must ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. When someone is injured because of a hazardous condition that should have been addressed, the responsible party may be held liable for negligence.
In Ontario, these cases are governed by the Occupiers’ Liability Act, which establishes a duty of care that applies to most situations involving injuries on private, commercial, or public property.
UNDERSTANDING THE OCCUPIERS’ LIABILITY ACT
Under Ontario law, an “occupier” includes anyone who has control over a property, not just the owner. This can include landlords, tenants, businesses, property managers, and even municipalities.
The Act requires occupiers to:
take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe
maintain the property in a safe condition
repair hazards or provide adequate warnings
monitor activities on the premises
In legal terms, occupiers must take reasonable care in all circumstances to prevent harm to people entering their property.
COMMON PREMISES LIABILITY ACCIDENTS IN ONTARIO
Premises liability covers a wide range of accidents and injuries. If unsafe conditions contributed to your injury, you may have a claim.
Common cases include:
slip and falls
trips and falls
inadequate security incidents
unsafe staircases or broken railings
poor lighting in hallways or parking areas
dog bites on private property
swimming pool accidents
apartment or condo common area injuries
commercial property negligence
parking lot hazards, including snow and ice
elevator and escalator accidents
While slip and fall cases are the most well known, premises liability extends to many hazards caused by poor maintenance or inadequate safety measures.
Learn more about these cases on our slip & fall claims page.
PROPERTY OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
Property owners and occupiers are required to take proactive steps to prevent injuries. This includes:
inspecting the property regularly
addressing hazards such as ice, spills, or uneven surfaces
repairing damaged areas like floors, stairs, or railings
providing clear warnings when hazards cannot be removed immediately
Failing to maintain safe premises or warn visitors of dangers can make an occupier legally liable if an injury occurs.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE?
Liability in Ontario premises liability cases can extend to multiple parties, depending on who had control over the property at the time of the incident.
Potentially responsible parties include:
homeowners
landlords
tenants or business operators
property management companies
maintenance contractors (including snow removal companies)
municipalities responsible for public spaces
Because multiple parties may share responsibility, it is important to work with an experienced premises liability lawyer in Ontario who can identify all liable parties.
HOW NEGLIGENCE IS PROVEN
To succeed in a premises liability claim, it must be shown that:
the occupier owed a duty of care
they failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions
the hazard caused or contributed to your injury
Courts will consider whether the risk was foreseeable and whether the occupier took reasonable steps to prevent harm.
TIME LIMITS FOR PREMISES LIABILITY CLAIMS
In Ontario, personal injury claims are subject to strict legal deadlines. Most claims must be started within 2 years from the date the injury was discovered. Certain cases, such as those involving municipalities or winter maintenance, may require notice within a much shorter timeframe. Failing to act within these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing compensation.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EVIDENCE PRESERVATION
Evidence plays a critical role in premises liability cases. Acting quickly helps strengthen your claim.
Important evidence may include:
photographs of the hazard or accident scene
incident reports
witness statements
maintenance contractors (including snow removal companies)
Property owners may repair or remove hazards quickly, making early documentation essential to proving negligence.
WHY CHOOSE LITTLEJOHN BARRISTERS
Our team provides:
thorough case evaluations
strategic legal guidance
clear communication at every stage
dedicated advocacy focused on results
We are committed to helping clients across Ontario secure fair compensation for injuries caused by property owner negligence.
Contact Littlejohn Barristers today for a consultation and learn how we can support your claim.
SPEAK WITH A PREMISES LIABILITY LAWYER TODAY
CONTACT A LAWYER IN BARRIE, ONTARIO & AREA
For your convenience, we’re located just minutes from the County Courthouse. Call Littlejohn Barristers today at 705-725-7355 to find out how we can help you in your fight for justice. Our office is in Barrie, but our lawyers are proud to serve Midland, Collingwood, Orillia and surrounding Ontario areas.