Slip and Fall Compensation in British Columbia: What Injured People Need to Know

If you slipped and fell in British Columbia — whether at a store, on a sidewalk, inside a building, or on a poorly maintained property — you may be entitled to compensation. But BC’s rules differ from other provinces, and understanding how compensation works, who is responsible, and what affects settlement amounts is not always straightforward.

This guide explains your rights, what you can claim, and what injured people in BC need to know.

How Slip and Fall Claims Work in BC

Slip and fall claims in British Columbia fall under the Occupiers Liability Act.
An “occupier” is anyone who:

• Owns the property
• Manages the property
• Controls the property
• Has responsibility for maintenance

What Compensation Can You Claim After a Slip and Fall in BC?

Slip and fall victims in British Columbia may be entitled to several categories of compensation. Your settlement depends on your injuries, your medical evidence, and how the accident affects your life.

Here’s what you may be able to claim.

✅ 1. Pain and Suffering (Non-Pecuniary Damages)

This covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term impact of your injuries.

Courts look at:

• Severity of your injury
• Expected recovery time
• Permanent or chronic pain
• Impact on daily life
• Emotional and psychological effects

✅ 2. Lost Wages

If your injury prevents you from working, you may be owed:

• Full wage loss
• Partial wage loss
• Missed overtime
• Lost bonuses, commissions, or tips

✅ 3. Future Loss of Income / Diminished Earning Capacity

This is often one of the largest components of a BC slip and fall settlement.

You may be entitled to compensation if:

• You can’t return to your old job
• You must reduce your hours
• You have permanent restrictions
• You need to change careers
• Your earning potential has dropped

✅ 4. Medical and Rehabilitation Costs

Slip and fall victims often need ongoing treatment, including:

• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological counselling
• Assistive devices (braces, boots, crutches, canes)

✅ 5. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

These smaller costs add up quickly:

• Parking and transit to appointments
• Medications
• Medical supplies
• Home equipment
• Braces, supports, or orthotics

✅ 6. Housekeeping and Home Support

If your injuries limit your ability to manage daily tasks, you may be owed compensation for:

• Cleaning
• Cooking
• Laundry
• Yard work
• Snow removal
• Childcare

What Factors Affect Slip and Fall Compensation in BC?

Several key factors influence settlement amounts in British Columbia:

1. The Severity of Your Injury

Fractures, concussions, spinal injuries, torn ligaments, and chronic pain generally lead to higher compensation.

2. Your Ability to Work

The more the injury impacts your income, the higher your claim value.

3. The Strength of Your Medical Evidence

Important evidence includes:

• Doctor’s notes
• Diagnostic imaging
• Treatment records
• Specialist reports
• Long-term prognosis

The more consistent your treatment, the stronger your case.

4. Liability (Who Was at Fault?)

You must show that unsafe conditions caused your fall.

Examples include:

• Snow or ice on sidewalks
• Wet floors in stores
• Leaking coolers or freezers
• Spilled liquids
• Uneven or broken pavement
• Poor lighting
• Debris or clutter
• Missing or loose handrails

Stronger evidence leads to stronger compensation.

5. Contributory Negligence

If you’re found partially responsible, your compensation may be reduced accordingly.

Examples:

• Wearing improper footwear
• Not noticing a visible hazard
• Walking while distracted

Your lawyer will work to minimize these reductions.

6. Impact on Daily Life

Compensation may increase when injuries affect:

• Driving
• Sleep
• Household tasks
• Mobility
• Family responsibilities
• Hobbies and activities

Common Slip and Fall Locations in British Columbia

Slip and falls frequently happen in:

• Stores like Costco, Save-On-Foods, Walmart, and Safeway
• Parking lots
• Sidewalks and crosswalks
• Condo and apartment buildings
• Restaurants
• Hospitals and clinics
• Hotels and resorts
• Public walkways and plazas
• Workplaces
• Schools and universities

Coastal weather, rain, moss, and freeze-thaw cycles make many BC surfaces slippery.

Common Slip and Fall Hazards in BC

Typical causes include:

• Rainwater near entrances
• Moss buildup on sidewalks
• Ice or snow on walkways
• Leaking coolers/freezers in grocery stores
• Poor lighting
• Spilled liquids
• Uneven pavement or tree-root heaving
• Slippery tile floors in commercial buildings

How Long Do You Have to Bring a Slip and Fall Claim in BC?

Deadlines in British Columbia include:

• General claims: 2-year limitation period
• Claims involving municipalities: Written notice must be given within 2 months
• Claims involving the provincial government: Notice required within 2 months

Because deadlines vary based on property ownership, early legal advice is essential.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in BC

Follow these steps to protect your health and your claim:

1. Get medical attention immediately
2. Take photos/videos of the hazard and area
3. Report the incident to the business, landlord, or property manager
4. Get witness information
5. Keep your footwear
6. Write down what happened
7. Save receipts and medical records
8. Speak to a lawyer before dealing with any insurance adjuster

Acting quickly helps preserve evidence — especially weather-related hazards.

When to Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in BC

Speak to a lawyer right away if:

• You were injured
• You missed work
• The insurer contacts you
• The property owner denies responsibility
• You slipped on snow, ice, or rainwater
• Your symptoms are getting worse
• You may need long-term treatment

Free Consultation: Slip and Fall Compensation in BC

If you were injured in a slip and fall, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our team can explain your compensation options and what your case may be worth.

• ✅ Free consultation
• ✅ No upfront fees
• ✅ Millions recovered for injured Canadians
• ✅ Canada’s most-reviewed personal injury and disability law firm

Speak to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in BC today.