Slip and Fall Compensation in Ontario: What You Can Claim

If you slipped and fell in Ontario — whether on snow and ice, in a store, on a sidewalk, or inside a building — you may be entitled to compensation. But knowing what you can claim, how much your case is worth, and what affects your settlement isn’t always clear.

This guide explains the types of compensation available after a slip and fall in Ontario, how claims work, and what factors determine the value of your case.

What Compensation Can You Get After a Slip and Fall in Ontario?

Slip and fall victims in Ontario may be entitled to several types of damages. The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your daily life, and whether you can return to work.

Here’s what you may be able to claim.

✅ 1. Pain and Suffering (General Damages)

This covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall impact the injury has on your life.

Courts consider:

• Severity of your injury
• How long symptoms last
• Chronic pain or permanent limitations
• Impact on hobbies, family life, and independence

✅ 2. Lost Wages

If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Full wage loss
• Partial wage loss
• Missed overtime opportunities
• Lost bonuses or benefits

✅ 3. Future Loss of Income / Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injury permanently affects your ability to work, you may be able to claim:

• Reduced future earning potential
• Inability to return to your previous job
• Career change or early retirement caused by the injury

✅ 4. Medical and Rehabilitation Costs

Slip and fall injury victims often need ongoing treatment, such as:

• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Psychological counselling
• Pain specialists
• Assistive devices (crutches, braces, walkers)

If your benefits don’t cover these costs — or you don’t have benefits — you can claim reimbursement.

✅ 5. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Keep every receipt. You may be able to claim:

• Parking and transportation
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Braces, bandages, and supports
• Home modifications
• Mobility aids

✅ 6. Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Support

If your injury prevents you from:

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

…you may be entitled to compensation for help or support services.

✅ 7. Cost of Future Care

This includes long-term or permanent needs, such as:

• Ongoing physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Medical equipment
• Pain management programs
• In-home support

Your lawyer will help estimate and document future needs.

What Factors Affect Slip and Fall Compensation in Ontario?

Several factors influence how much your case is worth:

1. Severity of your injury

Broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, torn ligaments, and chronic pain often lead to higher compensation.

2. Impact on your ability to work

The more your injury affects your job, the larger the claim.

3. Medical evidence

Strong medical documentation supports the seriousness of your injury.

4. Liability

Was the property owner negligent? Did they fail to maintain the area?

5. Age and long-term prognosis

Younger people with long recoveries may have higher claims due to future wage loss.

6. Pre-existing conditions

Your case can still succeed, but documentation is key.

Does Fault Matter? Contributory Negligence Explained

In some cases, the other side may argue that you were partially responsible.

This includes situations like:

• Not wearing appropriate footwear
• Walking while distracted
• Ignoring visible hazards

If so, your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.