It’s getting cold!

Much to my resentment, we Toronto residents are expecting our first snowfall of the season sometime this week. Today I’d like to talk about the most common winter-specific causes of lawsuits in Canada.

For property owners:

Pedestrian slip and fall may be the biggest hazard, especially during late fall and early spring when the temperature hovers around the freezing mark. Be sure to shovel sidewalks around your property and de-ice when necessary.

For car owners:

Bad weather and poor road conditions contribute significantly to car crashes. Be sure to switch to winter tires for a better grip. Car owners driving in rural areas should also consider replacing headlights for greater visibility.

For private party hosts:

People attend parties and functions during the holiday season. As a host, you should monitor your guests’ alcohol consumption and refuse to serve those who appear intoxicated. Drunken guests must never be allowed to drive.

There may be a higher standard of care for commercial establishments, such as pubs and bars.

For night clubs:

Employees should be diligent about overcrowding, particularly on New Year’s Eve. The bouncer should always check party-goers’ IDs to prevent minors from entering the premises. Failure to meet the liquor licence requirements may result in suspension or revocation of the licence.

The list above is by no means exhaustive. The liability will vary depending on the circumstances. If you have a suggestion to add to the list, please email me by clicking here.

If you have unfortunately fallen victim to one of these hazards, call me at 416-433-5531. I may be able to help