Personal Injury Help in Ontario
This page is general information for people in Ontario. It is not legal advice, and Law HelpLine is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and every situation is different, so check your own facts with a licensed lawyer or paralegal.
Personal injury law covers harm caused by someone else’s carelessness. In Ontario, the most common cases come from car accidents, slips and falls, dog bites and medical or workplace incidents. Each type of claim has its own rules and deadlines, which is why it helps to speak with a lawyer early.
Common types of personal injury matters
- Motor vehicle accidents. These involve both your own insurer’s accident benefits and, sometimes, a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
- Slip and fall and property hazards. A property owner or occupier may be responsible if unsafe conditions caused your injury.
- Other negligence claims. Examples include dog bites, product defects and some medical situations.
Deadlines that matter
Most civil lawsuits in Ontario must start within two years of the date you knew, or should have known, about the claim (the Limitations Act, 2002). There are exceptions, for example for children or people who lack legal capacity.
After a car accident, accident benefits from your own insurer are a separate process. You should tell your insurer about the accident within 7 days, and you generally have 30 days to return the application forms once you receive them. Claims against a municipality over road or sidewalk conditions can have a very short written notice requirement (10 days). Because these deadlines are short, do not wait to find out. Missing one is not always fatal, but you will need a reasonable explanation.
What to gather
- Photos of the scene, vehicles and injuries
- Names and contact details of witnesses and other drivers
- Police report number if there was one
- Medical records and receipts
- Your insurer’s claim number and any letters you receive
Questions to ask a personal injury lawyer
- How do you charge? Some lawyers work on a contingency basis, and any fee arrangement should be explained and put in writing.
- Who will work on my file day to day?
- What deadlines apply in my case?
- What is a realistic timeline, and what costs could come up along the way?
Do not sign anything from an insurer you do not understand and be careful about giving recorded statements before you know your rights.
Finding a lawyer or paralegal
Law HelpLine is an independent legal information website. We are not a law firm and we do not give legal advice. To find a licensed lawyer or paralegal, use the Ontario government’s Find a lawyer or paralegal page or the Law Society of Ontario directory at lso.ca. If you are in danger, call 911.