When you hear the term personal injury, what comes to mind? A car accident, a slip on ice, or maybe a workplace incident? The truth is, personal injury law in Ontario covers much more than that. And the question that often decides whether you have a case is: Was someone else legally negligent?
At Cambria Law Firm in Mississauga, our personal injury lawyers help Ontarians every day answer this exact question. Here’s what the law really says.
What Does “Personal Injury” Mean in Ontario?
Personal injury doesn’t just mean cuts or broken bones. Legally, it refers to any harm to your body, mind, or emotional well-being caused by someone else’s negligence.
Some common personal injury claims in Ontario include:
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Motor vehicle accidents – cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrian collisions
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Slip and fall injuries – icy sidewalks, wet floors, or unsafe property conditions (covered under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act)
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Catastrophic injuries – spinal cord damage, brain trauma, paralysis
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Workplace accidents & WSIB claims – including long-term disability disputes
Bottom line: If another person’s actions or failures caused your suffering, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses
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Lost income and future earnings
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Pain and suffering
Negligence: The Legal Foundation of Most Injury Claims
So when does an accident become a lawsuit? The answer is negligence.
In plain terms, negligence means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and their failure caused your injury.
Everyday examples in Ontario:
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A store ignores a spill → you slip, fall, and fracture your wrist
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A driver texts behind the wheel → you’re struck while crossing the street
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A landlord fails to salt icy stairs → you suffer a head injury
To prove negligence, Ontario law requires four elements:
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Duty of Care – They had a legal responsibility (e.g., a driver must follow traffic laws).
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Breach of Duty – They failed to meet that standard (e.g., texting while driving).
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Causation – Their conduct directly caused your injury.
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Damages – You suffered actual harm (medical costs, lost wages, pain).
If one of these is missing, there’s no legal negligence.
Why Negligence Matters After an Accident
Understanding negligence isn’t just legal jargon — it often decides whether you must pay for your recovery alone or receive compensation from the at-fault party.
Strong evidence makes the difference. Examples include:
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Photos/videos of the accident scene
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Medical records documenting your injuries
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Witness statements
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Police or incident reports
Limitation periods apply in Ontario. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to start a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation.
Do You Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Not every accident leads to a lawsuit. But if someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you may have a valid claim under Ontario law.
At Cambria Law Firm in Mississauga, our injury lawyers will:
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Investigate your case in detail
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Gather and preserve crucial evidence
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Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
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Represent you in court if needed
Contact Cambria Law today for a free consultation. Protect your rights before time runs out.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique. Please consult a lawyer about your specific situation.
About the Author: Written by the personal injury team at Cambria Law Firm, serving Mississauga, Hamilton, Guelph, and clients across Ontario in personal injury and negligence claims.
