As we enter the slippery season, here is a tip we hope you never have to use. If you slip or trip on an uncleared or badly maintained city sidewalk and decide to take legal action against the city – there is a 10 day period following the incident where you must notify the city of your intentions (even if you later decide not to continue). It is possible that if you have a good reason for the delay (ex. you are in a coma for longer than 10 days) then a judge might allow the suit to continue but it will be an additional hurdle.

Arguably, it’s an unfair law and has been criticized by at least one judge, but it is better you know the law rather than be surprised by it.

These links provide further reading:
Woman’s delay in suing the city after a fall costs her $9,000 in legal fees (thestar.com)
Claiming against the city for slip and fall accidents on icy sidewalks (globalnews.ca)
Homeowners not liable for sidewalk mishaps (aaron.ca)
Making a claim against the City of Toronto (toronto.ca)