Winter slip and fall liability is more complicated than the patch of ice you're standing on. The sidewalk that cuts through your driveway is city property. Ontario courts have held the city responsible for falls on that surface. But if snow you piled up ran down onto that sidewalk and froze overnight, the liability comes back to you. Same surface, different origin, different outcome.

In Ontario, you have 10 days to put a municipality on notice after a slip and fall, and 60 days if it involves snow or ice. Miss the window, lose the claim. Nainesh Kotak's immediate advice after a fall: get medical attention first because broken ankles and disc injuries do not always announce themselves on impact. Then photograph the condition while it exists, because ice melts and cleared surfaces look like nobody's problem.

The embarrassment reflex, popping back up and walking it off, is the thing that ends most valid claims before they start. The injury gets worse over two days, the location gets forgotten, and the evidence is gone.

Topics: sidewalk slip and fall liability, winter ice homeowner responsibility, slip and fall injury steps, Ontario notice period, municipality negligence

GUEST: Nainesh Kotak | http://kotaklaw.com

Originally aired on 2026-02-27

Winter slip and fall liability is more complicated than the patch of ice you're standing on. The sidewalk that cuts through your driveway is city property. Ontario courts have held the city responsible for falls on that surface. But if snow you piled up ran down onto that sidewalk and froze overnight, the liability comes back to you. Same surface, different origin, different outcome.
In Ontario, you have 10 days to put a municipality on notice after a slip and fall, and 60 days if it involves snow or ice. Miss the window, lose the claim. Nainesh Kotak's immediate advice after a fall: get medical attention first because broken ankles and disc injuries do not always announce themselves on impact. Then photograph the condition while it exists, because ice melts and cleared surfaces look like nobody's problem.
The embarrassment reflex, popping back up and walking it off, is the thing that ends most valid claims before they start. The injury gets worse over two days, the location gets forgotten, and the evidence is gone.
Topics: sidewalk slip and fall liability, winter ice homeowner responsibility, slip and fall injury steps, Ontario notice period, municipality negligence
GUEST: Nainesh Kotak |<a href="http://kotaklaw.com"> http://kotaklaw.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-27

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.