Personal Injury
Understand personal injury in Canadian real estate — what it includes, how to protect against liability, and the role of insurance in managing risks.
May 22, 2025
What is Personal Injury?
Personal injury in real estate refers to bodily harm sustained by a visitor, tenant, or service provider on or because of a property.
Why Personal Injury Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, personal injury claims can arise from unsafe conditions such as icy walkways, loose handrails, or poor lighting. Property owners may be held legally liable if negligence is proven.
Examples of personal injury incidents include:
- Slip and falls on unshoveled sidewalks
- Trips on broken steps or walkways
- Injuries from falling debris or unsecured fixtures
Liability coverage within home insurance helps protect homeowners against legal costs and damages from such claims. Landlords and property managers also carry liability insurance to protect against tenant or visitor injury lawsuits.
Understanding personal injury risks allows homeowners and landlords to mitigate liability and ensure safe living conditions.
Example of Personal Injury in Action
A tenant’s guest breaks their ankle after slipping on an icy stairwell. The property owner is found liable and the insurance policy covers the settlement.
Key Takeaways
- Involves injury occurring on property grounds.
- Can lead to lawsuits and financial liability.
- Covered by liability insurance.
- Landlords must maintain safe conditions.
- Risk increases with negligence.
Related Terms
- Liability Coverage
- Home Insurance
- Legal Liability
- Property Protection
- Risk Management
The 8530 Cambie Street site in Vancouver, directly adjacent to Marine Drive Station. / Perkins&Will, PCI Developments
A sketch of Marine Gateway (left) and Marine Gateway 2 (right). / Perkins&Will, PCI Developments 
A rendering of Marine Gateway 2 at 8530 Cambie Street from along Cambie Street. / Perkins&Will, PCI Developments 
An aerial rendering of Marine Gateway (south) and Marine Gateway 2 (north). / Perkins&Will, PCI Developments 
A side view of Marine Gateway 2 and the layout and elevations of the industrial and retail space. / Perkins&Will, PCI Developments
A rendering of the elevated park at Marine Gateway 2. / Perkins&Will, PCI Developments 
Left: 1675-1685 Eglinton — Right: 1711-1741 Eglinton/Kirkor Architects and Planners, Shelborne Capital
101 Spadina/Audax, Devron Developments
340-376R Dufferin and 2 Melbourne/Sweeny &Co Architects Inc., Hullmark
1705 Weston/Graziani + Corazza Architects, Altree Developments
1276 Islington/Kirkor Architects and Planners, Ranee Management
3725 Bloor/Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
2-12 Cawthra/ZAS Architects + Interiors Inc, BV Realty Partners
The 807-815 Hornby Street site and its surrounding context, including nearby hotels. / SHoP Architects, BOP Architects, Reliance Properties
A rendering of the hotel and residential lobbies along Hornby Street. / SHoP Architects, BOP Architects, Reliance Properties
A rendering of the building from the corner of Hornby Street and Robson Street. / SHoP Architects, BOP Architects, Reliance Properties
Renderings of the 35-storey tower proposed for 807-815 Hornby Street in Vancouver. / SHoP Architects, BOP Architects, Reliance Properties