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Slip-and-Fall Liability in Winter: Legal Risks for Snow Removal
Winter in BC’s Lower Mainland brings more than just snow and ice — it brings significant legal and financial risks for strata councils and property managers. One of the most common and costly winter incidents is the slip-and-fall accident. Even a single incident can result in lawsuits, insurance premium hikes, or reputational damage for a community.
For strata properties, understanding the legal implications of slip-and-fall claims — and how proactive snow removal services reduce these risks — is essential.
Video of a woman slipping on an icy walkway, illustrating the risks of winter slip-and-fall accidents in BC strata communities.
Why Slip-and-Fall Accidents Are So Common During Winter Snow Removal
Snow, freezing rain, and sudden thaw-freeze cycles in BC create perfect conditions for ice formation. Walkways, driveways, and parkade ramps often become hazardous within hours if not treated.
Strata communities face unique challenges:
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Shared walkways and entrances mean heavy foot traffic.
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Underground parkades are especially prone to ice buildup.
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Residents of all ages — including seniors and children — increase exposure risk.
It only takes one icy patch for a resident, visitor, or delivery driver to suffer an injury, creating the potential for a costly legal claim.
The Financial Impact of Slip-and-Fall Liability for Stratas
Slip-and-fall accidents are among the leading causes of liability claims for stratas in the Lower Mainland. Even an unsuccessful claim can cost upwards of $15,000–$25,000 in legal fees and council time. Successful claims are far more damaging.
Average Settlement Amounts in Canada:
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Minor Injuries: $10,000 – $30,000 (soft tissue, bruising)
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Moderate Injuries: $30,000 – $75,000 (fractures, prolonged recovery)
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Severe Injuries: $100,000 – $400,000+ (spinal, brain, or permanent disability)
These numbers don’t include indirect costs like insurance premium increases, reputational damage, or difficulty renewing coverage after multiple incidents.
Legal Duties of Strata Councils Under BC Snow Removal Regulations
Under BC law, strata corporations and property managers have a duty of care to maintain safe common areas. This includes timely snow removal, salting, and ice control. Courts consider factors such as:
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Was the property reasonably maintained during winter conditions?
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Were proactive steps taken (salting before storms, not just after)?
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Is there documentation proving snow removal occurred?
Failure to demonstrate consistent maintenance can result in strata corporations being held liable, even if weather conditions were severe.
How Only Strata’s Winter Road Salting Services Reduce Liability
At Only Strata, we’ve built our entire model around reliability. Unlike other snow removal companies, we don’t rely on third-party depots.
Proactive snow and ice management is the best defense against slip-and-fall liability. Only Strata ensures:
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Automated dispatch during weather events
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GPS-verified reports with time-stamped before/after photos
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Pre-salting services ahead of storms to reduce black ice risk
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Full liability insurance coverage tailored to strata environments
For properties in Snow Removal Abbotsford and Snow Removal Coquitlam, this level of documentation and protection provides strata councils with peace of mind — and legal backing if a claim is filed.
Why Winter Maintenance Contracts Save Money on Liability Claims
A winter maintenance contract is a service agreement between your strata and a professional snow and ice management company — like Only Strata — that ensures proactive salting, plowing, and ice control all season long.
Instead of reacting to snowfall or ice after it appears, a contract guarantees automated, weather-monitored servicewhenever conditions require it.
Why It Saves Money:
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Prevents Costly Lawsuits: Slip-and-fall claims can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands. With service reports and digital documentation, councils have a strong legal defense.
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Predictable Budgeting: Instead of surprise bills for last-minute calls, councils pay a fixed seasonal rate.
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Protects Residents: Consistent salting reduces accidents and keeps residents safe and confident.
At Only Strata, the cost of a full season of proactive maintenance is often far less than the cost of defending a single slip-and-fall claim.
Conclusion: Protect Your Strata From Slip-and-Fall Liability With Professional Snow Removal
Slip-and-fall accidents aren’t just a nuisance — they represent one of the biggest legal and financial risks for strata communities in BC’s Lower Mainland. With settlement amounts ranging from $10,000 to $400,000+, even one incident can put a council’s finances and reputation at risk.
By choosing a strata-exclusive provider like Only Strata Snow Removal, councils gain more than snow clearing — they gain a documented legal defense system. With strict client caps, 1,000 tonnes of salt in reserve, and full liability coverage, Only Strata keeps stratas compliant, protected, and safe all winter long.
