Everyone who has lived or visited Toronto in the summer would agree that it’s an incredible time of year to be in the city. The patios come alive, the splash pads fill with laughter, and city parks and public pools buzz with activity. Everyone enjoys the city outside, from Trinity Bellwoods to The Beaches, Yorkville rooftops to backyard BBQs in North York. But as the temperature rises, so does the risk of serious injuries. Unfortunately, a relaxing day in the sun can quickly become a painful and expensive experience.
At Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers, we see an increase in injury-related calls during the summer months. This increased number of inquiries includes many serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence, like a slippery pool deck, an overcrowded patio, or poorly maintained staircase at an outdoor rooftop bar. Suppose you’ve been seriously injured in a summer-related incident in Toronto. In that case, knowing your legal rights is essential, especially when medical bills and time off work start to add up.
Toronto’s Summer Scene and Hidden Injury Risks
The public facilities Torontonians have access to during summer is significant with over 60 public outdoor swimming pools, over 50 splash pads, and hundreds of city-run parks and green spaces. Add in thousands of private pools, community centres, patios, and event spaces, and you have no shortage of places to enjoy the summer sun. But behind the scenes, these spaces require ongoing maintenance, clear safety protocols, and proper supervision. The consequences can be serious when those responsibilities are ignored or done improperly.
According to data from the City of Toronto, more than 1,300 injury incidents were reported across city parks and recreation facilities in 2022. Most of these incidents involved slips and falls near water features, and trip hazards on walking paths.
Private property injuries also continue to become more common during the summer months. Ontario hospitals have seen a noticeable uptick in emergency room visits related to backyard pool accidents, especially among children and seniors. A 2023 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) found that unintentional injuries in outdoor settings increase by over 40% during the summer months, with the GTA among the hardest-hit regions.
Common Summer Accidents and Who’s Responsible
Injury claims related to pools, patios, and public spaces can be complicated, as people often assume that if they fall or get hurt, it’s just bad luck. However, under Ontario law, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. This is called occupiers’ liability, which applies whether you’re at a public park, private home, condo rooftop, or restaurant patio.
One of the most common types of summer injury we deal with is slip-and-fall incidents around pools. Wet, uneven, or algae-covered surfaces around public or private pools can easily cause a person to lose their footing. If the property owner didn’t take reasonable steps to maintain the area, post warnings, or install proper anti-slip surfaces, they could be held liable for any injuries that result.
Another hotspot for summer injuries is the ever-popular Toronto patio scene. A poorly maintained patio—think loose railings, unstable chairs, or uneven flooring can be more than an inconvenience; it can lead to serious injuries like sprains, broken bones, or head trauma. Restaurants and bars are legally responsible for ensuring the safety and hazard-free nature of their seating areas, particularly when serving alcohol.
Public spaces like High Park, Riverdale Farm, and Centre Island also see their fair share of injuries, particularly during busy weekends and city events. Cracked pavement, poorly lit stairways, damaged benches, or hidden holes in the grass can all pose a danger. If a city worker, contractor, or event organizer failed to inspect or maintain these spaces properly, they could be found legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes, you can file a personal injury claim, but it depends on the circumstances.
To have a valid personal injury claim in Ontario, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injury. This could be a restaurant that didn’t salt a slippery patio, a pool owner who failed to fix a broken step, or a city department that ignored a known hazard in a public park. Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act makes it clear: anyone who controls a space (not just the owner) has a legal duty to keep it safe for visitors.
What many people don’t realize is that these cases often hinge on timing, documentation, and expert evidence. For example, if you were injured at a city-run facility or park, you typically have just 10 days to notify the city of your intent to sue. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an injury occurs.
At Bergel Magence, we help clients navigate this process—gathering evidence, documenting conditions, interviewing witnesses, and working with medical professionals to understand the full impact of your injury.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?
Suppose you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses (physiotherapy, surgery, medication), lost wages or reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, future care costs and housekeeping or attendant care needs.
In more serious cases, where injuries lead to long-term disability, compensation amounts can climb significantly. But even in less severe injuries, like sprains or fractures, the recovery process can still result in lost work, unexpected bills, and emotional stress.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured?
If you have been injured in a summertime serious injury in Toronto, there are a few important steps to take to safeguard yourself in the short and long term. First, seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Many injuries worsen over time, and seeing a medical professional after you are initially hurt will help not only treat your injury but also document the situation, which may prove invaluable down the line.
Next, document the scene. Take as many pictures as possible. Photograph the location where the accident took place, any negligence of the location manager (cracked tiles, missing handrails, etc), your injuries, and the overall environment. Speak and film interviews with any witnesses. And if it occurred on public property or at a commercial business, report the incident to the property owner or manager.
Finally, contact a Toronto-based personal injury lawyer. Explain to them the situation, the severity of the accident, the location, and give them all the documentation you have taken. Timing is everything in these cases, and the sooner you get legal guidance, the better your chances of securing fair compensation.
How Bergel Magence Can Help
We’ve been representing seriously injured Torontonians for over 50 years, helping them get the justice and compensation they deserve after their injuries. A large number of these clients were hurt during what was supposed to be a relaxing summer afternoon. Whether your injury happened at a friend’s pool, a downtown patio, or a public splash pad, we understand how to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Bergel Magence, we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our team has the experience, local knowledge, and legal expertise to help you move forward after a summer injury, so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
Toronto summers should be about sunshine, socializing, and making memories—not doctor visits and legal stress. Unfortunately, when safety is overlooked, serious injuries can happen. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pool, on a patio, or in a public space, don’t assume you’re out of luck. You may have a case—and we’re here to help.
Contact Bergel Magence today for a FREE consultation at 416-665-2000.
