Summer in Ontario means long weekends on the water, campfires under the stars, and the freedom of a rented cottage getaway.

As fun as these activities are, and like most activities, rental cottage accidents can happen quickly and abruptly. At rental cottages across Eastern Ontario, there are loads of potential hazards. Some of these include:

• Broken Deck Railings
• Old, Hazardous Docks
• Usage boating

Injuries at rental properties can be serious. And the legal questions that follow it, can be serious and complicated. In today’s guide, learn what you deserve to know if you are hurt at a rental cottage.

Know Your Rights if a Rental Cottage Accident Happens

Rental cottage guests are not trespassing strangers — they are paying occupants, and Ontario law takes that seriously.

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, property owners owe a duty of care to ensure their premises are reasonably safe. This applies to rental cottages just as it does to any other property.

If a landlord or property owner knew or ought to have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it, they may be held liable for injuries that resulted from the Rental Cottage Accident.

This duty extends to the:

• condition of the dock
• the structural integrity of the cottage itself
• any watercraft or equipment made available to guests

Steps Following a Rental Cottage Accident in Ontario

The moments after an injury are critical. After the accident, to help with your claim you should:

• photograph the hazard that caused your injury
• preserve any evidence before the property owner has a chance to make repairs
• get the names and contact information of any witnesses
• notify the property owner or rental platform in writing so there is a clear record of the incident
• seek medical attention as soon as possible — even if your injuries seem minor at first.

The Special Risks of Boating Accidents

Cottages and waterways go hand in hand, but boating accidents are among the most serious and life-altering injuries that can occur during a cottage stay.

Negligent or reckless operation of a watercraft can cause catastrophic, permanent harm. In one high-profile Ottawa-area case, an Ottawa man lost his leg and launched a lawsuit following a reckless boating accident in 2018 — a stark reminder of just how devastating these incidents can be.

If your cottage rental includes:

• access to a boat or watercraft, or
• if you are injured by another boater on the water,

liability questions can involve the:

• boat owner
• operator
• property owner.

This is why it is so essential to understand the rules of the water before you head out is essential.

To learn some safety tips for boating in Ontario, click the link below:

• boating safety tips for Ottawa-area waterways

Who Is Held Responsible for an Accident at a Rental Property?

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, potential defendants may include the:

• cottage owner or landlord
• a rental platform
• a negligent boat owner or operator
• third party such as a contractor

Identifying the right parties to hold accountable is one of the most important and complex aspects of a personal injury claim arising from a cottage rental.

A successful claim may entitle you to compensation for:

• medical expenses
• lost income
• pain and suffering
• the cost of ongoing rehabilitation
• other out-of-pocket losses.

Do Not Wait to Get Legal Advice After an Accident at a Rental Cottage

Ontario’s Limitations Act generally imposes a two-year limitation period on personal injury claims, meaning the clock starts running from the date of the injury.

Missing that deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation. Beyond the limitation period, evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and property owners may make repairs that eliminate the very hazard that caused your injury. Acting quickly protects your claim.

Cottage injury cases involve a unique intersection of occupiers’ liability law, contract law, and where watercraft are involved, federal boating regulations.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess the:

• specific facts of your situation
• identify all potential sources of liability
• guide you through the claims process

If you or someone you know has been injured at a rental cottage in the Ottawa area, contact Bergeron Clifford to speak with a member of our team. Your consultation is confidential, and we are here to help.