Ontario legal information · Sources appear with each important rule
Two years from discovery is a framework, not a shortcut
Section 4 of the Limitations Act, 2002 sets a basic two-year limitation period from the day the claim was discovered. Section 5 describes when a person knew or ought to have known the material facts and that a proceeding was an appropriate means to seek a remedy.1
Minors, incapacity, acknowledgments and other statutory rules can affect the analysis. A date calculator cannot decide discoverability.
Some matters require action well before two years
A snow-or-ice injury on private property generally requires written notice within 60 days under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.2 A claim involving the City can engage a 10-day municipal notice provision; Ottawa advises sending all City claims within 10 days.34
These rules include details about content, delivery and possible exceptions. The safest course is to identify the property and send appropriate notice promptly.
Build one timeline from the original records
Include the dates of
- The accident, injury and first medical attention
- Reports to a property owner, municipality, police or employer
- Insurance applications, forms and requested information
- Denials, benefit stoppages and internal appeal communications
- Any written notice and proof it was delivered
Keep the full letters and policies. A subject line or handwritten note is not a substitute for the actual wording.
A denial can start a different procedural clock
Accident-benefit disputes are generally handled through the Licence Appeal Tribunal, which has its own forms and procedural rules.5 Long-term disability claims depend on policy wording, communications and Ontario limitation law.
An internal review or ongoing discussion should not be assumed to pause a legal deadline. Each claim path needs its own timing analysis.
How a personal injury lawyer may use this information.
General information explains the framework. Legal advice should connect that framework to the event, the people and insurers involved, the available records and the deadlines in the individual claim.
- Identify who may be responsible and which policies or benefits may respond.
- Build the medical, functional, financial and event evidence around disputed issues.
- Protect notices and deadlines and explain the available next steps.
Sources and legal references
The numbered footnotes link to the official sources used on this page.
View 5 sources
- Ontario — Limitations Act, 2002
The basic limitation period, discovery framework and statutory exceptions.
Back to footnote ↑ - Ontario — Occupiers’ Liability Act
The 60-day notice framework for injuries caused by snow or ice.
Back to footnote ↑ - Ontario — Municipal Act, 2001
Municipal highway maintenance and notice provisions, including section 44.
Back to footnote ↑ - City of Ottawa — Filing a claim with the City
Ottawa’s claim process and its direction to submit notice within 10 days.
Back to footnote ↑ - Tribunals Ontario — LAT Automobile Accident Benefits Service
Official information and forms for Ontario accident-benefit disputes.
Back to footnote ↑