Edmonton reviewing Supreme Court ruling allowing citizens to sue cities if injured in icy falls – Edmonton
Winter is quick approaching and it gained’t be lengthy till folks need to navigate sidewalks and roads lined in snow and ice.
Edmontonians are very acquainted with snow, however a brand new Supreme Courtroom of Canada choice has modified what snow might imply to many residents.
“It’s opened the door for extra municipalities to be sued by folks which might be injured on roadways or sidewalks,” stated T.J. Jomha, damage lawyer and proprietor of Jomha Legislation Workplace.
Earlier than this choice, Canadians couldn’t sue town in the event that they had been damage on poorly maintained metropolis property, however they’ll now.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t imply they’ll win however residents can nonetheless go to court docket.
Jomha stated the choice doesn’t imply cities are accountable for coverage choices similar to how a lot to plow or the place, however they might be liable if these plans aren’t carried out as promised.
He provides this choice might be devastating for cash-strapped municipalities hit onerous by COVID-19.
“It might actually have an effect on the budgets of cities in the event that they need to take care of not solely making funds however coping with the precise litigation course of,” Jomha stated.
Jomha stated it might convey a flood of lawsuits, probably costing town huge bucks on high of the tens of millions already spent on snow removing annually.
Whereas this might be a lift in enterprise for a lot of attorneys like him, Jomha stated he disagrees with this ruling.
In an announcement to World Information, the Metropolis of Edmonton stated:
“We will probably be reviewing yesterday’s Supreme Courtroom choice and our insurance policies. Presently, we don’t have additional details about modifications or affect on our present snow and ice management coverage and process.”
Jomha stated the result might truly imply decrease requirements which might be simpler for crews to realize, which might make winter sidewalks and roads much more treacherous.
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