Personal injury

Personal injury is physical or psychological harm to a person caused by another's wrongful act or carelessness. Claims are usually brought in negligence, for example against an occupier for an injury on its premises or against a manufacturer for a defective product.

How BC law treats it

Claims rest on the common law of negligence and the Occupiers Liability Act, RSBC 1996, c 337, subject to the two year limitation period in the Limitation Act, SBC 2012, c 13. Workers covered by WorkSafeBC generally cannot sue their employer, and since May 1, 2021 most motor vehicle injury lawsuits have been replaced by ICBC's no fault Enhanced Care benefits.

What it means for your business

Businesses that host customers on their premises should carry adequate liability insurance and keep their premises safe.

Risks and common mistakes

Failing to inspect and document premises maintenance can make an occupiers liability claim difficult to defend.

Browse the full Fulcrum Law Dictionary for related terms.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.