Defences available to manufacturers in product liability claims

Product liability claims are often rooted in provincial sale of goods legislation. Sale of goods statutes afford consumers a set of protections, which are fairly uniform across jurisdictions. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a manufacturer faced with a sale of goods claim may have a number of available defences. The absence of contractual […]

Corner Brook (City) v Bailey: Insurers and Defence Counsel Breathe...

On July 23, 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Corner Brook (City) v Bailey, 2021 SCC 29. The Court allowed the appeal and reinstated the stay of the third party claim. Background Bailey suffered injuries when she struck pedestrian worker, Temple, and Temple’s employer’s vehicle. Bailey sued Temple’s employer (the City […]

April 7, 2021

Section D Claims and Two Examples of Interplay with Other...

Insurance policies and statutes provide for insurance claims to be brought forward in a variety of ways. Oftentimes, there are a plurality of claims happening at the same time. An insurer must identify the relationship between the claims with the view of reaching an efficient and effective resolution to the matter. This article discusses two […]

Landlord Protection Against Frequent, Short-Term Sublets

As platforms such as Airbnb become ever more popular, tenants will increasingly seek to sublet their units on a frequent, short-term basis – potentially to even turn a profit. Although in principle sublets benefit both landlords and tenants, the unfortunate reality is that if used improperly they can create a major problem for landlords. A recent court decision has provided protection for landlords.

November 29, 2018

Parties, Cocktails & Cannabis – the Triple Threat for Host...

This is the first holiday season in the post-legalization of cannabis era. If, as an employer, you are planning a holiday gathering, you should be aware that you may be exposing your company to significant financial liability for the actions of an impaired guest. The concept of host liability is not new, but with the […]

April 10, 2018

Breaching Duty of Care: Can Individual Employees Be Personally Liable?

A recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, Sataur v Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc., 2017 ONCA 1017, addressed the issue of whether individual employees can be personally liable for breaching a duty of care owed to a customer in the course of their employment.

November 28, 2017

Festive Feasts and Merry Martinis: Top 10 Tips to Minimize...

‘Tis the season for holiday parties. Cox & Palmer would like to remind employers about the steps they should take to minimize their liability risks arising from the consumption of alcohol by employees and their guests.

Case Law Highlights the Difficulties of Establishing Liability for Slip...

This newsletter will examine three court decisions that illustrate the challenge of proving liability for slip and fall incidents during Newfoundland and Labrador winters.

March 9, 2017

Availability of Coverage Under a CGL Policy For Historical Sexual...

Are payments offered through a conciliation process designed to make moral amends covered by commercial general liability (CGL) insurance?

Tort of Unauthorized Public Disclosure of Private Facts in State...

We have recently learned that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice will be re-visiting the January 2016 decision granting default judgment in the case of Jane Doe 464533 v. ND.