Am I on the hook for a workplace injury claim that predates my ownership?

In a share purchase, generally yes, in the sense that the claim and any effect it has on the corporation's WSIB account and experience rating continue with the same continuing employer, regardless of when the injury occurred. In an asset purchase, the underlying claim itself is tied to the seller's employment relationship and WSIB account at the time of the injury, and a properly structured deal generally shouldn't make you directly liable for that specific claim as a separate legal employer.

Where it gets more nuanced is the practical, ongoing side: if the injured worker is someone you continue to employ after a going-concern purchase, you may have your own ongoing obligations connected to their recovery and return to work, separate from the historical claim itself, since those obligations run with the current employment relationship regardless of who was the employer when the injury happened.

Ask specifically about any active workplace injury claims and their status, including any ongoing return-to-work or accommodation obligations connected to continuing employees, rather than treating this purely as a closed historical matter. A Treadstone business lawyer can help you understand your ongoing obligations for employees you're continuing to employ.