New Haven Slip-And-Fall Injury Lawyers
Most people have experienced an embarrassing moment after stubbing a toe or slightly losing balance for a moment. Slip-and-fall accidents, however, are not trivial events. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list falls as a leading cause of brain injuries. Many accidental falls result in catastrophic and life-changing personal injuries that require extensive medical attention. When a property owner is negligent in maintaining a safe premises, accident victims should not have to bear the financial burden on behalf of the wrongful property owner.
If you or a family member has suffered a head injury, a back injury or other type of serious injury in a slip-and-fall accident, you already know that this is no minor incident. A fall on snow or ice, a fall down stairs, a fall on a slippery surface, or a fall from a balcony or bunk bed can leave a victim incapacitated for a long time. Recovery after a traumatic brain injury or broken bone or fracture can be much longer, more painful and more difficult than expected.
To receive a free initial consultation and detailed assessment of your situation after you or a loved one has been hurt in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, contact Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC. Our attorneys represent Connecticut accident victims on a contingency fee basis, which means that clients do not owe legal fees unless or until compensation is recovered through settlement negotiations or at trial.
Common Causes Of Slip-And-Fall Accidents In New Haven
Slipping hazards are seemingly everywhere. Some of the most common hazards and scenarios leading to slip-and-fall claims include:
- Sidewalks and parking lots covered in ice and snow because property owners failed to shovel/plow and salt the surfaces after a storm
- Spilled liquids in grocery stores that are left uncleaned for hours
- Restaurant workers who mop floors but fail to put up a “caution: wet floor” sign
- Apartment landlords who fail to fix leaking roofs in a timely fashion, resulting in puddles of water in building hallways
Too often, property owners attempt to blame victims for their own injuries. But as the examples above show, there is often no way for victims to anticipate and avoid these hazards, and they are certainly not responsible for causing them.
How To Prove Negligence In A Slip-And-Fall Accident Claim
The main duty of a plaintiff in a slip-and-fall claim (or any premises liability matter) is to prove that their injuries were the result of property owner negligence.
In order to do this, you and your attorney must demonstrate all of the following:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care as someone who was legally allowed to be on the property.
- The property owner breached that duty of care by failing to correct and/or warn you about a slipping hazard on the property (such as spilled liquid or leaking oil from a machine).
- You were injured because of the property owner’s breach of duty.
- You suffered damages (like medical bills and lost wages) due to your injuries.
Generally, it is easier to prove negligence if you can show that the property owner knew (or had reason to know) about the slipping hazard and had time to address it, yet failed to do so. Taking pictures of the accident scene and talking to witnesses can provide important sources of evidence.
Who Can Be Held Liable After A Dangerous Property Accident?
Our lawyers are prepared to fight for you after a premises liability injury or a fall from a height has resulted in major losses and injuries. We know what it takes to defend your right to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a slip-and-fall accident in a public or private location. We have represented clients who had suffered catastrophic injuries or whose loved ones were killed as the result of negligence on the part of property owners, including the following:
- Commercial property owners, including owners of stores, malls, restaurants and construction sites
- Apartment owners and management
- Construction site owners and management
- Schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and other public and private institutions
- Homeowners
Many people are concerned about filing a lawsuit against a negligent property owner who may be a landlord, neighbor or business that they frequently visit. In reality, slip-and-fall accidents are generally insurance matters. Taking on an insurance company does not have to be daunting. Our attorneys focus on personal injury and wrongful death matters and provide our clients with a voice against big business.
We know how to develop strong facts and counter the tactics insurance companies use to deny or undervalue injury claims. We are ready to go the extra mile to help people in Connecticut who have suffered serious injury obtain the compensation they deserve. Our goal is to maximize the financial – and medical – recovery for our neighbors who have suffered injury due to the negligence of others.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Slip-And-Fall Accidents In Connecticut?
Victims of slip-and-fall accidents and other dangerous property injuries have just two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. That may seem like plenty of time but you should ideally seek a lawyer’s help as soon as reasonably possible to ensure that witness memories stay fresh and that evidence isn’t lost or destroyed.
How Much Is Your Claim Worth?
This is a very common question that accident victims have, and it is perfectly reasonable to ask. However, you’ll need to speak to an attorney to get an accurate assessment of the financial value of your claim. The potential for compensation will depend on the extent of your injuries (and medical bills), lost wages, permanent disability and other factors specific to your accident. The good news is that many firms – including ours – offer free initial consultations.
Discuss Your Options With Attorneys Who Listen And Care
Premises liability is an area of the law that holds property owners responsible for the safety of people who inhabit or visit their properties. Our attorneys have helped clients recover multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements and are ready to aggressively pursue compensation for your slip-and-fall injury claim.
To discuss your situation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers at no cost or obligation, with no obligation you can contact our law firm on online or call us at 203-896-4631 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.