Slip and falls can present significant issues in Waterford, with its many places to shop, eat, and spend leisure time.
The Waterford Speedbowl, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and Harkness Memorial State Park offer opportunities for fun and leisure, but they also increase the number of places where accidents can happen.
Slip and fall accidents can cause substantial injuries and leave victims facing financial troubles. A slip and fall lawyer can help victims pursue financial recovery.
The lawyers at Polito & Harrington LLC have extensive experience providing legal assistance after slip and fall accidents. If you sustain injuries in a Waterford, CT, slip and fall, we’re ready to help you.
Slip and Fall Case Results
At Polito & Harrington, we pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients.
Some of our most notable slip and fall case results include:
- $400,000: Slip and fall at a casino restaurant resulting in lumbar fusion
- $302,000: Torn rotator cuff after slip and fall in a hotel
- $238,000: Slip and fall resulting in lumbar fusion
- $150,000: Broken leg after a slip and fall on ice and snow
While there's no average case result, you can trust our firm to fiercely pursue maximum compensation for you.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents involve a victim slipping or tripping and landing badly, injuring one or more parts of their body.
Slip and fall accidents can occur inside or outside.
Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet floors
- Loose carpeting or rugs
- Unmarked changes in elevation
- Icy or slick walkways or steps
- Inadequate lighting
- Cracked or uneven pavement
- Broken or defective handrails
Slip and fall accidents can happen in commercial locations or private homes. After you experience an accident, report it to the individual in charge if it’s a retail location or the homeowner or property owner if it’s a private home.
Common Slip and Fall Locations
While slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, studies show they're most common in retail spaces like the Crystal Mall and they result in over one million emergency room visits every year.
Some of the most common locations slip and fall accidents occur are:
- Supermarkets, like our local Walmart Supercenter or Aldi
- Hotels
- Office buildings
- Restaurants
- Arenas and stadiums
- Parking lots
- Workplaces
- Private homes
- Apartment buildings
- Amusement parks
- Construction sites
- Parks
Wherever your location, if you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, you can trust a qualified slip and fall attorney to manage your case and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents
Injuries from slip and fall accidents vary, depending on the details of the accident.
Common injuries arising from slip and fall accidents include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Fractured and broken bones
- Head injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Facial injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
Injuries from slip and fall accidents can be significant and require extensive medical treatment. Because of this, you should always speak with a slip and fall lawyer in Connecticut and discuss a legal strategy to seek compensation for your losses.
Premises Liability Law in Connecticut
Most slip and fall cases in Connecticut involve premises liability law. Lawsuits involving premises liability hold the liable party responsible for the accident and resulting injuries.
Property owners and occupiers generally have a duty of care to keep their property safe. However, an owner’s responsibility depends on the visitor’s legal status at the time they were on the property.
Individuals injured on someone’s property typically fall into one of three categories: invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
An invitee is an individual invited onto the property for business or another similar purpose. For example, patrons visiting department stores or grocery stores are invitees.
A licensee is an individual who enters another person’s property with their permission or consent. A person visiting their friend’s home and a plumber entering a customer’s apartment are examples of licensees.
Invitees and licensees have legal protection, as property owners must keep their premises safe and these individuals free from harm.
Trespassers do not have the same rights as invitees and licensees because they are not legally entitled to be on the premises.
Suppose you were an invitee or licensee and suffered a slip and fall. You may be able to take legal action and pursue financial recovery for your injuries.
Damages for Slip and Fall Cases in Connecticut
If you sustained injuries and suffered losses due to a slip and fall, damages can provide financial relief. Whether you suffer tangible or intangible losses, compensation can benefit you.
Damages for slip and fall accidents can include:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
It’s important to note that Connecticut follows the comparative fault rule, which means that shared fault may impact your recovery. For example, if you’re 20 percent at fault for your accident, you’d likely receive 80 percent of your total settlement amount.
Damages can be challenging to calculate. However, a slip and fall lawyer can assign an appropriate value to your case and work toward getting you the fairest possible compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about slip and fall cases. If you have additional questions and concerns, reach out to the team at Polito & Harrington.
Who Can Be Liable for Slip and Fall Cases?
The liable party depends on the details of your accident.
Responsible parties can include:
- Property owners
- Landlords
- Business owners
- Managers
- Homeowners
- The government
Your slip and fall lawyer can investigate your claim to determine what party can be held responsible for your injuries and losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for slip and fall cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within two years, you lose your right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. A slip and fall attorney can make your case proceed in a timely manner.
Do I Really Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
Yes. You lack the experience, time, and training to fight an insurance company's team of lawyers. An attorney does the heavy lifting and uses their skills and knowledge to help you get the best outcome for your case.
Consult a Qualified Slip and Fall Attorney in Connecticut
Polito & Harrington has 45 years of combined experience helping injured clients with their slip and fall claims. We strive to put our clients’ peace of mind at the forefront of every case and always approach claims with care and compassion. Our dedication to our clients has earned us the respect of our community and others in the legal field.
Contact us today at (860) 447-3300 for your free consultation with one of our skilled slip and fall lawyers in Waterford.
Polito & Harrington LLC - Waterford Office
567 Vauxhall Street Ext.
Suite 230, Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: (860) 447-3300
Fax: (860) 447-3389
Mail: hpolito@politolaw.com
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