A slip and fall accident can occur anytime. In the aftermath, it can be overwhelming to file a claim against a responsible party while managing your recovery. A Woodbridge slip and fall lawyer can assist with each stage of your case. They can address any legal concerns and be at your side from the initial complaint to the final settlement.
Jacobs & Jacobs has been a pillar of the local legal community for over a century. Our team has spent decades aiding clients in Woodbridge, New Haven, Bridgeport, and cities throughout Connecticut with their slip and fall cases. We handle a wide variety of cases, ranging from minor injury disputes to major settlements worth millions.
Slips and falls remain a serious risk to public safety. In 2023, unintentional falls were the leading cause of nonfatal injuries across most age groups, occurring at a rate of 2,155.6 per 100,000 Connecticut residents. Head injuries were the most common type of serious wound from a slip or fall, accounting for 80,951 emergency department visits, 4,878 hospital admissions, and 244 deaths.
In Connecticut, slip and fall accidents are pursued under personal injury claims. This is where one party is held responsible for the incident due to negligent or reckless actions. Examples include:
Under state law, civil cases where either party resides in Woodbridge may be handled through the judicial district of New Haven or Ansonia-Milford. New Haven cases are processed through the Superior Court at 235 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510. Ansonia-Milford’s courtroom is in Milford at 14 West River Street.
First, assess yourself for serious injury. If you are in danger, seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the priority. There are several 24/7 emergency departments in the Woodbridge area, including Yale New Haven Hospital. Even if you are stable, you should see a doctor. Some symptoms may take days or weeks to appear.
Next, report the accident to the property owner or manager to make an incident report. Request a copy for your records. Avoid making any statement on fault. Even a polite apology may damage your case’s credibility later on.
Before you leave the area, collect evidence of the site. Proper documentation includes taking photos and videos of the accident site and the surrounding area, as well as contact information for any eyewitnesses.
Slip and fall cases can be frustrating to handle on your own. Hire a Woodbridge personal injury lawyer to help you with each step of your case. Your Woodbridge slip and fall attorney can help with a final settlement, court verdict, or appeal. A few vital ways in which Jacobs & Jacobs can serve you include:
Connecticut state law does not legally require you to hire a lawyer for a slip and fall claim, but they have benefits. Your attorney can review the details of your case, assist in gathering evidence, build the grounds for your claim, represent you in all meetings, and negotiate the settlement you are owed. After enduring a serious injury, you deserve to have assistance in obtaining justice.
How long your Connecticut slip and fall case takes to resolve depends on a wide range of variables, such as the parties involved, complexity, and whether litigation is required. A premise liability issue with a property owner eager to settle may take a few months. However, a major fall with mixed responsibility that ends in a trial may take a year or longer. Experienced legal counsel can assess your case and provide a rough timeline.
If you are found to be partially at-fault for an accident in a slip and fall case, damage eligibility depends on the level of responsibility. Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that you may still receive compensation if you are not more than 50% negligent. The final sum you are paid can also be lowered based on culpability. Although this rule is used in court, an insurance company might choose to use it as well.
There is no set average for slip and fall settlements in Connecticut. Instead, the final sum is based on the level of responsibility, severity of injuries, and aggravating factors. A minor fracture with equal culpability tends to have less compensation than one involving paralysis with evidence of reckless behavior. Your attorney can examine your case and explain what payment you may be eligible for.
Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. We can learn your story, explore your options, and provide a potential path forward in your slip and fall case. You may also visit our New Haven office, located on Audubon Street, a few blocks northeast of New Haven City Hall, and a few blocks southeast of Yale University.