Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents can result in some extremely severe injuries to victims. Perhaps the most tragic part is that these accidents are among the most preventable, as they could be avoided if property owners would simply remain diligent in their duty to provide hazard-free environments and respond in timely manners to any hazards that may arise.
In too many cases, however, property owner negligence and a lack of concern for visitor safety leave hazards unattended, leading to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma and other serious injuries to victims.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident that occurred because of a property owner’s failure to properly attend to a slipping or tripping hazard, a qualified personal injury attorney in New Haven can help to ensure that your rights are protected. At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, our New Haven slip and fall attorney will make sure you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Our History with New Haven Slip-and-Fall Claims
Our founder, Carl A. Secola Jr., represented the plaintiff in the case of Musto v. Walmart. Our client slipped and fell on wet flooring at the Walmart in Branford, Connecticut, suffering a fractured kneecap. Walmart’s final settlement offer was $65,000. At the end of the trial, a New Haven jury awarded our client damages totaling $472,068.
At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, , our premises liability attorneys in New Haven have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of complex premises liability claims. We have extensive experience with these matters, and we are committed to obtaining the most favorable outcome available for every client that we serve. We know how to conduct proper investigations into these cases, and we understand how to present compelling cases designed to secure the compensation our clients need to recover from their injuries.
Our New Haven slip and fall lawyer has represented clients in a wide array of slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accident claims, including those involving:
- Unattended wet spills – Unattended wet spills refer to situations where liquids are spilled on floors or surfaces but are not promptly cleaned or addressed. These spills can create hazardous conditions, causing individuals to slip and fall, leading to injuries such as sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
- Loose carpeting or flooring – Loose carpeting or flooring occurs when carpets or floor coverings become detached or develop wrinkles or bumps. These hazards can cause individuals to trip and fall, potentially resulting in injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones.
- Protruding objects – Protruding objects are objects that extend or stick out from surfaces or fixtures, such as shelves, countertops, or equipment. When individuals accidentally come into contact with these objects, they may suffer injuries, including lacerations, bruises, or even more severe harm if the object is sharp or heavy.
- Accumulated snow and ice – Accumulated snow and ice can create dangerous conditions, particularly during winter months. When sidewalks, walkways, or parking lots are not adequately cleared of snow or ice, individuals may slip and fall, leading to injuries like sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
- Unmarked wet floors – Unmarked wet floors are surfaces that have been recently cleaned, resulting in damp or wet conditions. Failure to provide proper warning signs or barriers can lead to individuals inadvertently stepping onto these surfaces and experiencing slips and falls, potentially causing injuries.
How To Establish a Slip-and-Fall Claim in Connecticut
Slip-and-fall claims are a type of personal injury claim that arise when an individual slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions. These claims typically involve the injured person seeking compensation from the property owner or occupier for the injuries and damages suffered as a result of the accident. Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in various settings, such as public spaces, private properties, retail stores, restaurants, or workplaces.
To establish a slip-and-fall claim, the injured party generally needs to demonstrate the following:
- Duty of care: The property owner or occupier had a legal duty to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition and prevent foreseeable hazards that could cause harm to visitors or customers.
- Negligence: The property owner or occupier breached their duty of care by failing to address or warn visitors about hazardous conditions on the property, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, or other dangers.
- Causation: The hazardous condition directly caused the slip, trip, or fall that led to the injuries. It must be established that the injuries resulted from the accident and were not pre-existing or caused by other factors unrelated to the property’s condition.
- Damages: The injured party suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, or other financial losses as a result of the slip-and-fall accident.
Additionally, in Connecticut, there is a notice requirement for the injured party. The injured party typically needs to demonstrate that the property owner had prior notice or should have had knowledge of the hazardous condition that caused the slip-and-fall accident. This can be either actual notice (the owner was aware of the hazard) or constructive notice (the hazard existed for a sufficient length of time that the owner should have discovered and corrected it).
Statute of Limitations of New Haven Slip-and-Fall Claims
In New Haven, Connecticut, the statute of limitations for filing a slip-and-fall claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that you have a limited period of time to initiate legal action seeking compensation for your slip-and-fall accident.
It is crucial to understand and comply with the statute of limitations because failing to file a lawsuit within the specified time frame can result in the loss of your right to pursue a claim. The court may dismiss your case if it is filed after the statute of limitations has expired, barring you from seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
However, it’s important to note that there may be exceptions or circumstances that can affect the statute of limitations in slip-and-fall cases. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or if the slip-and-fall accident resulted in severe injuries that were not immediately apparent, there may be extensions or modifications to the statute of limitations.
Discuss Your Premises Liability Claim With A New Haven Slip And Fall Lawyer
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, contact our office to discuss your rights and legal options. At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, our dedicated team of New Haven slip and fall attorneys understands the complexities of slip-and-fall cases and is committed to advocating for your rights. We will diligently investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t bear the burden alone—contact our New Haven slip and fall lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us provide the legal guidance and support you need to achieve a favorable outcome and move forward toward recovery. We represent clients throughout the New Haven area and across Connecticut. Reach us by phone at 203-891-5265 or contact our team today to schedule a free initial consultation.