You have likely heard about slip and fall accidents in the past. However, you probably think – that will never happen to me! Unfortunately, these accidents are more common than you think.
In fact, each year, over one million people in the U.S. are treated in hospitals after a slip and fall incident. If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident in Connecticut, you have the right to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages you suffered. Our legal team at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is here to help you with your claim and the legal process. Learn more about slip and fall accident claims in Connecticut here.
The Elements of a Connecticut Slip and Fall Accident Claim
There are four main elements of a slip and fall accident claim, which include:
1. Duty of Care
A slip and fall accident falls under the premises liability rules in Connecticut. What this means is that you can only recover compensation for your injuries if you successfully prove that a property owner breached the duty of care they owed you. According to state regulations, all property owners owe customers and invited guests a duty of care.
Because of this, most times it is simple to prove that a duty of care existed. However, if you were trespassing or uninvited when the slip and fall incident occurred, then you may not be allowed to file a legal claim.
2. The Property Conditions Were Unreasonably Dangerous
If you want the chance to successfully recover compensation from the at-fault party, you must prove they did something wrong and that the actions resulted in or contributed to the injuries you experienced. What this means is that in a slip and fall claim, you must prove there were conditions that could be labeled as “unreasonably dangerous” present and that this is what resulted in your accident.
The most common examples of dangerous conditions that can cause slip and fall accidents to include:
- Cracked flooring
- Wet floors and no warning signs
- Broken stairs
- Spills that aren’t cleaned up
- Broken lights
- Unrepaired leaks
- Outdoor walkways that aren’t properly maintained
- Clutter or loose cords in walking areas
3. Constructive or Actual Notice
Based on the law in Connecticut, a property owner will only be legally liable for your slip and fall accident if they had a reasonable amount of time to act and repair or prevent the hazardous condition. What this means is if the property owner had notice of the issue, then they can be held liable. To make this clearer, victims can prove that the property owner knew or should have been aware of the hazard. It’s worth noting that ignorance of the issue is not a viable excuse. It’s necessary for property owners to take the right steps to make sure their property is safe at all times.
4. Real Damages
To successfully recover compensation after being injured in a slip and fall accident, you have to show true, actual damages. Generally, you will only be able to recover compensation based on the evidence and losses that you can prove. You should work with an attorney to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
Let Our Attorneys Help with Your Connecticut Slip and Fall Case
Knowing the elements of a slip and fall case is just part of the process. The insurance company for the at-fault party will want to reduce the compensation you receive as much as possible. They will use various tactics to try to do this, and without an attorney, you may be tempted to take one of these “low ball” offers. To ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, contact our legal team. When you call Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, you will have access to a team of legal professionals who have represented thousands of clients and helped to protect their rights.
The first step is to get in touch with our office and schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your case and the desired outcome for the situation.
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