Connecticut Personal Injury FAQsQuestions? George has answers.
Answers to common questions about injury claims in Connecticut. Have a question that isn't here? Call George.
Attorney George Ganim · Ganim Injury Lawyers · 3422 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT
Connecticut Rules That Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
What If You Were Partly at Fault for Your Injury?
Being partly responsible does not necessarily prevent recovery in a Connecticut negligence claim. Under Connecticut’s comparative-negligence statute, damages may be reduced according to the injured person’s percentage of negligence, providing it does not exceed fifty percent of the other party’s negligence.
How Long Do You Have to File a Connecticut Personal Injury Claim?
Connecticut law provides that many actions for personal injury caused by negligence must be brought within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered. Different claims and circumstances can involve different deadlines or procedural requirements. Because missing an applicable deadline can prevent a claim from going forward, it is important to obtain advice about the specific facts of a case rather than relying only on a general website deadline.
Deadlines & fault
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
In Connecticut, claims resulting from negligent conduct causing an injury are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the negligent conduct. Subject to very limited circumstances, if you miss that deadline, your right to seek compensation for your losses will be lost forever.
What If I’m Partially At Fault For My Accident?
In Connecticut, you can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault for an accident. This is known as “comparative negligence.” For instance, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re found 30% responsible, you could receive $70,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
Car accidents
What Types of Car Accidents Do You Handle?
Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a severe multi-vehicle collision, Ganim Injury Lawyers handle all types of car accident cases, including but not limited to :
- Head-On Collisions
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Rear-End Collisions
- Sideswipe Collisions
- Single- vehicle accidents
- T-Bone Accidents
Each case is unique, and we approach yours with the individualized attention it deserves.
Motorcycle accidents
What Are the Risks of Motorcycle Accidents?
Serious injury due to the physical exposure you have on a motorcycle as opposed to riding in a car. Wearing a helmet and goggles can be helpful in reducing the seriousness of injury.
What Motorcycle Accident Laws Should I Know?
Connecticut Motorcycle Accident laws are like that of a motor vehicle. If the driver of the other motor vehicle is negligent, then you are entitled to damages. Your damages will depend on the severity of your injuries.
Truck accidents
How to Understand Negligence in Truck Accidents?
When you have been hurt in a truck accident, you may feel unsure about where to turn or how to move forward. The key to getting the help you deserve is proving negligence; showing that the truck driver or another party was responsible for causing the crash. To do this, we need to prove that:
- The truck driver was responsible for keeping you safe on the road
- They failed to meet that responsibility by driving carelessly or making dangerous decisions.
- This failure directly caused your injuries.
- Those injuries have impacted your life in real, measurable ways
Truck drivers, in certain circumstances are held to higher standards than everyday drivers. Their professional duty of care is crucial in these cases, and we’ll carefully investigate the details to build a strong case on your behalf.
Could a Third Party Be at Fault?
In some cases, a third party may also share responsibility for the accident. For instance, a mechanic who failed to properly maintain the truck or a company that did not secure the cargo may be liable. In rare cases, poor road conditions maintained by local governments could also play a role. These situations can be complex, but we have the experience to navigate them and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Dog bites
What Are Connecticut’s Dog Bite Laws?
Connecticut has firm laws in place regarding dog ownership and responsibility. Here’s what you need to know:
- Strict Liability: Dog owners are automatically responsible for any injuries caused by their pets, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or temperament.
- Vicious Dogs: It’s illegal to own a dog deemed vicious, meaning any dog that has injured a person or animal or poses a significant public health concern.
- Leash Laws: Owners must keep their dogs leashed or securely fenced in when off their property. Failure to do so can result in fines or even criminal charges.
- Bite Reporting: Any dog bite must be reported to the local health department, and the dog must be tested for rabies to ensure public safety.
Understanding these laws is crucial to protecting yourself and others. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, consulting with an experienced Connecticut dog bite lawyer can help ensure your legal rights are upheld.
Why Should I Hire A Dog Bite Lawyer?
After a dog bite, you might feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance claims, and uncertainty about what to do next. That’s where we come in. At Ganim Injury Lawyers, we understand how to navigate Connecticut’s dog bite laws and will build a strong case to support your claim.
From investigating the details of the attack to working with medical experts, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. We fight for maximum compensation, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Slip & fall / premises
What are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but they are especially common in places such as parking lots, grocery stores, stairwells, and sidewalks. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Poorly maintained walkways
- Loose rugs or mats
- Uneven stairs or flooring
- Obstructed pathways or clutter
- Inadequate lighting
These hazards can turn a normal day into a painful experience.
What Are Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall injuries can be severe, affecting every aspect of your life. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
Beyond the physical pain, these accidents can cause emotional distress, loss of income, and long-term medical challenges.
How To Prove Negligence in Premises Liability Cases?
For a successful slip and fall claim, it’s crucial to demonstrate that the property owner was negligent. This means showing that they either knew or should have known about a dangerous condition but failed to act. If you were injured due to hazardous conditions like a wet floor, uneven steps, or poor lighting, you may be entitled to pursue a claim.
Additionally, some situations may involve strict liability, where the property owner is automatically held responsible due to the inherently dangerous nature of certain conditions, like construction zones.
Pedestrian accidents
What If My Pedestrian Accident Was Caused By A Government Entity?
In some cases, a pedestrian accident may involve a governmental entity. For example, if a defective sidewalk caused your fall, or if a government employee hit you while on the job, the local government might be liable for your injuries.
However, claims against government entities come with strict deadlines. According to Connecticut General Statutes §13a-149, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days if a defective road or sidewalk contributed to the accident. If a government employee’s negligence is involved, you have six months to file a notice with the responsible municipality. Failing to meet these deadlines could result in losing your right to sue.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will ensure that all claims and notices are filed in a timely manner, preserving your right to seek compensation.
Medical malpractice
What Is The Standard of Care and Proving Negligence?
Medical professionals are legally required to provide a standard of care that another competent professional would offer under similar circumstances. When their actions fall short, they may be liable for any resulting harm.
To prove malpractice, we must show:
- The healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- This failure directly caused your injury or loss.
In medical malpractice cases, expert testimony is critical. It helps establish whether the care provided was substandard and connects the medical negligence to your injuries. Attorney Ganim will work with trusted medical experts to build a strong case for you.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing Medical Malpractice Claims in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, you generally have two years from the date of the medical negligence—or from when it should have reasonably been discovered—to file a lawsuit. However, there’s a limit of three years from the date of the malpractice, even if you didn’t immediately realize the error.
Failing to file within these deadlines means you lose your chance to seek compensation. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and consult a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
