Hartford Slip and Fall Attorney
Most people can think of a time when they had a slip and fall accident. There are numerous conditions that can cause a slip and fall to occur, such as a slippery floor, an icy walkway or an uneven sidewalk. It is no wonder, then, that thousands of people are involved in slip and fall cases every year. The majority of people walk away from their accidents with minor bumps and bruises. But some slip and fall accidents can cause the victim serious injury, or even result in death.
Many slip and fall cases arise due to the negligence of a person, group, or business. For example, a business that does not keep its walkways shoveled during a snow storm could be held liable if someone were to fall and become seriously injured. In cases where a person is seriously injured as the result of another person’s negligence, the victim may be able to hold the negligent party responsible for his or her injuries.
If you believe you have a slip and fall claim in Hartford or anywhere in Connecticut, please contact the Law Offices of Andrew J. Cates, LLC. We will evaluate your claim for free and, if you have a case, we will represent you on a contingent fee basis so you pay nothing up front and we only get paid if you received a settlement or an award.
Slip and Fall Stats
- According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), every year falls account for over eight million hospital emergency room visits. Of these cases approximately 5% result in the victim suffering bone fractures.
- The NFSI also states that for people between the ages of 65 and 84, falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths.
- Slip and fall injuries are responsible for more lost work days among those who have suffered on-the-job related injuries in the U.S. than any other cause of injury.
Who is Liable in Connecticut Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuits?
In Connecticut it is the responsibility of an establishment to keep its patrons safe. This includes clearing walkways of hazardous materials and slippery objects. When a property owner fails to keep his or her property free from unsafe or defective conditions, and those conditions cause someone to be injured, the victim may hold the property owner liable for his or her injuries. In order to hold a property owner liable, the victim must prove that the owner failed to use reasonable care in connection with the property.
In Connecticut the plaintiff needs to prove three conditions in order to prevail in a slip and fall case. They are:
- That there was a dangerous condition or defect at the property at the time the victim suffered the injury
- That the defendant either knew, or should have known, by the exercise of reasonable care, about the dangerous condition
- That the dangerous condition had been present for long enough that the defendant had time to take care of it, but he failed to do so.
Slip and Fall and Insurance Companies
Because most premises are insured, in the case of a slip and fall injury, you may hear from the property owner’s insurance company offering you a settlement. By no means should you accept such a settlement, or even have a conversation with the insurance company representative. Instead, contact one of our Connecticut slip and fall attorneys for assistance, and he or she will deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, time is not on your side. You have a limited time to file your case and seek compensation for your injuries. Don’t’ delay. Contact us today toll free at (800) 330-4988 or (860) 522-7044, or contact us online for a free phone consultation and case evaluation.