Slip and Fall Lawyer in Fairfield, CT

After a slip and fall accident, you may be embarrassed, hurt, angry, or confused.  You may be wondering, “Do I need a Fairfield slip and fall lawyer?”  This is a normal reaction, given all the billboards and advertisements. It may feel daunting or even dirty to think about looking into a slip-and-fall accident lawyer. However, you should feel no guilt about checking out your legal options.

If you suffered serious injuries, you have a right to seek out a personal injury lawyer in Fairfield who will negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.  This article explains everything you need to know about slip and fall accidents.

 

Should You Hire a Fairfield Slip and Fall Lawyer?

In a nutshell:

• You may be able to settle your own case if you were not injured or only sought minimal treatment.
• Personal injury lawyers typically charge a fee equal to 33.33% of your settlement proceeds when the case is over. They are not “free.”
• Attorneys can help you get the medical treatment you need and build up your case to maximize the settlement amount.
• Even if you were partially at fault or did not suffer catastrophic injuries, you should still look into a CT car accident lawyer.
• When looking for the right lawyer, make sure the law firm is experienced in accidents cases and communicates well with clients.

 

Slip And Fall or Trip and Fall Accidents Are No Laughing Matter

T.V. and movies have made fun of slip-and-fall lawsuits for decades. Think “slippin’ Jimmy” from Better Call Saul. While these caricatures can be funny, slip-and-fall or trip and fall accidents in real life are no laughing matter.

Injured victims can suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, and other serious injuries. If the accident was predictable and preventable, then negligence has occurred.

Sometimes, slip and fall or trip and fall accidents occur because the person is on their phone or not paying attention. However, very frequently, the property owner, maintenance company, or landlord was lazy, cheap, or incompetent and allowed an unsafe condition to exist.

It is the property owner’s job to make sure that their premises are safe and free of defects. When they ignore that responsibility, and people get hurt because of dangerous conditions, the property owner is legally responsible for paying compensation.

Black Ice

Snow and ice are the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents. When you live in the Northeast, snow and ice are to be expected. The term “black ice” is a misnomer. The ice is clear, making it easy to see the black asphalt below. Black ice is extremely dangerous because it is difficult for a pedestrian to see.

When property owners fail to shovel or salt their premises after snowfall, black ice can form. This occurs when there is snowfall, then the weather goes above freezing (causing a “temporary thaw”) and then goes below freezing again. The snow, thaw, and re-freeze cycle causes black ice, an ultra hazardous conditions.

Slippery Floors and Stairs

Property owners and managers must ensure that their walking surfaces are free of hazards – including slippery floors. For example, if there is a broken freezer at a grocery store that leaks water, the store would be responsible for cleaning the water, putting up a warning sign, or fixing the freezer. When property owners fail to clean up or warn people about slippery floors, they are liable for negligence.

Who Is Normally at Fault for Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accidents?

It is the job of an attorney to identify all possible defendants who caused your slip and fall or trip and fall injuries. Here are some common wrongdoers:

 

When Should You Consult A Fairfield Slip-And-Fall Accident Attorney?

Finding an experienced personal injury lawyer is critical to preserving your rights and building a strong case. Because evidence (such as video footage) gets lost or destroyed soon after an accident, the quicker you can speak to an attorney, the better.

People injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident who have suffered more than minor aches and pains should strongly consider hiring a lawyer with experience in personal injury law. Proving complex injuries involving traumatic brain injuries, surgery, or even death can be difficult to do without a lawyer.

In cases with high out-of-pocket expenses, severe injuries, and serious claims for pain and suffering, an attorney can help secure the right experts. They can also help identify all available pools of insurance money for you to seek compensation from.

 

How Much Are Lawyer Fees For Slip And Fall Accidents?

Most slip and fall accident lawyers charge a contingency fee, which means they get paid at the end of your case out of the settlement money. A Fairfield slip and fall accident lawyer will typically charge a fee of 33.33% of your total recovery. If your recovery is greater than $300,000, then the attorney’s fee may be reduced below 33.33% under Connecticut law.

The money you receive in a slip-and-fall accident settlement is your money.  It represents fair compensation for what was taken away from you in terms of health, money, and enjoyment of life.

Slip and fall accident victims are usually better off hiring a lawyer than pursuing a case themselves. This is especially true when slip-and-fall accident victims suffer life-changing injuries.

 

What Is Connecticut’s Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident?

A person injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall incident has two-years to file a lawsuit or settle.  This is known as the statute of limitations under Connecticut law.  The 2 year statute of limitations in Connecticut is strict.  If you don’t file a lawsuit or settle within two years, your case will be barred forever.