Accidents on sidewalks happen and happen regularly, whether it's a slip and fall due to icy or wet conditions, or uneven pavement. Slipping and falling doesn't always result in an injury, but when it does, it can be quite painful. If you are injured and have mounting medical bills because of it, the question of who is responsible is raised. This will depend on where the injury happened and who was responsible for maintaining the sidewalk where you fell.

Most likely, you can file a claim and your medical expenses will be covered. More on liability and other information in the blog article below.

Call our CT slip and fall lawyers today to assess your claim and go over the legal options you have. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has years of experience and a successful track record. We can help you reach a successful resolution in your case.

Slip And Fall Accidents in Connecticut

Laws in the state of Connecticut require property owners to keep their facilities safe for guests, clients, and other people who enter the building. One of the responsibilities is to make sure there are no hazards that could result in a slip and fall accident.

Not all property owners uphold this "duty of care," which sometimes results in injuries. In Connecticut, icy or wet sidewalks, uneven pavement, and dimly lighted locations are common causes of slip and fall accidents

The state's emergency room visits are often linked to slip and fall accidents, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. More than 12,000 seniors in Connecticut were admitted to hospitals in 2019 as a result of injuries sustained from falls. Those numbers are just seniors. Thousands more fall and hurt themselves.

Knowing your legal rights after a slip and fall on a sidewalk is important. A Connecticut slip and fall lawyer can offer insightful legal advice.

Sidewalk Laws and Regulations in Connecticut

In Connecticut, sidewalk safety is governed by both municipal and state laws. While individual cities and municipalities may have their own set of rules and regulations, the state establishes general standards. An example would be following a snowstorm, where property owners are required by law in many Connecticut cities to remove snow and ice off the sidewalks that border their properties within a certain amount of time.

Municipalities' Responsibilities

Like towns and cities, municipalities are responsible for maintaining public sidewalks. Their duties include repairing cracks and making sure level surfaces are even, and fixing any other related hazards.

Should a slip and fall occur as a result of a municipality failing to maintain its sidewalk, the municipality may be held liable. There is a "notice" requirement under Connecticut law, which means that in order for a municipality to be held liable, they have to have known about the danger and neglected to fix it in a timely manner.

Owners of Private Property

Owners of private property have responsibilities of their own. They also have obligations, particularly if their land faces a sidewalk. According to Connecticut law, if property owners fail to maintain the sidewalk or create a hazard, they may be held liable for any injuries sustained.

It may take a lawyer to be able to argue some of the complex laws in a personal injury case, which is why it's important to consult with a lawyer before taking any legal action.

Connecticut Follows Comparative Negligence

"Comparative negligence" governs personal injury cases in Connecticut. Any fault you may have had in a slip and fall accident will be weighed against the other party's fault if you sustain injuries. What this means is your compensation may be reduced if it is determined that you were at fault at any degree. If you were 20% at fault (if you were texting while walking, for example) while the property owner is 80% at fault, whatever amount you were awarded would be reduced by 20%.

All parties are held responsible for their percentage of fault.

What To Do After A Connecticut Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accident

It can be painful if you are injured in a slip and fall. Knowing what to do after is very important, especially to protect your legal rights.

• Get medical help: Following a slip and fall accident, you may feel OK, but it's important to be examined by a doctor. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away and you may require medical care. It also helps document any injury for any claim you may file after.
• Report the accident: As soon as possible, report the accident to the owner of the property or the municipality if it occurred on public land. This stage involves more than simply filing a claim; it also involves making sure that the hazard is fixed to keep others safe.
• Gather evidence: Take pictures of the scene, noting the location, the hazard that caused your slip and fall, and any other relevant information (weather, for example). If witnesses were present, note their contact information. Also, keep records of your injuries, medical bills, and any other expenses related to the accident.
• Consult with a personal injury lawyer: Cases involving slip and falls can be complicated, especially if responsibility is unclear. An experienced Connecticut injury lawyer can provide you with advice and assist you in recovering compensation.

Call Brandon J. Broderick To Schedule A Free Consultation

We can assist you if you were hurt after a slip and fall on a sidewalk in Connecticut. Our slip and fall lawyers can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case and prepare to file a claim on your behalf.

Call us to learn more about your options and to schedule a free consultation with one of the lawyers from Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law.