Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers in Hamden

Slip & Falls Due to Snow & Ice

Connecticut winters can create havoc, particularly when property owners fail to ensure safe travel for patrons. Sidewalks slick with snow or a thin layer of moisture that suddenly freezes into black ice can cause a serious or life-changing slip-and-fall accident.

Businesses and municipalities have a legal duty under Connecticut law to clear walkways, sidewalks, and steps within a reasonable time frame after a snowstorm or after a warm-up that melts and refreezes snow. The actual regulations may vary across different counties and cities, and that is where our 55-year history works to your advantage. We know the local ordinances and county regulations as they pertain to commercial businesses, residential landlords, homeowners, and governmental entities in Hamden, New Haven, North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Waterbury, and the surrounding communities of New Haven County.

We know the right questions to ask to hold property owners liable for slip-and-fall accidents on snow and ice. How much did it snow, and when did the snowfall stop? When did the owner address the accumulation, and how well did they clear the hazard? Did they put out warning signs or spread salt or sand to reduce the risk of falling?

Other Causes of Slip & Falls

Slip-and-falls are not limited to snow and ice claims. 

Property owners can be liable for any tripping and slipping hazards, including:

• Untreated snow and ice
• Uneven steps
• Oily or greasy floors
• Cluttered floors and walkways
• Crumbling or poorly constructed staircases
• Loose floorboards
• Unraked leaves that become wet and slippery
• Recently mopped or waxed surfaces
• Ripped or torn carpeting
• Wet or uneven surfaces

Most reasonable people should be able to anticipate a slip-and-fall hazard. When property owners know of a problem and fail to address it, it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt and the property owner exposes themselves to liability.

Slip-And-Fall Injury Compensation

Injuries resulting from slip-and-fall accidents can be severe and sometimes require expensive medical treatment. 

Common injuries from a slip or fall include:

• Back and spinal cord injuries: These can be debilitating, requiring surgeries and rehabilitation. It is common for these injuries to cost a victim a lot of money in medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. They may also suffer considerable pain and suffering during their recovery process, which could also qualify for compensation. A fall on an icy patch that results in injuries requiring cervical fusion or spinal surgery can be life-changing, and any settlement should consider these costs.
• Hip fractures: Common in slip-and-fall cases, these fractures impact mobility and quality of life. Financial costs can include surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care, whereas non-economic costs can include loss of life enjoyment and loss of bodily function.
• Head injuries: Ranging from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, these affect cognitive and physical abilities. Victims of these injuries may experience financial costs like loss of earning potential and heavy medical bills. Still, they may also experience steep non-economic costs like loss of bodily function, loss of consortium, and loss of life enjoyment.
• Shoulder injuries: Injuries like rotator cuff tears limit arm movement and may require surgery. Economic damages might cover medical expenses and rehabilitation. Non-economic damages could address pain and loss of function.
• Sprains and fractures: Although seemingly minor, these injuries can lead to substantial costs and time off work. Someone suffering from these injuries can experience continued treatment costs and lost income, as well as extensive or permanent pain and suffering.

Each case’s specifics and injury severity influence compensation, reflecting the tangible and intangible losses experienced by the injured party. Our goal in any personal injury claim we take is to maximize the compensation you receive.