New Haven Premises Liability Attorney
Have you or someone you care about been injured in a slip and fall accident, animal attack, or any other type of accident while on someone else’s property? If so, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Connecticut has well-defined laws that may entitle you to be compensated by the owner if you were injured while on their property. These are referred to as premises liability laws. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Haven premises liability accident, call the expert personal injury attorneys at Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante. We offer a free consultation and do not charge a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
New Haven Premises Liability Lawyers
At Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, we have been successfully representing personal injury victims in New Haven and throughout Connecticut for almost seventy years.
We are skilled trial attorneys with the knowledge and resources needed to recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. We understand the system and how to work within it to represent you best.
Our skilled New Haven personal injury attorneys have negotiated settlements with all kinds of insurance companies in the state of Connecticut. We charge no fees unless we win compensation for you.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the area of law that governs what happens when you are injured on someone else’s property due to an unknown hazard. Slip-and-fall accidents and animal attacks are two of the most common types of New Haven premises liability cases. However, there are many other types as well, including cases involving the following circumstances:
- Inadequate lighting;
- Inadequate security;
- Fires;
- Explosions;
- Assault;
- Roof cave-ins; and
- Swimming pool accidents
Any residential, commercial, or public space can be the scene of a premises liability accident, including:
- Apartment buildings;
- Office buildings;
- Sports facilities;
- Private homes;
- Shopping malls;
- Nursing homes; and
- Treatment centers
Property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their property is free from hazards and unsafe conditions. If a property owner failed to meet this obligation, and you were injured as a result, you may be able to hold them liable to compensate you for damages, such as:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages and income;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Any resulting permanent disability
In addition to the property owner, property managers, tenants, contractors, and corporate entities may also be held liable. Furthermore, if more than one party had the right to control the property, then they may all be held liable.
Who Can File a Premises Liability Claim in New Haven?
You can file a premises liability claim in New Haven if you were injured on someone else’s property and had legal permission to be there. Connecticut law recognizes three categories of visitors, each with different rights and protections under premises liability law:
- Invitees: As an invitee, you receive the highest level of protection. This category includes social guests visiting homes, customers shopping in stores, and patrons dining at restaurants. Property owners must actively inspect their premises for dangerous conditions, including hidden hazards you wouldn’t reasonably discover yourself. They’re required to fix these problems or provide adequate warnings to keep you safe.
- Licensees: If you are a licensee—such as a contractor, utility worker, or service provider—you’re owed a duty of care, though it’s somewhat less comprehensive than what invitees receive. Property owners must warn you about known dangerous conditions or make those areas reasonably safe for your work.
- Trespassers: Trespassers generally cannot file premises liability claims since property owners owe them a minimal duty of care. The main exception involves situations where property owners intentionally create traps or hazards designed to harm trespassers, which violates the law.
Damages Available for Premises Liability Claims in New Haven
When you’re injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses and expenses related to your accident. Connecticut law allows injured parties to recover a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to your injury, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. This covers your current bills and any future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages and Earning Potential: If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for missed paychecks and reduced earning capacity. This includes both immediate lost income and future earnings if your injury affects your ability to work long-term.
- Property Damage: You can recover costs to repair or replace personal belongings damaged in your accident, such as clothing, eyeglasses, electronic devices, or other items you had with you when the incident occurred.
- Disability Accommodations: If your injury results in temporary or permanent disability, you can seek compensation for necessary accommodations like wheelchair ramps, modified vehicles, assistive devices, or home modifications to help maintain your independence.
- Pain and Suffering: You’re entitled to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life caused by your injury.
How Our Premises Liability Lawyers in New Haven Can Help
When you are injured on someone else’s property, you deserve comprehensive representation to help you seek justice. Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante will stand by your side at every step. During your initial consultation, we’ll evaluate your accident circumstances, review any available evidence, and explain your legal options.
Next, the investigation process begins. We will collect evidence like incident reports, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to build a strong foundation for your claim. We also work with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists who can testify on your behalf and clarify any complicating factors.
We handle all insurance communications and negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you don’t accidentally say something that could harm your case. Our firm will fight for fair settlement offers that fully compensate you for your injuries and losses.
If insurance companies refuse reasonable settlements, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We handle all legal procedures, deadlines, and court appearances while keeping you informed about your case’s progress.
Common Injuries Sustained Due to Premises Liability Accidents in New Haven
Common injuries sustained in premises liability accidents include:
- Soft tissue injuries;
- Broken bones and fractures;
- Head, neck, and back injuries;
- Dislocations, sprains, and strains;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Dog bites;
- Sexual assault;
- Paralysis; and
- Wrongful death
Many of these injuries will require extensive medical treatment and prolonged ongoing care. This can cost you and your family tens of thousands of dollars and a great deal of mental anguish. Our New Haven catastrophic injury lawyers work diligently to bring justice to those responsible for your injuries.
Only by holding the property owner and their insurance company liable to compensate you for your injuries and losses, may you be able to afford the cost of the medical care you need and continue to support your family while recovering from your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured on someone else’s property in Connecticut, contact Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante at 203-333-3333, toll-free at 888-692-7403, or fill out our online contact form to consult with a qualified Connecticut premises liability lawyer. We serve all of Connecticut, and we look forward to seeking justice on your behalf.