Visitors to private or public property in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut expect safe conditions. Premises liability is an area of law that makes a landowner responsible for injuries that happen on their land. If you or a loved one suffered harm on someone else’s property, a Bridgeport premises liability lawyer could explain your rights during a free consultation.
If you decide to move forward, your Bridgeport personal injury lawyer will work to recover compensation from the negligent party or their insurer. If a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit and fight for justice in court.
Contact Claggett, Sykes & Garza now for a free case evaluation.
Examples of Premises Liability Cases in Bridgeport, CT
When most people think about injuries sustained on another person’s property, slip-and-fall incidents are the first thing that comes to mind. However, temporary hazards like spills, icy walkways, and standing water are not the only issues that a premises liability attorney in Bridgeport can assist you with.
Another category of premises liability claims revolves around accidents caused by structural defects. Problems such as broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or even the absence of smoke detectors often lead to injuries for unsuspecting visitors. These issues can also affect residents of apartment buildings and other rented dwellings.
Additionally, landowners may bear responsibility for criminal activity occurring on their property. The landowner may share responsibility if a crime occurs as a result of the absence of security personnel, security cameras, or even broken or missing locks.
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Connecticut Law Concerning Property Owner Obligations
Connecticut law categorizes property visitors based on their purpose for being on the premises. A combination of the landowner’s consent and the visitor’s motivation determines this categorization.
A Bridgeport premises liability attorney can help you understand your classification and the rights associated with it under the law. They also ensure that your claim complies with the applicable statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to pursue a claim.
Trespassers
Trespassers enter the property without the owner’s consent or overstay their welcome. The landowner is not permitted to harm trespassers or set traps intentionally, but they have no obligation to maintain a safe environment. As a result, trespasser lawsuits are rare.
Licensees
Licensees have permission to enter the property. Landowners must warn them of any non-obvious hazards they know about and take reasonable steps to ensure overall safety.
Invitees
Invitees also have permission to enter, but they do so for the owner’s profit, as in retail stores. Property owners are responsible for regularly inspecting the property and addressing any potential safety hazards.
Available Damages in a Premises Liability Case
After suffering an injury on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you may be entitled to various damages in a premises liability case. These damages aim to compensate you for the losses and hardships you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
Potential damages in a premises liability case include:
- Medical expenses: This category includes compensation for the cost of past and future medical treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and the rehabilitation necessary to recover.
- Lost income: If your injuries cause you to miss work or reduce your earning capacity, you may qualify for compensation for lost income. This includes not only the income you’ve already lost but also any potential future earnings that the injury has impacted.
- Pain and suffering: These damages cover the physical and emotional distress you’ve endured due to your injuries. This often includes feelings like pain, anxiety, and stress, as well as any loss of enjoyment of activities.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged during the accident, you may be able to claim damages to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged items.
- Loss of consortium: In cases where the injury has had a significant impact on your marriage, your spouse may be eligible for damages due to the loss of companionship and intimacy.
- Punitive damages: In extreme cases where the property owner’s actions were especially reckless or intentional, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
Every situation is unique, but a Bridgeport premises liability attorney from our team can evaluate your case and determine which damages you can pursue.
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Benefits of Hiring a Bridgeport Premises Liability Lawyer
Personal injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s life, not only in terms of physical harm but also in how they affect their overall quality of life. For instance, people with permanent injuries may find it challenging to support themselves and their families.
While the law dictates that those responsible for causing an injury must compensate the victim for their losses, the burden of proving fault and demonstrating the impact of the event on their life falls on the victim. Our premises liability lawyer in Bridgeport is dedicated to helping clients achieve both of these goals.
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, our team works hard to hold the negligent party responsible for an injury by gathering relevant evidence, putting it in the right legal context, and writing demand packages stating that the defendant is responsible for what happened.
Resolving Liability Disputes
A personal injury lawyer can also counter any claims of shared blame. According to Connecticut General Statute § 52-572h, defendants may argue that a plaintiff contributed, either partially or entirely, to the accident. Many defendants employ this strategy to avoid paying full compensation.
Such disputes may lead to a reduction in your court award or even the dismissal of your case. Our attorneys understand the nuances of these claims and will work to ensure fault is assigned correctly.
Connecticut Time Limit for Taking Legal Action
Time is of the essence when you’re pursuing a personal injury claim. According to Connecticut General Statutes §52-584, most cases involving personal injury must be filed in court within two years from the incident date, underscoring the importance of timely action. Some notices may have to be given in as little as 90 days after an injury. You should consult an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation.
Failure to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries, making it crucial to start legal proceedings on time. Reaching out to our law firm soon after the incident will also provide us with more time to build a strong case.
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Contact a Bridgeport Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one sustained injuries while visiting someone else’s property, we are here for you. Our team is ready to evaluate your case and hold the negligent landowner responsible under Connecticut premises liability laws.
Don’t settle with an insurance company for less than your personal injury claim is worth. A Bridgeport premises liability attorney from the Claggett, Sykes & Garza can help you recover the insurance settlement or court award you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
