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The busy downtown district in Bristol, Connecticut, offers shopping centers and an active community to residents and visitors. However, poorly maintained properties in Bristol can pose serious hazards that lead to painful slip and fall accidents.
When property owners fail to address dangerous conditions on their premises, innocent people can suffer severe injuries through no fault of their own.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, the experienced Bristol slip and fall lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, are here to help. We understand Connecticut premises liability laws and can help you demand a fair settlement.
We have over 55 years of combined legal experience providing trusted representation to injured people. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident happens when someone loses their footing and falls due to hazardous conditions on another person’s property. The incidents typically occur when a person’s foot slides unexpectedly on a slippery surface, causing them to lose their balance and fall backward. Trip-and-fall accidents, which are similar, occur when someone stumbles over an obstacle or uneven surface and falls forward.
Both types of fall accidents can cause serious injuries because victims often have little time to brace themselves or control their fall. Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors and can be held liable for injuries resulting from their failure to meet this obligation.
An injured person may have the right to pursue legal action and seek compensation from the property owner’s insurance company. An experienced slip and fall attorney can develop a slip-and-fall claim and guide you through the legal process.
What Are Common Causes of Bristol Slip and Fall Accidents?
Understanding how slip and fall accidents occur can help you recognize when property owner negligence may have contributed to your injuries.
The following are common causes of fall accidents:
- Wet floors from spills or cleaning activities
- Weather-related hazards such as snow, ice, and rainwater
- Defective flooring, including loose tiles, worn carpeting, uneven floorboards, and damaged pavement
- Poor lighting conditions
- Debris and obstacles, such as merchandise, boxes, equipment, cords, or other items left in walkways
- Broken or missing handrails on stairways
- Unmarked steps and elevation changes.
Property owners who are aware of hazardous conditions or should have discovered them through regular inspections may be held responsible for failing to address the hazard promptly or for not posting adequate warning signs. Contact our Bristol slip and fall injury attorney today.
What Are Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall accidents in Bristol, CT, can cause injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries – When someone’s head strikes the ground or another surface during a fall, they may suffer head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain injuries that can affect cognitive function, memory, and motor skills.
- Spinal cord injuries – SCIs may lead to partial or complete paralysis, as well as chronic pain.
- Broken bones – Fall accidents often result in fractures of the wrists, arms, hips, and legs. Older adults face exceptionally high risks for hip fractures, which can lead to long-term mobility limitations and complications.
- Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can cause ongoing pain and limit a person’s ability to work or participate in daily activities.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?
Taking appropriate steps immediately after a slip and fall incident can protect your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
- Seek medical treatment promptly, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Keep copies of medical bills.
- Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or staff member as soon as possible.
- If you can safely do so, use your phone to photograph or video the accident scene where the fall occurred.
- Avoid discussing the incident on social media or posting photos that insurance companies might use to minimize your claim.
- Contact a Bristol, CT, personal injury lawyer at Jainchill &Beckert, LLC, to review the accident and evaluate whether filing a slip and fall lawsuit is appropriate.
Does the Property Owner Have an Obligation to Keep Their Property Safe?
Connecticut premises liability law establishes that property owners owe specific duties to people who lawfully visit their premises. The extent of the obligations depends on the visitor’s legal status and the circumstances surrounding their presence on the property.
Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees (individuals who visit for business purposes, such as customers in retail stores or guests at restaurants). Property owners must regularly inspect their property for potential hazards and fix the dangerous conditions or provide adequate warnings about them.
How Can You Prove Fault for Your Bristol Slip and Fall Accident?
To establish fault in a slip and fall case, your personal injury attorney must gather evidence to prove that the property owner’s negligence contributed to your accident and injuries.
Your attorney will work to show that a hazardous condition existed on the premises and that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard. Evidence proving liability may include security camera footage, maintenance records, incident reports, and witness testimony about the conditions at the time of your accident.
Witness statements can show how long a hazardous condition existed without being fixed and how this failure on the property owner’s part directly contributed to your injuries. Our legal team will document the extent of your injuries and their connection to the fall through medical records and professional opinions.
What Compensation Could Be Recovered in a Slip and Fall Claim?
Successful slip and fall claims can recover compensation for various losses an injured party has experienced due to an accident, including the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future income losses if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life that serious injuries can cause.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations requires you to file your case within two years of the accident date. Consulting with a slip and fall attorney immediately after your accident can help you avoid missing out on your opportunity to demand fair compensation.
Contact a Bristol, CT Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
When you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights. At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our dedicated team has over 55 years of combined legal experience. Our Bristol slip and fall accident attorneys are committed to providing personalized service to clients throughout Connecticut. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer.
