Premises Owners' Duty to Keep You Safe
Connecticut property owners, including stores, restaurants, landlords, and businesses, have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail, a slip, trip, or fall can cause broken hips, fractured wrists, head injuries, and back and spine damage, injuries that are especially serious for older adults. New England winters add a particular hazard: icy and snowy walkways, parking lots, and entrances that owners must reasonably maintain or warn about.
Proving a Connecticut Slip-and-Fall Claim
To recover, you generally must show that a dangerous condition existed, that the property owner knew or should have known about it, and that they failed to fix it or warn you within a reasonable time. Evidence such as photographs of the hazard, incident reports, surveillance video, and witness statements is critical, and much of it disappears quickly. Connecticut's 'ongoing storm' doctrine can affect winter slip-and-fall cases, which makes experienced legal guidance especially important.
Common Causes of Falls
Wet or recently mopped floors without warning signs, ice and snow accumulation, uneven or broken pavement, poorly lit stairwells, loose carpeting or mats, and cluttered walkways are frequent causes of falls. In each case, the question is whether the owner acted reasonably to discover and address the hazard.
Compensation for Fall Injuries
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to recover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future care needs, and compensation for pain and suffering. Falls that cause hip fractures or head injuries in older adults can lead to lasting disability, and the full cost of that care should be part of any claim.
Injured in Connecticut? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You generally must show the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it reasonably. Evidence like photos and incident reports is key, which is why prompt action matters.
Connecticut's 'ongoing storm' doctrine can limit liability while a storm is in progress, but owners still have duties once conditions allow. These cases are fact-specific, so a review is worthwhile.
Generally two years from the date of injury under Connecticut law. Claims against municipalities may have shorter notice deadlines.