How Does a Slip and Fall Claim Work in New Haven County? 2025

How does a slip and fall claim work in New Haven County? Slip and fall claims are governed by premises liability law. Securing a win with your claim is dependent on proving that the property owner’s negligence led to the accident and your resulting injuries. It’s essential to establish that the property owner had an obligation to ensure safety and violated that obligation, as well as that the violation was the direct cause of the injury and resulting harm.

Talented Slip and Fall Attorney

At Sorrentino Legal, we have extensive experience with slip and fall claims in New Haven County. In one case, we won a $236,350 settlement for a client who fractured her ankle when she slipped on leaves at her apartment building. We’re ready to help your case succeed.

Slip and falls and similar premises liability injuries are much more common than they should be. In 2023, 17,400,000 preventable, medically consulted injuries occurred in public places in the US. That same year, 28% of preventable, injury-caused deaths in public places happened due to falls. Over 800,00 people are hospitalized every year due to fall-related injuries, and falls are the second-most frequent cause of injury-related deaths in the home.

At Sorrentino Legal. – Injury & Accident Law, we’re passionate about holding people accountable for these devastating incidents. Whether you fell at a grocery store like Nica’s Market or a dentist’s office like Chapel Street Dental, you deserve justice.

Establishing Negligence

The key component of success in slip and fall cases hinges on establishing negligence. Familiarity with several aspects of negligence is essential. 

• Duty of Care. The injured person (plaintiff) must show that the occupier or property owner owed them a duty of care to ensure reasonably safe premises.
• Breach of Duty. The plaintiff must prove the property owner failed to meet that duty, for example, by not addressing a known hazard or not providing adequate warnings.
• Causation. The plaintiff is required to show that the dangerous circumstances directly produced the slip and fall, establishing that the condition was the actual cause of the incident.
• Damages. Finally, the plaintiff needs to prove they suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Core Components of Slip and Fall Claims

Other core aspects to consider when filing a slip and fall claim include obtaining necessary evidence, proving knowledge of the hazard, and being familiar with the concept of comparative negligence.

• Evidence. Key evidence consists of photographs showing the hazardous conditions, accounts from witnesses, formal incident documentation, and medical records.
• Knowledge of the hazard: The injured person must often show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous conditions.
• Comparative negligence. Connecticut follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if the injured person is partially at fault, they can still recover damages, but the award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Types of Compensation

It is important to be aware of the types of compensation you may be entitled to receive. These include:

• Medical expenses. Costs of treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical care
• Lost wages. Income lost due to the injury and recovery period
• Pain and suffering. Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury
• Other damages. Damages like property damage or loss of enjoyment of life may also be considered.

Statute of Limitations

Under Connecticut state law, you have a two-year window from the injury date to file a slip and fall personal injury claim. When the filing deadline passes, you would typically lose your legal right to pursue a claim and obtain financial recovery for your harm. Prompt consultation with a New Haven personal injury attorney is vital to understand the specific time limits and procedural requirements that affect your case. Contact Sorrentino Legal to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Common Defenses

Common defenses against slip and fall cases include arguing the plaintiff’s negligence, the open and obvious nature of the hazard, and assumption of risk. Property owners may also argue that they did not breach their duty of care or that the statute of limitations has passed.

• Plaintiff’s negligence. When the injured party’s conduct played a role in causing the fall, the property owner may claim that the victim’s carelessness was primarily responsible for what happened.
• Lack of notice. The property owner can claim they were not informed about the unsafe condition and had no adequate chance to remedy it before the accident occurred. This strategy usually relies on showing that the owner neither knew about the risk nor should have reasonably detected it.
• Open and obvious hazard. If the dangerous condition was clearly visible and easily recognizable by a reasonable person, the property owner may argue that the victim should have avoided the hazard. This defense is based on the idea that a person has a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and avoid obvious dangers.
• Assumption of risk. If the victim knowingly and voluntarily exposed themselves to a known danger, the property owner may argue that they assumed the risk of falling.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall

If you have experienced a slip and fall, it’s important to understand what steps to take to seek any compensation you may be entitled to receive. These steps often include:

• Seeking medical attention. Get checked out by a doctor, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
• Gathering evidence. Take photos of the scene, get contact information from any witnesses, and report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Contacting a lawyer. Consult with a New Haven County slip and fall attorney from Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law who can guide you through the legal process and help you build a strong case.

FAQs

Contact a New Haven Slip and Fall Attorney Today

Having a skilled lawyer like Brad Sorrentino is important for a slip and fall claim because they can help navigate the complexities of the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation. At Sorrentino Legal, our attorney has the knowledge to investigate the accident, gather evidence, determine liability, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement.

Contact Sorrentino Legal today to consult with our experienced personal injury and accident advocacy legal team and learn how we can support you through your slip and fall case. Our knowledgeable team can help you understand the process and advocate for your rights.