Greenwich, CT
Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents happen in seconds, but the injuries they cause can follow you for months or even years. If you were hurt on someone else’s property because of a dangerous condition such as a wet floor, an icy walkway, a broken staircase, or poor lighting, Connecticut law may give you the right to seek compensation. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe, and when they fail to do that, the people they hurt deserve a fair recovery.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we represent people throughout Greenwich and across Connecticut in personal injury claims, including those arising from slip and fall accidents. We understand how overwhelming it can feel to deal with an injury claim while also trying to heal, and we are here to guide you through every part of the process.
What Connecticut Law Says About Slip and Fall Claims
Connecticut premises liability law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for anyone who lawfully enters their property. This duty applies to homeowners, businesses, landlords, and government entities alike. When an owner fails to meet this duty, and someone is hurt as a result, the injured person may have grounds for a premises liability claim. Understanding how Connecticut treats these cases is an important first step.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Greenwich
Greenwich’s mix of high-end commercial spaces, luxury residential properties, and public walkways creates many situations where slip and fall accidents can occur. Some hazards come up far more often than others in these types of claims.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors: Spills, leaks, or freshly mopped surfaces in stores or lobbies without warning signs
- Icy or snow-covered surfaces: Sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots that have not been adequately cleared
- Uneven pavement or flooring: Cracked sidewalks, broken tiles, or raised surfaces that create a tripping hazard
- Inadequate lighting: Dimly lit parking lots, stairwells, or hallways where hazards are hard to see
- Defective stairs or railings: Loose steps, missing handrails, or broken banisters that create a safety risk
These hazards are more common than most people realize. According to the CDC, falls result in about 3 million emergency department visits among older adults each year in the United States, and they are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Connecticut Slip and Fall Case
To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you generally need to show three things: a dangerous condition existed on the property, the owner knew about it or should have known about it, and that condition directly caused your injury. Knowing how to pursue a slip and fall case from the start can be critical to protecting your rights.
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found to share some degree of fault. As long as your share of fault does not go above 50 percent, though, you can still recover damages. Understanding how Connecticut’s comparative fault rules apply to your case is one more reason to work with an experienced attorney.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Slip and Fall Accidents
The severity of a slip and fall injury depends on how and where a person falls. Some accidents cause minor bruising, while others result in life-changing harm. Our firm has handled slip and fall cases involving a wide range of injuries.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Wrist, hip, and ankle fractures are among the most common injuries from slip and fall accidents. Hip fractures in particular are a serious concern for older adults and can require surgery, extended rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
When a person’s head strikes the ground or another hard surface, the impact can cause a concussion or a more serious traumatic brain injury. These injuries are not always apparent right away, which is why seeking medical attention immediately after any fall is so important.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
A hard fall can compress or damage the vertebrae or spinal cord, leading to chronic back pain or, in the most serious cases, paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can permanently affect a person’s ability to work and enjoy daily life. If you have sustained a serious back injury, our team also handles spinal cord injury claims throughout the Greenwich area.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Greenwich
Taking the right steps after a fall can have a big impact on your ability to recover compensation. If you are hurt on someone else’s property, try to report the incident to the owner or manager right away and request a written record of the report. Document the scene as thoroughly as possible by photographing the hazard, your injuries, and any relevant conditions such as weather or lighting. Seek medical care immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, since some conditions are not fully clear in the first hours after a fall. Avoid making detailed statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney, as anything you say can be used to limit your recovery.
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Knowing how the Connecticut personal injury statute of limitations works and acting before that deadline passes is essential. Missing it can mean losing your right to compensation entirely, which is why it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC for a Greenwich, CT Slip and Fall Lawyer
When you have been hurt on someone else’s property, you deserve an attorney who will take your case seriously and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to. Attorney Michael J. Jones brings decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Connecticut and is ready to fight for you. Our team is committed to guiding you through every stage of the claims process and making sure you understand your options at every step.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Greenwich or anywhere in Connecticut, do not wait to get the legal guidance you need. Contact us today to speak with a member of our personal injury team.
