Best Premises Liability Lawyers in Connecticut

About Premises Liability Law in Connecticut, United States

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for certain injuries that occur on their property. In Connecticut, premises liability cases can arise when someone is injured due to unsafe or defective conditions on someone else's property, whether it is private, commercial, or public space. Common examples include slip and fall accidents, injuries from falling objects, dog bites, or accidents caused by inadequate security or building maintenance. The law seeks to balance the rights of injured parties with the responsibilities of property owners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Premises liability cases can quickly become complex, especially when there are disputes over who is at fault, the extent of injuries, or compliance with local safety regulations. You may need a lawyer if:

• You suffered an injury on someone else’s property, such as a store, apartment complex, or government building.
• The property owner or their insurance company denies responsibility or offers a low settlement.
• The extent of your damages or injuries is being disputed.
• The injury occurred due to a hazardous condition, such as a wet floor, poor lighting, or faulty handrails.
• There are questions about whether you had permission to be on the property or if you were trespassing.
• You are facing deadlines for filing a claim or lawsuit, and are unsure of your rights under Connecticut law.

A premises liability attorney can help evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Local Laws Overview

Connecticut’s premises liability laws are grounded in both common law and statutory provisions. The state distinguishes between different types of visitors: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, such as customers or business visitors, and must regularly inspect and maintain their premises to ensure safety. Licensees, like social guests, also must be warned of known dangers that are not obvious. Trespassers are given limited protections but may still have a claim if the property owner engaged in willful or reckless conduct.

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If an injured person is found to be fifty-one percent or more at fault for their own injury, they cannot recover any damages. If they are less than fifty-one percent at fault, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. There is usually a two-year statute of limitations to file most premises liability lawsuits in Connecticut, beginning from the date of injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a premises liability case?

A premises liability case involves an injury that occurs due to unsafe or poorly maintained conditions on another person’s property. Examples include slips and falls, trip and fall accidents, dog bites, or injuries from lack of security.

Who can file a premises liability claim in Connecticut?

Anyone who is lawfully present on a property and suffers an injury due to the owner’s negligence may be able to file a claim. In some cases, even trespassers may have claims if the property owner acted recklessly or intentionally caused harm.

What must I prove in order to win a premises liability case?

You generally need to show that the property owner owed you a duty of care, breached that duty by failing to correct or warn about a dangerous condition, and that this breach directly caused your injuries resulting in damages.

How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Connecticut?

Generally, you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury. Exceptions may apply in specific cases, so consult a lawyer if you are unsure.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are less than fifty-one percent at fault, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Are store owners automatically liable if I slip and fall?

No, property owners are not automatically liable for every accident. You must show that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to correct it.

What damages can I recover in a premises liability case?

You may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and in some cases, punitive damages if the conduct was particularly egregious.

Do premises liability laws apply to rental properties?

Yes. Both landlords and tenants can have responsibilities for maintaining safe conditions. Liability may depend on who controls the area where the injury occurred and whether appropriate maintenance was performed.

What if my child was injured on someone else’s property?

Connecticut law provides special considerations for children, especially in cases involving “attractive nuisances” like swimming pools. Property owners may be liable if they do not take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable child injuries.

Should I speak with the property owner’s insurance company?

It is wise to consult an attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster or signing any statements. Insurance representatives may attempt to minimize your claim or obtain admissions that hurt your case.

Additional Resources

• Connecticut Judicial Branch - Civil Forms and Information
• Connecticut Bar Association - Lawyer Referral Service
• Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
• Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Assistance
• Local legal aid organizations offering free or low-cost legal help

Next Steps

If you have been injured on another person’s property, consider the following steps:

• Seek medical attention right away and keep records of your injuries and treatment.
• Document the scene of the accident with photographs or video, if possible.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager and obtain a copy of any incident report.
• Collect contact information for any witnesses.
• Do not discuss fault or accept blame at the scene.
• Consult with an experienced Connecticut premises liability attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your claim and protect your rights.

A legal professional can guide you through the complexities of state law, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.