Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer

Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney

At Dolan Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we understand that dealing with a personal injury can be overwhelming, especially when navigating the legal process and recovering, both physically and emotionally. A Connecticut personal injury lawyer from our firm can represent you throughout your case, offering dedicated legal advocacy and compassionate guidance to seek the compensation you deserve.

Whether you’ve been injured in an auto accident, a slip and fall, a workplace incident, or another unfortunate event, our firm is here to make your well-being a priority. We can address your needs with both empathy and skill.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in Connecticut

In Connecticut, personal injury law governs the rights of individuals who have suffered harm due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. This area of law allows victims to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial damages resulting from injuries caused by a variety of incidents. It can ensure financial security as the victim navigates the healing process.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Personal injury cases can vary widely, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries. Our attorneys have experience handling a range of personal injury claims, including but not limited to:

• Car Accidents: Auto accidents are a leading cause of injury in Connecticut. Whether you were the driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, our lawyers can assist you with obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Truck Accidents: Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Our firm understands the complexities involved in cases with multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, employer, and vehicle manufacturer.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners have a duty to ensure the safe upkeep of their premises. If you’ve suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions, like wet floors or inadequate lighting, we can hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Medical Malpractice: When medical professionals fail to meet the expected standard of care, patients may suffer serious or even life-threatening consequences. Our team is equipped to investigate instances of medical negligence and advocate for clients who have been harmed by errors in either treatment or diagnosis.
• Workplace Injuries: Injuries on the job can be life-altering. While workers’ compensation may cover some expenses, we can also evaluate the potential for third-party claims if another party’s negligence contributed to your injury.
• Product Liability: If you were injured by a defective product, such as a vehicle component, medical device, or household item, you may have a right to seek damages. Our attorneys work to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for placing unsafe products on the market.
• Dog Bites: In Connecticut, dog bites are governed by a strict liability standard, which means that a dog owner is automatically liable if their dog bites or injures someone, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression or biting. This differs from some states where the owner might only be liable if they knew—or should have known—that the dog had dangerous tendencies.

Each case is unique, so our team is prepared to tailor our legal strategies to the specific details of your injury and the circumstances surrounding it.

How Dolan Injury Lawyers, PLLC, Supports You Throughout the Process

At Dolan Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we know that personal injury cases require a balance of both assertiveness and sensitivity. Our firm is dedicated to making sure you feel supported and informed at every stage of the legal process. From the initial consultation to settlement negotiations to—if necessary—trial, we are by your side, offering professional insight and guidance on your rights and options.

Here’s what you can expect from our legal process:

1. Comprehensive Case Evaluation: The first step in any personal injury claim is understanding the full scope of your situation. We conduct thorough consultations to learn about your injury, assess the potential for liability, and evaluate the types of compensation available.
2. Evidence Gathering and Investigation: Successful cases often depend on strong evidence. We gather essential documentation, interview witnesses, and consult professionals. We also analyze accident reports, medical records, and other materials that may be relevant to building a compelling case on your behalf.
3. Determining Liability: In Connecticut, personal injury cases can involve multiple liable parties, depending on the circumstances. Whether it’s an individual, a company, or a government entity, we can investigate all potential sources of liability to pursue all the compensation to which you’re entitled.
4. Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts in injury cases. This practice is called “lowballing.” Our team is experienced in negotiating with insurers, using evidence and legal knowledge to pursue a fair settlement that reflects your medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
5. Litigating When Necessary: While many cases can be resolved through negotiation, litigation is sometimes the only path to achieving justice. If your case goes to trial, our attorneys are well-prepared to aggressively advocate for you in court. We can present a persuasive argument to secure your rightful compensation.

Damages You May Be Entitled to in a Connecticut Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury victims often face substantial medical bills, time away from work, and emotional trauma. Under Connecticut law, you may be eligible for various types of compensation. These fall under several different categories, which are:

• Economic Damages: You can secure compensation for quantifiable financial losses.
• Non-Economic Damages: A personal injury victim can also claim for non-quantifiable subjective losses.
• Punitive Damages: Although rare, these kinds of damages may be awarded to punish particularly reckless or intentional behavior.

Within these categories, we could seek compensation for specific losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: These include the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other medical services related to your injury.
• Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Connecticut allows for the recovery of non-economic damages, which can compensate for the physical and emotional pain you have endured as a direct result of your injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury has impacted your ability to engage in the activities you once enjoyed, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
• Property Damage: In accidents where personal property, like a vehicle, was damaged, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.

Every situation is different, but we carefully assess every possible avenue to seek comprehensive compensation for the full range of available damages.

Why Choose Dolan Injury Lawyers, PLLC, for Your Personal Injury Case?

Dolan Injury Lawyers, PLLC, is committed to offering client-focused representation that emphasizes your needs and goals. Our firm believes in providing a personalized approach and taking the time to understand your individual situation. That way, we can then tailor our services to your case. We are dedicated to keeping clients informed, handling each case with respect and due diligence. In all stages of the process, we are always advocating for your interests.

When you work with us, you receive not only legal representation but also a compassionate ally who understands the impact an injury can have on your life. Our team is ready to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions throughout your case.

Connecticut Personal Injury Laws and How They May Affect Your Claim

Connecticut has specific rules and regulations that influence personal injury claims. Here are a few critical aspects:

• Comparative Negligence: Connecticut follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means that you can recover damages under the condition that you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
• Statute of Limitations: A personal injury claim must generally be filed within two years of the date of injury. Missing this deadline may result in losing the right to seek compensation in the future.
• Insurance Requirements: Connecticut has minimum insurance requirements for motor vehicles, which can impact car accident claims. Understanding these insurance policies is crucial when negotiating with insurance companies or deciding whether to pursue additional legal action.
• Damage Caps: Unlike some states, Connecticut does not place a cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This includes non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. However, punitive damages—which are meant to punish the liable party in particularly egregious circumstances—are generally limited in both scope and amount paid, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your case.
• Medical Malpractice: Connecticut employs specific procedural requirements for filing medical malpractice claims. Before a claim can proceed, the plaintiff must obtain a written opinion from a qualified medical professional stating that there appears to be evidence of negligence. This written opinion is often referred to as a “Good Faith Certificate.”
• Wrongful Death Claim: When a person dies due to the negligence or intentional actions of another, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim. In Connecticut, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the victim’s passing but no more than five years from the date of the act or accident that caused the death.

Our lawyers are well-versed in Connecticut personal injury laws. We can make sure every aspect of your case adheres to the state’s legal requirements while fully protecting your rights.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Personal Injury Claim If the Accident Aggravated an Old Injury?

A: Yes. Connecticut law allows you to seek compensation if an accident worsens a pre-existing condition. This is called an “eggshell plaintiff” rule. This means that the defendant (the liable party) takes you as they find you, even if prior injuries make you more susceptible to harm. For example, you have slipped discs and took a job at a warehouse as a truck loader. If your employer employed you, then they are liable if the job duties exacerbate your condition.

Documenting your condition before and after the accident can demonstrate the extent of the new damage.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in Connecticut Personal Injury Cases?

A: In Connecticut, there’s no set formula for calculating pain and suffering. Courts or insurance adjusters typically consider factors like:

• The severity of the injury
• Its impact on your daily life
• Any long-term effects
• How it affects your emotional well-being

Evidence from medical reports, witness testimonies, and even personal statements can all contribute to determining a fair amount for pain and suffering.

Your attorney can better estimate your case’s value after they review it, but any projections are not final, so try not to plan your future until you have a settlement in hand.

Q: Are Connecticut Personal Injury Settlements Subject to Taxes?

A: In general, compensatory damages from personal injury settlements, like medical expenses or pain and suffering, are not taxed in Connecticut. However, portions awarded for lost wages, or interest on damages, may be taxable. This is because you would have paid tax on any wages earned if you weren’t injured, and interest accrued in an account is taxable.

If you have concerns about your future tax obligations, consulting a tax professional after receiving a settlement can clarify any specific tax-related questions you might have.

Q: What If the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Insurance?

A: In Connecticut, you can file a claim through your own insurance if the at-fault party is uninsured. Many policies offer uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover your expenses. Additionally, personal injury protection (PIP) or med-pay coverage may also be available to you. To be certain that you are exploring all available avenues for compensation if you find yourself in this situation, be sure to consult an attorney.

Contact Dolan Injury Lawyers, PLLC, for a Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury in Connecticut, don’t face the legal challenges alone. At Dolan Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we are here to provide the support, guidance, and representation you need to pursue justice and fair compensation.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward rebuilding your life. Let us help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and confidence. We can pursue the most favorable outcome, so all you have to do is focus on recovery.