In Stamford, Connecticut, the law allows you to seek compensation for any injuries sustained and damaged property if the accident that you were involved in was caused by someone’s carelessness. However, even though you have legal rights to file for such a claim, this is never an easy process. That is why you might want to consider seeking the assistance of an experienced Stamford personal injury lawyer.
At Aeton Law, we will not only investigate the complex and intricate details of your case but also protect your rights and interests as you fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours. Whether you were the victim of a car accident, slip & fall accident, or another personal injury, we are here to help you. Call us today for a free consultation and find out more about what your next steps should be.
What You Should Do Immediately After Suffering an Injury
It is okay to feel confused and worried after being involved in an accident. But, as a victim, you are always advised to do your best to stay calm so that you can take control of the situation as best as you can. The following steps can help you build the strongest case possible against the liable party:
Seek Treatment and Keep Copies of All Medical Reports
A lot of things can happen after an accident, and the scene can get worse if safety measures are not taken as quickly as possible. For this reason, the first action that you should take is to seek medical treatment, especially if you sustain serious injuries. After getting medical attention, be sure that you get a copy of your medical report.
Such documents can be used as proof of injuries when filing a claim. That is why it is vital to have such documents copied and kept safely. If you do not have a safe place to store such evidence, you can always submit the documents to your legal representative since they will be in charge of all the evidence relating to the personal injury case.
Take Photos and Video of Property Damages and Injuries Whenever Possible
In addition to medical records, your personal injury lawyer in Stamford can also use other materials as evidence, such as photos or video footage of the accident. You can use any device to do this, such as your mobile phone, or ask a nearby witness to do it for you. If someone else records the accident scene or takes photos, make sure that you obtain the content from the person recording.
Speak with Witnesses and Request Contact Information
The next step is to get the names of all potential witness as well as their contact details because the testimony of a witness can be used to strengthen your case. You also need to understand that witnesses are never easy to trace after leaving the scene of the accident. That is why it is vital to acquire the contact details of each witness so that it can be easy to find them when their testimony is required.
Contact Law Enforcement to Report the Incident
The law requires all victims involved in a traffic accident to report the matter before leaving the scene. This is why our team at Aeton Law generally advises that you report the matter to the police. Once the police arrive, they will make sure that all the victims involved get to exchange their details as required by law before writing a report of the accident.
If the accident occurred at a workplace, you should report the matter to the supervisor. The supervisor is given the responsibility of writing a report of the accident and being sure that you get the medical attention that is needed because companies owe workers a duty of care. Moreover, employers must apply for workers’ compensation insurance, which covers the medical expenses of all employees who sustain any kind of injury while on duty.
Never Admit Fault
Besides seeking evidence to support a personal injury claim, you should also avoid making mistakes that can decrease the value of your claim. This can reduce the value of a personal injury claim and cause the claim to be denied. Your Stamford personal injury attorney will be responsible for protecting you against unjust allegations of shared blame.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
It is wise to talk to someone who can offer legal advice as to what to do and say regarding the incident. For this reason, we strongly encourage victims who have been involved in an accident to talk to a personal injury lawyer before communicating with anyone else. At Aeton Law, we are always ready to help and prepared to take legal action against those who cause accidents because of their negligence.
Why You Need a Stamford Personal Injury Lawyer
Deciding whether to take legal action is half the battle. Once you connect with a dedicated personal injury attorney at Aeton Law, you can focus on recuperating. Our team is prepared to assist you with the following:
Case Preparation and Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Many people prefer hiring a personal injury lawyer to help them with their cases. This is because a personal injury lawyer has the knowledge and the experience needed to win a victim’s case. Moreover, a lot of work is involved before a victim can be compensated for injuries sustained or damaged property.
For example, the first legal step that your lawyer may be required to take is to file a lawsuit against the offender. Filing a lawsuit involves filling in legal paperwork, gathering all evidence related to the case, and sticking to the timeline. Therefore, injury victims can avoid doing most of the hard work by hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance firms know how they can search for loopholes to hinder you from claiming a settlement. Unless you have good negotiation skills, your chances of receiving compensation might be limited. With Aeton Law backing you up, the insurance company is sure to know how seriously you are taking your claim.
Trial Preparation and Representation
In case you fail to reach an agreement with the defendant or obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company, our personal injury team is prepared to handle your court case. Your personal injury lawyer will help gather sufficient evidence and represent you in court. Our legal advocates will do everything possible to maximize your settlement at trial.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in Stamford, CT
There are three types of damages that you can recover in a Stamford personal injury claim. These damages are economic, non-economic, and punitive. Each type of damage helps recover certain elements, as explained below.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include any financial loss incurred as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. Some of the expenses that are included in this category are medical bills, lost wages, the cost of damaged property, and the cost of rehabilitation. These are much easier to quantify than other types of losses.
Non-Economic Damages
These types of damages cannot be easily quantified. Therefore, it becomes difficult for your attorney to estimate their value. Some common examples of non-economic damages are pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, not being able to enjoy life, and unjust hardship.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not meant to compensate victims for their losses but rather to punish the guilty party for the act that caused the accident. They are not awarded in most personal injury lawsuits. But if the judge presiding over your case determines the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or done in malice, punitive damages may be appropriate in your case.
How Liability Is Determined
The burden of proof in personal injury lawsuits is based on a preponderance of the evidence. This means we must show that the defendant is likely liable for your damages and that the elements of negligence have been met. To prove liability in a personal injury case, your Stamford personal injury lawyer needs to establish the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care – The accused party owed you a duty of care.
- Breach – The accused failed to uphold their duty of care.
- Causation – The accused’s actions directly or indirectly caused your damages and injuries.
- Damages – You endured actual physical harm or loss, such as injuries, emotional trauma, and medical bills
What Happens if You Are Partially at Fault
Under General Statutes §52-572h, Connecticut uses a modified comparative fault standard. This means a victim can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault. However, the amount the victim recovers will be reduced by their percentage of fault, so if you are found to be 20% at fault, you will only receive 80% of the damages.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at Aeton Law
At Aeton Law, we handle various kinds of personal injury cases. We need to be adaptable and ready to help our clients no matter what type of accident they are involved in. Some of the most common accidents our clients report include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are some of the most common types of personal injury claims we handle. If someone else is responsible for causing our collision, they can be compelled to compensate you through an insurance claim or by bringing your case to court. Our legal team will be prepared to help you get the most out of your claim and ensure the at-fault party is brought to justice.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents are known for resulting in some of the most devastating injuries and even death. Many truck accidents are caused by truck drivers’ or trucking companies’ negligence. If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact a personal injury attorney in Stamford with Aeton Law to explore your legal options and begin to take back control of your life.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are often subject to catastrophic injury due to the lack of protection surrounding them. Motorcyclists often find it more difficult to negotiate with insurance companies who may unjustly categorize them as dangerous drivers. Connect with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm to advocate for your right to maximum compensation.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners owe their guests and patrons a duty of care. When they fail to uphold this duty and ultimately cause slip and fall accidents, you may be able to file a claim against their homeowners, general liability, renters, or business insurance policy to recoup a portion of your damages. Remaining losses can be sought after when you file your personal injury lawsuit at trial.
Wrongful Death
Our law firm is comprised of some of the most compassionate and empathetic legal advocates across the state of Connecticut. Our team has successfully handled hundreds of wrongful death cases and is proud to have helped these families overcome some of the most difficult times in their lives. You can count on us to identify those responsible and get justice for your deceased loved one.
Stamford Personal Injury FAQ
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Stamford, Connecticut?
As stated in Connecticut General Statutes §52-584, you must file your personal injury claim within two years from the time of the incident. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for your case. In the worst-case scenario, the court system may be obligated to dismiss your case.
How Much Will a Stamford Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The burden of seeking treatment and financial support to cover medical expenses is already too much for you to solve. Therefore, Aeton Law uses a contingency fee arrangement. This means we can only be awarded our legal fees if we recover your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Stamford Personal Injury Lawyer
The aftermath of an injury is often very stressful. Many victims must cope with expensive medicals and lost income from taking time off to recover. The law allows you to seek compensation if someone’s careless or reckless actions caused your action.
It is best to have a knowledgeable professional handle your compensation claim. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced Stamford personal injury lawyer, contact Aeton Law by calling our office or filling out our quick contact form today. Your initial consultation is free, and we are prepared to start advocating for your rights as soon as possible.