By Robert Dombrowski, Board-Certified Attorney at Dombrowski Law Group, LLC
It happens in an instant. You’re shopping for groceries at your local store, a place you’ve been to a thousand times. You’re navigating the aisles, maybe thinking about what you’ll make for dinner, when suddenly your foot slides on a clear puddle of liquid. In a flash, you’re on the ground, the familiar fluorescent lights glaring down at you. Or maybe it’s a cold Connecticut winter day, and you’re walking down a sidewalk near the town green when a hidden patch of black ice sends you flying, leaving you with a sprained ankle or worse.
The initial shock gives way to pain and confusion. It’s hard to believe this could happen to you, in a place that’s supposed to be safe. You might feel embarrassed, or you might just want to get up and go home. But what happens next can change everything. The medical bills, the missed days of work, and the nagging pain can quickly turn a moment of carelessness into a long, drawn-out nightmare.
At Dombrowski Law Group, we understand that these accidents are not just inconvenient—they are life-altering events. With expertise in premises liability, we assist clients injured in slip-and-fall accidents by investigating the circumstances and holding negligent property owners accountable. We believe that when you’re on a property, whether it’s a public park in Hartford, a retail store in Danbury, or a restaurant in Mystic, you have a right to feel safe.
The term “slip-and-fall” might sound simple, but it falls under a complex area of law known as premises liability. In Connecticut, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This doesn’t mean they are responsible for every single fall that happens on their property. The key is proving that the owner was negligent—that they either knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you about it in a timely manner.
Think about the places you frequent. That uneven pavement in the parking lot of the shopping plaza. The torn carpet in the movie theater lobby. The dimly lit stairway at an apartment complex. These are all potential hazards that a diligent property owner should identify and correct. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable for the damages.
This is where the law becomes your most powerful tool. It’s about more than just your physical injuries; it’s about recovering from the financial and emotional toll. This includes payment for your medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Without proper legal representation, you risk being short-changed by insurance companies who are not looking out for your best interests.
At Dombrowski Law Group, we meticulously investigate every slip-and-fall case to ensure our clients receive the full and fair compensation they need to recover.
The immediate aftermath of a slip-and-fall is critical. If you are physically able, take photos of the scene—the ice, the spilled liquid, the broken step. Documenting the hazard before it is cleaned up or repaired is crucial evidence. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and if it happened at a business, report the incident to the manager and make sure an accident report is filed. Then, and this is perhaps the most important step, seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the priority, and a medical record will be an essential part of your legal case.
It’s also vital to understand the deadlines for filing a claim in Connecticut. For most personal injury cases, including slip-and-falls, the statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, this deadline can be much shorter if the responsible party is a government entity, such as a town or the state. For example, if you fall on a public sidewalk, you may only have 90 days to provide written notice of your intent to sue the municipality. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
Another complexity in Connecticut law is what’s known as “modified comparative fault.” This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your own fall, your compensation could be reduced. For instance, if a court finds that you were 20% responsible for your fall because you were distracted by your phone, your awarded damages would be reduced by 20%. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may be unable to recover any damages at all. An experienced attorney knows how to build a strong case that minimizes any perceived fault on your part and maximizes your recovery.
As a Board-Certified Attorney, I have dedicated my career to understanding the nuances of these laws and fighting for the rights of the injured. Board certification is not just another title; it signifies a commitment to the highest ethical standards and expertise in a specialized area of law, evaluated through rigorous testing and peer review. This level of dedication ensures you have an advocate who is not only knowledgeable but also highly respected in the legal community.
When you’re faced with the consequences of an injury, you need more than just legal advice; you need a partner who will guide you through the process with care and confidence. We know the courts in Connecticut, from the Hartford Judicial District to the New Haven Superior Court, and we’re prepared to fight on your behalf.
Your focus should be on healing, not on fighting with insurance adjusters or worrying about legal deadlines. Let us take on that burden for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Connecticut, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.