Attorney Eric Reinken works for the town of Greenwich, which gives us at The Reinken Law Firm familiarity with the area and the laws of the city. We use knowledge of Connecticut law governing slip and fall accidents to seek just compensation for residents hurt while visiting stores and other establishments or walking through parking lots or on sidewalks. We handle many personal injury negligence cases and have recovered damages for many clients.
Sidewalks are a common place for trips or falls because of crumbling concrete or asphalt, holes, or the accumulation of ice and snow. We take action to ensure proof of the property owner’s negligence is obtained without breaking the chain of evidence. It is common for us to use affidavits, pictures, videos, police reports or witnesses to support claims.
While slip and fall incidents occurring in stores or privately owned parking lots are usually cause to bring a claim against the property owner or the party responsible for that property, slip and fall accidents on sidewalks may require filing a claim against the municipality that maintains the sidewalk. In most cases, the municipalities bear responsibility for keeping the sidewalks clear of dangerous conditions such as ice and snow. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-149, municipalities such as towns or cities are liable for damages caused by a breach of that duty.
Connecticut courts have carved out two exceptions to the rule holding cities and towns responsible for injuries occurring on their sidewalks:
Most cities and towns have adopted the ordinances permitted by Connecticut General Statutes § 7-163a and many ordinances passed as a result to specifically impose the duty on the landowner to keep sidewalks free of accumulating ice and snow. Thus, if a pedestrian slips and falls on an icy sidewalk outside a store in such a municipality, the store owner may be the responsible party.
If you get hurt by falling on a sidewalk, you need an experienced attorney who can sort out the liability issues. Of particular importance is the need, if the responsible party is the city or town where the sidewalk is located, to comply with specific notice requirements for that city. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 13a-149, notice of the claim, along with a written description of how the injury occurred, must be given within 90 days of the incident to one of several enumerated municipal officials. We provide the advice and guidance you need to comply with this and other legal requirements so you remain eligible to recover damages for your injuries.
Speak with a slip and fall attorney in Danbury, Bridgeport or Stamford today
The Reinken Law Firm is conveniently located to serve you, with offices in Stamford, Bridgeport and in Danbury. We offer a free consultation during which you speak directly with an attorney. Call us at (203) 325-8800, or use our online contact form, to schedule your free consultation today.