Slip-and-Fall Accidents at Connecticut Businesses

In Connecticut, when you enter a place of business and suffer an accident caused by slipping and falling due to a dangerous condition on the property, you have the right to file a legal claim to recover compensation.

Whether you slipped on a wet grocery store floor in Groton or you tripped over exposed electrical cords at an apartment building in East Haven, understanding the legalities of slip-and-fall accidents at Connecticut businesses is essential.

Who Is Held Liable for a Slip-and-Fall Accident That Takes Place at a Business?

Personal injury claims have surged by 78% in recent years, and 35% of all nonfatal preventable injuries are related to falls. When you suffer an injury after a slip-and-fall accident at a business, you need to know who you are holding liable before you can file your claim.

In a slip-and-fall accident taking place at a store, the legal responsibility is not always as straightforward as one might think. Liability will typically depend on who had possession of the area where the accident occurred and who was in control of that area of the business. In some cases, this might extend beyond the property’s owner to the business’s manager on duty at the time of your accident.

Based on the unique circumstances of your case, the liable party might include:

• The business owner or corporate entity. The individual or company that owns and operates the business inside the property may be considered liable if it failed to train its employees appropriately, enforce necessary safety protocols, or make sure conditions were safe.
• The owner of the property or landlord. In certain places of business, the party that actually owns the building, such as a shopping mall or plaza, is responsible for common areas like sidewalks, stairwells, parking lots, and exterior lighting. If any of these places or factors caused you to slip and fall, then you may be able to file a claim against these parties.
• A property manager. Sometimes, a commercial property is owned by a third party. These third parties are liable for any necessary inspections, appropriate maintenance, and any repairs. When they fail in this duty, you may be able to hold them liable for the injuries you sustain.
• Other outside contractors. In certain conditions, when you slip and fall at a place of business in Connecticut, you may be able to hold a cleaning crew, a security provider, or a snow removal company liable if they created or failed to address a dangerous condition.

How to Prove Negligence and Liability After Slipping and Falling at a Business

When the time comes to officially file your liability claim in a slip-and-fall accident, there are four elements that you and your Connecticut slip and fall attorney must be able to prove regarding negligence. These four elements include:

• Responsibility to act. You must first be able to prove that the liable party, such as the property owner or management company, held a specific legal obligation to keep the business property safe for all legal visitors by addressing any safety concerns or dangerous conditions.
• Breach of duty. You will then need to prove that the liable party did not meet this standard of duty. For example, by not cleaning up a spill, the floor of the business grew wet, and you suffered a slip and fall as a result.
• Causation. You will then need to show the link between the liable party’s breach of duty and your accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages. Finally, you will need to prove that your slip-and-fall accident resulted in measurable harm, like lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

FAQs

What Damages Can I Receive After a Slip-and-Fall Claim?

There is a range of damages you may be able to recover in a slip-and-fall claim, based on the extent and severity of your injuries. In 2024 alone, the United States economy witnessed $1.3 billion in personal injury costs. These damages can include all the related medical bills, lost wages, lost employment benefits, loss of future earning capacity, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

What Should I Do After Suffering a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

After suffering an injury in a slip-and-fall accident, you need to call 911 and get emergency medical service. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, it is wise to take yourself to the nearest emergency room and get yourself looked over for any possible invisible injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage. You should also collect whatever evidence you can before consulting with an injury attorney.

What Evidence Is Useful to Prove a Slip-and-Fall Claim?

There are several forms of evidence that can prove useful in a slip-and-fall case. This evidence can include statements made by eyewitnesses, surveillance video footage, a copy of the official incident report, photographs of the hazard that caused you to slip and fall, records of any similar accidents, reports regarding property inspections, your medical records and bills, and documentation of any building or safety code violations.

Is It Worth It for You to Hire a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?

Yes, it is always worth it to hire a slip-and-fall lawyer. While having an attorney on your side is not legally required to file a claim in Connecticut, they make all the difference when it comes to actually being able to recover compensation and reach the most favorable outcome possible in your claim. Your attorney works to investigate your accident, uncover evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and, should it be necessary, they can take your case to trial.

Hire a Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffer an injury at a place of business in Connecticut, it is essential that you hire a slip-and-fall accident lawyer as quickly as possible. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, our firm has over 80 years of experience, and as the largest law firm in the Eastern part of the state, we have the resources and skills required to serve you. To learn more about how our Connecticut personal injury lawyers can help, contact our offices online or by phone today and schedule an initial consultation.