Personal injury claims encompass a wide range of incidents, from car accidents to slip and fall injuries, each with its own set of legal complexities. At Cohen, Burns, Hard & Paul, we will give you an honest and forthright assessment of your case. We will strive to optimize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life’s activities through an aggressive negotiation of a prompt and fair result with the insurance company and, if they are not willing to negotiate fairly, will present a thorough case on your behalf at trial. We strive to get your case resolved mutually so that you do not have to wait months or even years to get a resolution, but we will not do so until we are sure that you have completed your course of treatment, we have had a thorough discussion as to the implications of your injuries and how they impact your lives, and give you an expectation as what would be fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries to strive to meet. As is the law in the State of Connecticut, our recovery is guided by statute contingent upon recovery from the other party and therefore, there is no charge to you for legal fees.
Certain principles apply to any accident case
We as your attorney will work with you. But we cannot do it ourselves. We encourage you the client to be proactive and communicative. This is critical to optimize the outcome of the case for our mutual interest. Among our top priorities include:
- Medical treatment:
- It is very important that when injured you cooperate with your medical providers by keeping appointments consistently, heeding your doctors’ advice and following through with treatment to improve your condition.
- If your doctor gives you restrictions, do not ignore them. If in so doing you reinjure yourself you will be giving the culpable party an easy excuse to minimize your damages while doing yourself harm personally. And, do not be shy to let your doctor know if your condition worsens or your treatments are not effective
- Documenting your claim:
- It is critical to get as much documentation to fault the other party at the outset including police reports in accident cases, reporting injuries to employers or to parties responsible for the proper maintenance of any premises at which you may incur injury. Cooperate with police or other responders, and gather identity of witnesses to the occurrence
- Keep a written account. When you are injured, the ensuing days, weeks and months can be excruciating. But with the passage of time, those memories might fade so it is important to keep a narrative describing levels of discomfort, limitations, and inability to engage in daily activities (such as driving, working, sleeping, etc). Writing things down is the best form of memory, and can be a useful tool in negotiating settlements and preserving critical evidence for trial
- Visual evidence. ‘A picture speaks a thousand words’ they say, so getting early pictures of damaged vehicles, hazardous conditions at the site of a fall down, visible injuries such as cuts or contusions can be very persuasive and evocative. Video evidence is easy to capture and preserve as to such conditions, and can also flesh out difficulties you may be having with movements and activities.
The type of cases we specialize in include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are an all-too-common occurrence in Connecticut. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian involved in a collision, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. We will encourage you to gather and preserve evidence in the aftermath. Notably, our job for you is to handle the bodily injury claim which has a more broad, complex and fluid range of compensability as opposed to the claim for damage to the vehicle which is by and large a mathematical exercise for the repair or replacement of vehicle, compensation for rental of vehicle and other collateral costs (towing, storage etc.) When there is pushback or delay by the culpable party, it makes a good deal of sense to allow your own insurance to expedite the claim, even if you are not the party at fault, allowing it to then subrogate against the third party to recoup their outlay as well as your deductible.
Slip/Trip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, from public sidewalks to private properties. Establishing liability in these cases often requires proving that the property owner or manager failed to maintain a safe environment by eliminating known hazardous conditions before someone gets hurt, and part of that is to prove that they did know, or in the exercise of ordinary prudence should have known, of the existence of the hazard. Such hazards would include accumulations of snow and ice, spills of liquid or slippery substances in stores, holes or uneven cracks in sidewalks, defective or poorly constructed stair cases, and the like. We will work with you to gather available information necessary to establish a sound case of liability against the party in control of the property.
Product Liability
If you have been injured due to a defective product, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. Whether it is a malfunctioning vehicle part or a hazardous consumer product, manufacturers and distributors can be held liable for injuries caused by their products. Attorneys can investigate the product’s design, manufacturing, and marketing processes to determine liability and seek compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bites
Dog bites and animal attacks can result in serious injuries, particularly for children and vulnerable individuals. In Connecticut, the owner or keeper of a dog is liable for the amount of damage caused to person or property, regardless of the animal’s previous behavior [1]. Attorneys can help gather evidence, assess damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses and other losses. [1] With certain exceptions, such as trespass or tormenting the dog
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can lead to severe injuries and financial hardships for workers and their families. Connecticut Workers’ Compensation law provides a host of structured benefits which are limited, but we will be vigilant to see you get all you deserve. In addition, there may be instances where third-party liability exists, such as negligent contractors or equipment manufacturers. We will explore all avenues for compensation, including personal injury claims against responsible parties if warranted. As always, we will give you an honest assessment of the viability of such claims. .
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience. Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Attorneys can provide compassionate support, guide you through the legal process, and fight for justice on behalf of your loved one.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors and guests. There is significant overlap between these cases and those described under slip/trip and fall, but these cases would also include inadequate security or supervision correlating to assaults on the person or hostile actions by employees in the course of employment.
In conclusion, navigating personal injury claims in Connecticut requires legal expertise, thorough investigation, and strategic advocacy. We at Cohen, Burns, Hard & Paul Law Office possess the knowledge, experience, and dedication to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Whether you have been injured in a car accident, slip, and fall incident, or another type of personal injury incident, seeking legal representation can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome.
