Property owners in Connecticut have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors. The level of responsibility varies based on the type of property and the visitor’s status (e.g., invitee, licensee, trespasser). Generally, property owners owe the highest duty of care to invited guests and business patrons.
To establish liability, the injured party must prove:
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition.
- The owner failed to address the condition within a reasonable timeframe.
Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, maintenance records, and surveillance footage can strengthen a slip and fall claim.
Steps after a Slip and Fall
If you suffer a slip and fall on someone else’s property, take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention to document your injuries.
- Report the incident to the property owner/manager and request an incident report.
- Document the exact location, time, and conditions that led to the fall.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Take photographs of the hazardous condition and your injuries.
Retain an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and build your case.
Connecticut follows the “comparative negligence” rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident.
Preservation of Evidence Letter
Property owners often reuse or delete surveillance videos after a certain period, potentially destroying valuable evidence. By sending a preservation of evidence letter, you formally request that the property owner retain all relevant recordings and documentation related to your accident. This helps ensure that critical evidence is not lost or tampered with before your case can be properly investigated and litigated.
If you have further questions or believe you may have a valid claim, please don’t hesitate to contact Casper & de Toledo today.
