In an instant, somebody else’s mistake can dramatically change the quality of your life. A devastating personal injury can cause debilitating physical pain and mental anguish. You may be unable to work, which could take an immense toll on your family’s financial wellbeing. Pursuing a claim against the person responsible for your injury could bring you some peace of mind, as well as the financial assistance that you need to get started on the path to recovery.
A Fairfield personal injury lawyer understands the challenges that you may face as you recover from your injury. Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. can advise you throughout every step of the legal process and work to secure you the compensation you deserve.
What is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit can be filed to address the injuries you suffered to your mind and body as a result of another person’s conduct. Unlike a criminal case which seeks to redress wrongs and punish a wrongdoer, a Connecticut civil case permits a private cause of action for monetary compensation from the at-fault party. The private claimant must demonstrate to the court that the at-fault party’s conduct likely caused the claimant’s injuries and losses.
Personal injury cases often concern injuries that occur as a result of negligence or carelessness resulting in a vehicle accident (such as: motor vehicle; truck; bus; motorcycle; bicycle; boat), an intentional act (such as: sexual assault; physical assault), or the use of defective products or medications.
The majority of cases in Fairfield arise out of a person’s negligence or carelessness. Although not all accidents and injuries are avoidable, the ones as a result of a person’s negligence or carelessness generally could have been prevented. When a person acts negligently, they put others at risk by not following through with their duty to act responsibly and reasonably toward others.
A local personal injury attorney like George Ganim, Jr. can help you prove negligence by demonstrating that a reasonable person would have acted differently in a similar situation.
Statute of Limitations on Fairfield Personal Injury Claims
It is essential to meet with an attorney as soon as possible after a devastating injury so he can review the details of the incident and determine if there is a viable case for compensation. As time passes, it may be harder to find witnesses who can give reliable accounts of the incident, and some evidence may be lost without prompt action. In addition, Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584 states that you must file your claim within two years of the accident in most situations. If the statute of limitations passes, and you have not yet filed your claim, you will be barred from filing a lawsuit for this accident in the future.
Can an Injured Person Recover Damages if They Bear Some Fault?
Not all accidents result from the negligence of just one person. Multiple parties can share the blame for a serious accident, including the injured person. Fortunately, Connecticut courts do not bar recovery if you bear some fault for the incident that caused your injuries and losses. Under the state’s limited comparative negligence standard, you can still recover compensation if you were less than 50 percent at fault. However, the court will reduce your compensation in proportion to your degree of blame. If you were more than 50 percent at fault, you will be barred from recovering anything. A Fairfield personal injury lawyer understands this standard and can work to ensure that the courts properly allocate responsibility.
Schedule a Consultation with a Fairfield Personal Injury Attorney
If you sustained serious injuries due to a negligent actor, you are eligible to receive compensation from that person. You should reach out an experienced Fairfield personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of a lawsuit. Let Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. handle the meetings with defense lawyers and insurance companies while you focus on your physical recovery. Set up an appointment to discuss the circumstances of your accident and how much compensation you could fight for.