Personal Injury FAQ

• What does the word damages mean for me?
• What types of damages might I be able to recover?
• Is there a time limit to submit a personal injury claim?
• What if my injury does not fit into the examples I see on the Personal Injury page?
• How do I prove negligence?
• What if I am found partly responsible for my injury?

What does the word damages mean for me?

The word damages is used in personal injury cases to describe all costs involved with an injury, including financial, physical, and emotional costs.

What types of damages might I be able to recover?

Damages you may be able to recover will depend on your specific situation, but include the following expenses according to Connecticut personal injury law:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Time away from work and cost of future wages
• Changes in future earning ability as a result of your injury
• Property damage, including damage to your car
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or affected relationships with family
• Other costs directly related to your injury, like the cost of hiring someone to do household chores while you are unable

Is there a time limit to submit a personal injury claim?

Connecticut allows you two years from the date of the accident or incident to file a claim for personal injury. However, many claims require specific detailed notice requirements that must be filed within at earliest 60 days to the at fault party or a case may be permanently lost.

What if my injury does not fit into the examples I see on the Personal Injury page?

Call us to discuss your specific case. Personal injury cases might fit in one of many categories.
While a majority of our cases are auto accidents and premises liability cases, we have relevant experience in products liability law - covering defective and unsafe consumer products - and other areas of personal injury law.

How do I prove negligence?

Personal injury cases generally require victims to prove negligence on the part of another in order to recover damages. Negligence is broadly described as the failure to use reasonable care. Proving negligence in Connecticut courts involves all of the following elements:

• Establishing a duty of care – an obligation to keep you safe – from the person or party who caused your injury
• Showing the failure to meet that obligation
• Showing injury and damages suffered
• Proving the failure to meet that obligation specifically caused your injury

What if I am found partly responsible for my injury?

You might still be able to recover damages; however, Connecticut’s comparative negligence theory states that damages will be reduced proportionally according to each person’s degree of negligence.