Injuries occur every single day throughout Connecticut and across the entire world. In many cases, these injuries are a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. When this is the case, the victim can file a claim and seek compensation through legal recourse. Depending on the circumstances, you can figure out the average personal injury settlement amount in Connecticut.
Personal injury cases can take on many forms, and it’s important to recognize when your injuries were caused by another individual or entity. Some of the most common personal injury cases in Connecticut involve people who suffered injuries from:
In 2022, private sector employers reported approximately 35,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Connecticut. The state also saw 1,474 crashes involving pedestrians in 2023, including 180 serious injuries and 64 deaths. Moreover, 2,503 medical malpractice claims were filed and closed between 2019 and 2023.
These are just a few areas where personal injury cases are possible. If you’ve suffered an injury, the aid of a seasoned attorney can be crucial for proving negligence and seeking the compensation you are owed.
When you file a personal injury case in Connecticut, you must state the damages you wish to claim against the defending party. The final settlement amounts of personal injury cases can vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the expenses incurred by the victim.
You can seek both economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury claim, so it’s important to take the time to evaluate your situation in the wake of an injury. Some common forms of compensation you can seek include:
In 2023, hospitals in Connecticut billed $3.3 billion for treating injuries, so you can lose a lot of money trying to recover from an injury on your own. A Connecticut personal injury lawyer can figure out the right course of action to seek compensation for your medical costs and any other damages.
After an injury, it’s important to seek medical attention and make sure you’re completely safe and healthy before you begin diving into the legal process. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s wise to visit a doctor to be sure you haven’t sustained any delayed injuries.
If you have a personal injury claim, it’s important to document as much as you can as soon as everything happens. Some easy ways to document the incident include writing down important details, taking photos, collecting witness contact information, and keeping records of any medical bills or other expenses.
Once you’re ready to file a claim, it’s wise to consult a personal injury attorney. They can assess the strength of your case, handle the negotiations with any insurance companies, and see your case all the way to court if it’s necessary. The timeline of a personal injury case depends on many factors, including how quickly fault is established and negotiations progress.
The steps for filing your claim typically go as follows:
In Connecticut, most personal injury cases are resolved through settlements outside of court. However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement through negotiations, the case may proceed to trial. In such instances, your case will likely move to the New Haven or Ansonia-Milford Judicial Systems, which are part of the Connecticut Superior Court system.
Most personal injury lawyers in Connecticut work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t have to pay upfront for legal services. Instead, your attorney takes a percentage of your settlement. The exact percentage depends on factors like case complexity and the firm’s experience.
What constitutes a fair personal injury settlement can vary, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident that caused the victim’s injuries. In most cases, a fair settlement includes suitable compensation for the victim’s lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and potential future costs. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and advocate for a compensation package that reflects the full scope of your losses.
If you’re thinking about filing a personal injury claim for an incident you experienced, it’s important to do so in a timely manner. The personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. That said, you may have to abide by stricter deadlines if an insurance company is involved in your claim.
If you have a personal injury case, but you’re not sure how to proceed with your claim, a local personal injury lawyer can clarify your options for you. Our attorneys at Jacobs & Jacobs have decades of experience in handling all types of personal injury cases. We can use our knowledge of the local legal process to build a strong case that gets you a fair settlement.
The first step in figuring out if you have a personal injury case is to talk to a lawyer you trust. You can reach our team at Jacobs & Jacobs by contacting our office or visiting us down in New Haven. Located just off I-91, our team is ready to hear your story and help you get the justice you deserve.