Stratford Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury law covers a vast range of cases, with the most significant portion being car accidents. Personal injury lawsuits always result from one person or group suffering harm because of another person, group, or business negligence. The award amount for damages will depend on the accident’s severity and injuries and how much the incident will continue to affect the plaintiff in the aftermath. 

While injury lawsuits are common in Stratford, they are usually hard to prove and even more difficult to recover the fair settlement amount for when filing on your own. Therefore, many seek counsel from an experienced Stratford personal injury attorney to help them navigate this challenging legal process.

A dedicated accidental injury lawyer from Bert McDowell Injury Law is prepared to fight for your rights in insurance settlement negotiations or in civil court, if necessary. Do not delay in obtaining the legal help you deserve—Bring on Bert!

Common Personal Injury Cases in Stratford

Other than auto collisions, some of the most common personal injury cases Bert McDowell handles in Stratford include: 

• Medical malpractice cases
• Product liability claims, including dangerous and defective drug lawsuits 
• Dog bites and animal attacks 
• Other vehicle crashes, including motorcycle and commercial trucks 
• Slip and fall accidents and other premises liability cases 
• Workplace accident injuries 
• Severe burn injury cases 
• Wrongful death 

Damages in personal injury cases could include medical costs and ongoing care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. A seasoned Stratford personal injury lawyer can answer questions about a specific case after carefully reviewing the available evidence. A proactive legal professional from our firm can also complete a thorough investigation and build a solid civil claim for damages.

State Statutes Impacting Personal Injury Claims in Stratford

There are numerous state laws and regulations that may impact a civil claim in Connecticut, and a well-practiced personal injury attorney in Stratford could review the complete list during an initial consultation. However, some of the legislation that will affect a significant number of cases include:

Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit 

The civil court sets a strict time limit for filing a lawsuit in personal injury cases. According to Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584, the claimant must file the lawsuit within two years of the cause of action. If the plaintiff files the case after the statute expires, the defendant has the legal right to request the court to dismiss the issue immediately. 

Filing a Case Against a Government Entity 

The timeline for filing a civil action against a government agency differs from that of other people and organizations. The injured plaintiff and their attorney have only six months to alert the agency that they will file suit and must commence legal action within one year of the accident. 

The Comparative Fault Rule 

It is common for the defendant and their attorney to assert the plaintiff shares fault for the accident and ensuing damages. However, the civil court follows the comparative fault rule in this state. 

The comparative fault rules mean that sharing a portion of liability will not bar the plaintiff from recovery as long as it is below 50 percent. In such situations, the judge will subtract the petitioner’s percentage of fault from the total award amount. 

A Stratford Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Recover

If a negligent person or organization caused you or a loved one to suffer injuries in an accident, you could be eligible to collect compensation to cover the damages. However, personal injury law is complex, and to recover the maximum settlement amount successfully, many choose to enlist the help of a Stratford personal injury attorney.

A successful settlement or damages award could cover your medical costs, lost salary, pain, and suffering, and allow you to hold the negligent party accountable. Call Bert McDowell Injury Law to learn more or to get started on your case.