Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: 5 Phrases You Should Never Say
by AdminOctober 29th, 2025
The person you speak with first from the other driver’s insurance company—the claims adjuster—is not your friend. Their job is to settle the claim for the lowest amount possible. Every word you say is recorded and can be used to minimize or deny your claim that is a result of a New Haven auto accident. Here are five specific phrases or topics you must avoid when talking to any insurance adjuster (especially the one representing the at-fault driver): 1. “I’m sorry” or “I think it was partially my fault.” Never, ever admit fault or even hint at it. An adjuster will immediately use this as an admission of negligence to assign you a high percentage of blame, slashing your potential settlement under the comparative negligence rule. 2. “I feel fine,” or “I just have a little soreness.” Do not give a statement about the extent of your injuries so soon Read the full article…
Beyond the Stitches: The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Dog Attacks
by AdminOctober 27th, 2025
When people think of New Haven dog bite injuries, they focus on lacerations and puncture wounds. However, one of the most significant and often lifelong damages comes from the emotional and psychological trauma that follows the attack. These non-economic damages are a major part of any successful dog bite claim. Here are the key psychological impacts that must be documented: 1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Dog attacks, particularly those involving children or severe physical injury, can trigger classic PTSD symptoms. 2. Cynophobia (Fear of Dogs) Cynophobia can severely limit a victim’s life, especially if they live in an area where dogs are common (parks, sidewalks, neighbors’ homes). 3. Scarring and Disfigurement Anxiety Severe bites often leave permanent scarring, especially on the face, hands, and arms. The emotional impact of visible disfigurement is immense. Crucial Step: Never assume that the emotional pain is minor. Seek help immediately. A professional medical record Read the full article…
Understanding ‘Fault’: How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Auto Claim
by AdminOctober 23rd, 2025
Determining who is “at fault” is the cornerstone of any New Haven personal injury or property damage claim. However, the legal concept isn’t always black and white, especially when both drivers might share some responsibility. This is where the concept of Comparative Negligence comes into play. What is Comparative Negligence? Comparative negligence is a legal standard used in many states , including Connecticut, to allocate fault (and therefore, liability) between parties in an accident. Instead of saying one person is 100% at fault and the other 0%, the court or insurance company assigns a percentage of blame to each driver. There are two main types of comparative negligence: The Impact on Your Settlement The percentage of fault directly reduces the amount of compensation you receive. Understanding this principle is crucial, as insurance adjusters will often try to assign you a higher percentage of fault to minimize their own payout.
When a Friendly Dog Turns: Proving the Owner’s Responsibility
by AdminOctober 22nd, 2025
Dog owners often claim, “My dog has never done that before!” But even if a dog has no known history of aggression, the owner may still be held responsible for the injury that occurs from a New Haven dog bite. This is where general negligence laws come into play, regardless of your state’s specific dog bite statute. You can prove owner responsibility by showing a breach of the duty of care under the following common scenarios: 1. Violation of Leash Laws or Containment Ordinances Every municipality has laws regarding leashing, fencing, and control of animals in public and private spaces. 2. Failure to Control the Dog in a Known Situation The owner has a responsibility to anticipate circumstances where their dog might react defensively or aggressively. 3. Negligent Keeping of a Dangerous Dog In some cases, the owner may have failed to take proper precautions after the dog displayed minor Read the full article…
I Fell at a Grocery Store: Now What? Your Rights and Next Steps
by AdminOctober 20th, 2025
Grocery stores are prime locations for New Haven slip and fall accidents due to constant foot traffic, spills, and condensation. If you are injured in a supermarket, follow these steps immediately to protect your health and your legal rights: 1. Report the Fall and Create a Paper Trail This is the most crucial step. You need an official, documented record of the incident. 2. Document the Scene Before It’s Cleaned Up Grocery store employees are trained to quickly clean up hazards. Take out your phone and document everything you can. 3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention Do not let the adrenaline fool you into thinking you are fine. Warning: The store may offer you a gift card, a discount, or offer to pay your immediate co-pay. Do not accept any form of compensation or sign any paperwork, as this could be used as a release of your liability claim.
The Hidden Hazard: When Does a Property Owner Have a Duty to Warn?
by AdminOctober 16th, 2025
When it comes to premises liability, the owner’s responsibility to protect you often comes down to their duty to warn you about potential dangers that may lead to a New Haven slip and fall accident. The extent of this duty depends on why you were on the property in the first place, which determines your legal status. The Three Categories of Visitors Courts generally divide people who enter property into three classes, each owed a different level of care: 1. Invitees (Highest Duty of Care) 2. Licensees (Medium Duty of Care) 3. Trespassers (Lowest Duty of Care) The Bottom Line: If you were shopping or conducting business (an invitee), the owner had a high legal duty to ensure your safety and provide clear warnings, and your case will be stronger.
