Determining Liability When You Slip on Private vs. Public Property.
by AdminJanuary 15th, 2026
A New Haven slip and fall accident can happen in an instant, whether you are walking into a store, heading down a city sidewalk, or entering a public building. What happens next often depends on one critical question: where did the fall occur? Liability rules change depending on whether the property is privately owned or controlled by a public entity, and understanding that distinction can make a major difference in how a claim unfolds. Slip and fall cases fall under premises liability law, which focuses on whether the party responsible for the property took reasonable steps to keep it safe. The definition of reasonable and who must meet that standard varies by location and ownership. Here are the key differences between slipping on private property and public property. • Private residential property: When a fall occurs on private residential property, such as a single family home or small rental property, Read the full article…
Insurance Adjusters Are Not Your Friends: 5 Tactics They Use to Lower Your New Haven Auto Accident Settlement
by AdminJanuary 12th, 2026
After a car crash, you may expect the insurance company to be helpful, neutral, and focused on making things right. That assumption is one of the biggest mistakes people make after a New Haven auto accident. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose primary job is to protect their company’s bottom line. They may sound friendly and reasonable, but their incentives rarely align with your best interests. Understanding the most common tactics adjusters use can help you avoid costly missteps and protect the value of your claim. Here are five of the most common strategies insurance adjusters use to reduce settlements. • They push for a quick statementSoon after the accident, an adjuster may call and ask for a recorded statement. They often frame this as a routine step to “get your side of the story.” In reality, these statements are carefully reviewed for anything that can be used to question Read the full article…
Determining Liability for Dog Attacks in East Rock and Edgewood Park.
by AdminJanuary 9th, 2026
A New Haven dog bite injury can happen quickly, even during what feels like a routine walk through a familiar neighborhood or park. East Rock and Edgewood Park are popular destinations for residents, families, runners, and dog owners. While most outings are uneventful, dog attacks in public spaces raise serious legal and safety questions, especially around who is responsible when someone gets hurt. Connecticut follows a strict liability approach when it comes to dog bites. In most cases, a dog’s owner is legally responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. This means an injured person generally does not have to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog was known to be dangerous. If the dog caused the injury, the owner is typically on the hook. There are important exceptions, however. Liability may be reduced or eliminated if the injured Read the full article…
Why “I’m Fine” is the Most Expensive Mistake You Can Make After a Fender Bender.
by AdminJanuary 7th, 2026
A New Haven auto accident does not have to involve twisted metal or flashing ambulances to change your life. Many serious injury claims start with what looks like a simple fender bender and a well meaning statement at the scene: “I’m fine.” It feels polite, efficient, and calming in the moment. In reality, those two words can quietly undermine your health and your financial protection. Right after a crash, your body is running on adrenaline. Stress hormones mask pain, tighten muscles, and keep you focused on getting through the moment. This is why so many people walk away from minor collisions feeling okay, only to wake up the next day with neck pain, headaches, back stiffness, or dizziness. Injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, and mild concussions often take hours or even days to fully appear. Whiplash is one of the most common and most misunderstood examples. At first, it Read the full article…
Who is Legally Responsible for Shoveling New Haven’s Sidewalks?
by AdminJanuary 5th, 2026
In New Haven, winter can arrive with little warning, bringing snow, ice, and slippery sidewalks that turn everyday walking paths into hazards. When a hazardous patch goes unnoticed or unaddressed, someone can slip and fall and suffer serious injuries. Understanding who is legally responsible for shoveling New Haven’s sidewalks matters not just for safety but for potential liability after a fall. Property owners in Connecticut generally bear a legal duty to keep areas around their property reasonably safe. This includes sidewalks adjacent to their homes or businesses. The rationale is straightforward: if a condition on the property creates a foreseeable risk of harm, the person who controls the property should take steps to prevent injuries. In practical terms, this usually means clearing snow and ice in a timely manner, especially after a storm. For homeowners, this duty typically falls on the owner or tenant, depending on lease agreements and local Read the full article…
The First 15 Minutes: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide for the Scene of A New Haven Auto Accident
by AdminJanuary 2nd, 2026
New Haven auto accident scenes are chaotic, loud, and overwhelming, especially in the first few minutes after impact. Your heart is racing, adrenaline is high, and it can be hard to think clearly. What you do in the first 15 minutes, however, can significantly affect your safety, your health, and any future insurance or legal claims. This step by step guide walks you through exactly what to do when the unexpected happens. First, take a breath and check yourself for injuries. Before moving, quickly assess whether you are hurt. If you feel severe pain, dizziness, or numbness, stay still and wait for help. If you can move safely, check on passengers in your vehicle. Even minor crashes can cause injuries that are not immediately obvious, so avoid dismissing pain or discomfort. Next, secure the scene to prevent further danger. If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do Read the full article…