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Criminal Personal Injury in Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions

CT Personal Injury Law FAQs

If you get injured in an accident, you may have questions about what to expect with injury claims. Our personal injury lawyers in Connecticut can answer all of your personal injury legal questions.

Who will be my personal injury lawyer at Spinella and Associates?

Spinella and Associates' personal injury attorneys and lawyers have more than 30 years of experience in litigation regarding personal injury cases in the state of Connecticut. Spinella and Associates lead attorney, Paul Spinella, will fight for your best interests.

Attorney Spinella understands the impact a severe injury can have. Physical, emotional, and financial damages can happen from any accident. Attorney Spinella will work with you to help you understand what your injury may be worth.

What is a personal injury lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer provides you with legal services when you get hurt because of someone else's negligence thus causing the personal injury. Commonly referred to as a personal injury attorney, this lawyer specializes in tort law. This area of law covers injuries or losses caused by a single person or an organization.

Personal injury cases can involve injuries can be physical, such as through a car accident or they can also be emotional injuries or psychological injuries. In some cases like in a car accident, the victim can sustain physical, emotional and psychological injuries. Individuals, groups, companies, and the government can all be responsible for cause a personal injury.

A personal injury lawyer will represent you and look out for your best interests. These specialized attorneys know what your case is worth. And, by working with one, you have a greater chance of receiving a fair legal settlement.

When do I need a personal injury lawyer?

If you are injured because of the negligence or direct actions of a person or, contact a personal injury attorney like the lawyers at Spinella and Associates located in Hartford Connecticut. With a free personal injury case consultation, an attorney will accurately determine whether or not you have a valid personal injury claim.

Some of the reasons you may want to work with a personal injury attorney include:

  • Car accidents. An attorney works with you to help you recover damages to your body and property.
  • Negligent businesses. Slips and falls happen. But, they shouldn't because a company isn't careful. A personal injury lawyer will help you recover damages from a negligent business.
  • Damage to reputation. In cases of libel or slander, an attorney will help you recover damages the defamation caused.

A personal injury attorney can help you with many different cases. Always consult an attorney to see if you have a valid claim.

Why do I need a personal injury lawyer from Spinella and Associates?

The personal injury attorneys at Spinella and Associates have experience handling complex cases. Some of the cases we have successfully represented include:

  • A Connecticut worker who fell from a ladder, leaving him with severe injuries
  • An electrician who suffered injuries and burns while working on a city-owned power box
  • A 16-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by a police officer
  • Two men shot in the chest at point-blank range by a Connecticut police officer
  • A young boy who died while at gym class due to the negligence of his doctor

More than anything, a personal injury lawyer evaluates your case. Since more than 90% of personal injury cases settle, your lawyer needs to know what a reasonable jury verdict would be for your case. This is based on a lawyers’ experience trying cases. At Spinella and Associates, we have been trying cases for over 40 years, with many seven figure verdicts and settlements.

What will a personal injury lawyer do for me?

Your personal injury attorney will represent you during a civil case. The attorney advocates for you and your claim and helps you recover financial losses caused by injuries.

How do I choose a personal injury lawyer?

Your civil case is important to you, and you should find an attorney who you trust. When you need a personal injury attorney, consider:

  • Experience. Does the attorney have experience in cases like yours?
  • Education. Did the attorney go to a law school with a good reputation?
  • Trust. Do you trust the attorney?
  • Communication. Is the attorney willing to talk to you about your case? Do you feel comfortable talking with them?
  • Sympathy. Is the attorney empathetic or sympathetic to your problems?

During a consultation with an attorney, be sure to ask questions. You want to make sure you have like values and can understand each other.

What types of personal injury cases do Spinella and Associates take?

Spinella and Associates can help you with many different cases. Some of the cases our personal injury lawyers have helped with include:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Wrongful Death
  • Back and spinal injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Burns
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Sexual abuse
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
  • Nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis
  • Female reproductive injuries

What can I expect from working with a personal injury lawyer?

When you begin working with a personal injury lawyer, you should expect your attorney to:

  • Investigate your case. Your attorney will do a thorough investigation of the incident that injured you. They may ask some invasive questions. But, this helps them completely understand your case.
  • Explain the legal process. Your attorney will explain how the legal process works and what you should expect.
  • Communicate often. Your attorney will speak with you throughout the process, so you know how your case is proceeding.
  • Advocate for you. Your attorney will work with your best interests in mind. As your case progresses, your attorney will give you advice, so you can make the best decisions.

How much does a Connecticut personal injury lawyer cost?

The cost of a personal injury lawyer depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case. Most personal injury lawyers in Connecticut will take a percentage of any settlement. An attorney may keep a total of expenses as the case progresses and take the total out of the settlement. This is the best deal there is in the law for a client: no hourly fee. If we don’t win you pay nothing.

To better understand the costs, schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney. You can discuss fees and payments at the consultation.

Can I file a personal injury claim myself?

It is well within your rights to file a personal injury claim on your behalf. If you understand the legal process, it might be an option to consider.

But, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer before deciding. Many things factor into the complexity of a personal injury claim. For example, if you received significant injuries or the injuries aren't clear cut, an attorney can help. Always consult with an attorney before deciding.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Connecticut, you have two years to file a claim from the date you received your injuries. If you miss the deadline, the court will not hear your case.

How long will it take to get a settlement?

Because each case is different, it is hard to estimate when you will receive your settlement. Many factors go into how long a settlement will take, including:

  • Who the liable party (the party that injured you) is
  • The amount of the settlement
  • The seriousness of the injuries
  • If there is more than one responsible party

Your personal injury attorney will work with you and explain the process. Talk to them about your specific case.

What is a release in a personal injury case?

A release of all claims is a form you sign before getting a settlement. It clears the liable party of all claims against them. For example, let's say you were in a car accident caused by another person. Their insurance company would ask you to sign the release before they pay out the money.

It's very important to sign it only if you know all of the damages. That's why a personal injury attorney is important. The attorney will help you understand the full extent of damages.

What is the modified comparative negligence standard?

Under Connecticut law, the court can lower your settlement by the percentage of fault you share in an accident. For example, let's say you and another driver have a car accident. Through investigation, the police determine the other driver is 75% at fault. That means you are 25% at fault. If you claim damages, the court can reduce the amount by 25%.

Also, Connecticut has a 51% bar rule. This rule means claimants found to be 51% or more at fault cannot claim damages.