A slip and fall accident can happen in seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime. In Bridgeport, where aging infrastructure, bustling commercial districts like Downtown and Black Rock, and harsh New England weather create hazardous conditions, these accidents occur with alarming frequency.

Victims often face painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and insurance companies determined to minimize their claims.

Property owners and businesses throughout Bridgeport have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises, but many fail to address dangerous conditions such as

• Uneven sidewalks
• Poorly maintained staircases
• Inadequate lighting
• Unmarked hazards.

When they neglect this responsibility, innocent people suffer the consequences.

At Ganim Legal, P.C., our Bridgeport slip and fall lawyer team understands the challenges victims face after a fall.

✔️ Our experienced premises liability lawyers have successfully represented numerous clients injured on unsafe properties throughout Connecticut, securing substantial compensation, including a $900,000 settlement for a restaurant employee who fell on broken floor tiles. We’ve seen firsthand how these “minor” accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries.

Contact us today at 475-471-0318 or online for a free consultation about your slip and fall claim.

Damages You Could Be Entitled To

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-572h, injured victims in premises liability cases may recover both economic and non-economic damages if they can prove the property owner’s negligence.

In some situations, additional punitive damages may also be available. Here are the types of compensation you could be entitled to in a Bridgeport slip and fall case:

• Economic damages: These cover quantifiable financial losses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medication, medical equipment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
• Non-economic damages: These compensate for intangible suffering such as physical pain, emotional distress, permanent impairment, disfigurement, and diminished quality of life.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, Connecticut courts may award additional compensation meant to punish the property owner, though these are uncommon in slip and fall cases.

💡Hypothetical Scenario: A shopper slipped on a large puddle of water in a Bridgeport grocery store that had been left unaddressed for hours despite employees’ knowledge of the hazard. The victim suffered a hip fracture requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The settlement included $95,000 for medical expenses, $35,000 for lost wages during recovery, and $120,000 for pain, suffering, and temporary disability, totaling $250,000 in compensation.

Settlement Examples

Slip and fall settlement amounts can vary widely depending on several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the impact on your daily life and earning ability.

Want to know what your slip and fall case may be worth? Contact us or call 475-267-0383 to discuss the compensation you may be entitled to.

You May Be Entitled to Workers’ Compensation

Who Can You Hold Liable in a Slip and Fall Claim?

When pursuing a slip and fall claim, it’s not always obvious who should be held responsible. Liability depends on who controlled the property and failed to keep it safe. Here are the parties who may be legally responsible for your injuries:

• Commercial property owners: Businesses have the highest duty of care toward customers and must regularly inspect their premises and promptly address hazards.
• Residential property owners: Landlords are responsible for maintaining common areas like entryways, stairwells, and walkways, and may be liable for dangerous conditions in rental units if they knew about but failed to address them.
• Government entities: Cities, counties, and state agencies can be held liable for falls on public property, though these claims involve special rules, shorter deadlines, and potential immunity defenses.
• Property managers: Companies responsible for maintaining properties may share liability for failing to address known hazards or conduct regular inspections.
• Contractors and maintenance companies: Third parties hired to maintain properties may be liable if their negligent work or failure to warn of hazards leads to injuries.

How to Get in Touch With Our Bridgeport Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

• Phone: 475-471-0318
• Contact Us Page

Take advantage of our Bridgeport personal injury attorney free consultation to understand your legal options with no obligation or upfront cost.

How Our Bridgeport Slip and Fall Law Firm Can Help

Slip and fall cases can be complex, but our legal team knows how to build a strong claim from day one. Here’s how our Bridgeport slip and fall law firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve:

• Prompt investigation: We document hazardous conditions before they’re repaired, gathering critical evidence including surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements.
• Liability assessment: We identify all potentially responsible parties and the applicable insurance policies that may provide coverage for your injuries.
• Injury documentation: We work with your healthcare providers to ensure your injuries are thoroughly documented, including potential long-term or permanent effects.
• Expert consultation: When necessary, we consult with engineers, safety experts, medical specialists, and economists to strengthen your claim.
• Insurance navigation: We handle all communications with insurance companies, preventing them from using your statements against you or pressuring you into inadequate settlements.
• Strategic negotiation: We leverage our evidence and expertise to pursue fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
• Courtroom representation: If fair settlement isn’t possible, we have extensive trial experience presenting slip and fall cases effectively to Connecticut juries.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

After a slip and fall, the steps you take can make or break your case. We will guide you through every stage—from reporting the incident to protecting your claim against insurance company tactics. Here’s what you should do right away to strengthen your case:

1. Contact our Bridgeport slip and fall accident lawyer: Before giving statements to insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers, consult with us to protect your rights.
2. Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel “okay,” some serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not show immediate symptoms. A medical evaluation creates an official record connecting your injuries to the fall.
3. Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor immediately and ensure an official incident report is created. Request a copy for your records.
4. Document everything: Take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall before it’s repaired or removed. Capture the surrounding area, including any missing warning signs.
5. Gather witness information: Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw your fall or the dangerous condition. Independent witnesses can provide key support for your claim.
6. Preserve evidence: Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing, as these items may become important evidence regarding the conditions of your fall.
7. Start a journal: Document your pain levels, limitations, medical treatments, and how the injury affects your daily life. This contemporaneous record becomes valuable evidence.

⚠️ Insurance companies often attempt to blame victims for their falls, suggesting you weren’t paying attention or were wearing inappropriate footwear. Our early legal representation helps counter these tactics and preserves your right to fair compensation.

How Long You Have to File a Claim

Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of your fall.

However, different deadlines apply in certain situations:

• Claims against government entities (like the City of Bridgeport) typically require a formal notice of claim within 90 days of the incident.
• Injuries discovered after the fact may have different limitation periods based on the “discovery rule.”
• Claims involving minors may have extended deadlines until the child reaches the age of majority.

⚠️Missing these deadlines means permanently losing your right to seek compensation, regardless of how serious your injuries might be.

Contact us promptly to ensure all filing requirements are met and your rights are protected.

Evidence is Vital in Supporting Your Bridgeport Slip and Fall Claim

To prove your slip-and-fall case, strong evidence is essential. We know what to look for and how to act quickly to preserve the proof you’ll need. Here are the types of evidence that can make a significant difference in your claim:

• Photographs and video: Visual evidence of the hazard that caused your fall is often the most compelling evidence in premises liability cases. This should be gathered immediately, before conditions are repaired.
• Incident reports: Official documentation created by businesses, property managers, or public entities establishes that the fall was reported promptly.
• Surveillance footage: Many properties have security cameras that may have captured your fall or shown how long the hazard existed. This footage is often automatically deleted after a short period, making quick legal action essential.
• Maintenance and inspection records: Documentation showing whether regular inspections were conducted and how the property owner responded to known hazards.
• Weather records: For outdoor falls, official weather data can confirm conditions like rain, ice, or snow that may have contributed to the accident.
• Medical records: Comprehensive documentation of your injuries, treatments, and the medical provider’s assessment of how the fall caused your specific injuries.
• Witness statements: Accounts from people who saw your fall, noticed the hazardous condition, or have knowledge about how long the danger existed.

⚠️Collecting this evidence quickly is key, as property conditions are often repaired immediately after an incident. Our team can act fast to preserve evidence before it disappears.

What Can I Expect to Pay?

At Ganim Legal, P.C., we handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our legal services
• We only collect a fee if we win your case through settlement or verdict
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, agreed upon before we begin

✔️This arrangement ensures our interests align perfectly with yours—we’re motivated to maximize your compensation since our payment depends on your success. You’ll never receive a bill for our time unless we recover money for you.

The Legal Steps in a Slip and Fall Claim

Pursuing a slip and fall claim involves more than just filing paperwork—it’s a legal process that requires strategy, timing, and attention to detail. Here’s how our team handles each step of your Bridgeport slip and fall case from start to finish:

1. Initial case evaluation: We assess the circumstances of your fall, the nature of your injuries, and the potential liability of the property owner.
2. Evidence preservation: We immediately work to secure surveillance footage, take photographs, and document the dangerous condition before it’s repaired.
3. Comprehensive investigation: We interview witnesses, review maintenance records, and research whether similar incidents occurred previously at the same location.
4. Medical assessment: We work with your healthcare providers to understand the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact.
5. Demand preparation: We develop a detailed demand package outlining liability and damages, supported by compelling evidence and legal arguments.
6. Strategic negotiation: We engage in professional negotiations with insurance adjusters, presenting your case in the strongest possible light.
7. Litigation when necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we file a lawsuit and guide your case through the court system, handling all procedural requirements.
8. Discovery process: We exchange information with the defense, take depositions, and continue building your case through formal legal channels.
9. Trial preparation: If your case doesn’t settle, we prepare compelling presentations of evidence, expert testimony, and persuasive arguments for the jury.
10. Resolution and disbursement: After achieving a positive outcome, we ensure you receive your compensation promptly and address any outstanding medical liens.

Why Choose Us Over Other Slip & Fall Accidents Attorneys in Bridgeport?

When it comes to handling slip and fall claims, not all law firms offer the same level of experience and local insight. At Ganim Legal, P.C., Attorney Paul Ganim personally leads each case—something you won’t find at larger firms where cases are often passed off to junior associates.

With over 30 years of litigation experience and a long-standing role as Bridgeport’s elected Probate Judge, Attorney Ganim brings courtroom knowledge that’s both strategic and respected.

💡 We know how to handle the gray areas of premises liability law—like proving how long a hazard existed and whether proper notice was given—because we’ve done it successfully time and again.

Contact us today to benefit from tailored legal strategies that reflect both the facts of their case and the legal climate of local courts.

Ganim Legal, P.C.: Your Bridgeport Slip and Fall Lawyer

At Ganim Legal, P.C., we help injured victims move forward after a fall disrupts their life. Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing pain, we focus on securing the compensation you need and deserve.

Attorney Paul Ganim is admitted to practice before all courts in Connecticut, including the Supreme and Appellate Courts, and has led personal injury litigation for decades.

Our firm has helped thousands of clients recover financially through skilled negotiation and trial advocacy.

Recognized by The Connecticut Law Tribune, America’s Top 100 Attorneys, and other respected organizations, we’re proud of the results we’ve achieved and the reputation we’ve earned.

General Information on Slip and Fall Accidents in Bridgeport

Slip and fall accidents remain a serious safety issue in Bridgeport and across Connecticut. According to the CDC, over 14 million older adults in the U.S. report falling each year, with nearly 37% sustaining injuries that require medical care.

💡In Connecticut, an estimated 21.8% of adults report falling, underscoring how common and potentially dangerous these incidents are—especially in densely populated areas like Bridgeport.

Common Causes of Slips and Falls

Based on data from the Bridgeport Department of Health and the Connecticut Hospital Association, the most frequent causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Weather-related hazards: New England’s harsh winters often create dangerous conditions across Bridgeport. Snow, ice, and freezing rain are common contributors to outdoor slip and fall accidents, especially on untreated sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances.
• Poor maintenance: Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and uneven pavement are common issues in many of Bridgeport’s older neighborhoods. The City Engineering Department regularly receives repair requests, highlighting how widespread these problems are throughout the community.
• Wet floors: Slippery surfaces are one of the most common causes of indoor slip and fall accidents in commercial spaces. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, 85% of workers’ compensation claims are linked to employees slipping on slick floors. In Bridgeport, retail stores and restaurants often face added risk when spills or mopped areas aren’t marked with proper warning signs.
• Inadequate lighting: Poor visibility in commercial properties, apartment complexes, and public areas can significantly increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. In places like stairwells, parking lots, and poorly lit walkways, it’s much easier to miss hazards such as uneven surfaces or obstacles.
• Tripping hazards: Loose carpeting, unmarked steps, exposed cables, and other obstacles cause numerous preventable falls in workplaces, stores, and residential buildings across Bridgeport. OSHA provides health and safety guidance to employers to avoid these common causes.
• Building code violations:  Stairway and handrail issues are common hazards, especially in Bridgeport’s older buildings. The Bridgeport Department of Building Inspection regularly reviews properties to ensure safety code compliance and address violations that could increase fall risks.

Typical Injuries That We See

Slip and fall accidents can lead to a range of injuries, some of which are particularly prevalent among older adults in Connecticut.
​

• Fractures: Falls are a leading cause of fractures among older adults. In Connecticut, residents aged 60 and older account for 58% of fall-related hip and thigh fractures, 66% of lumbar spine and pelvis fractures, and 86% of neck fractures.
• Head injuries: Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) across all age groups in Connecticut. In 2021, over 25,300 head injuries were treated in the state’s emergency departments, with an additional 2,545 hospital admissions and 750 deaths attributed to head injuries. ​
• Back and spinal injuries: Falls can result in serious back and spinal injuries, including herniated discs and spinal fractures. Connecticut residents aged 60 and older represent 66% of fall-related lumbar spine and pelvis fractures.
• Shoulder injuries: Falls, especially those involving an outstretched arm, can lead to shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears and dislocations. These injuries often require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation. ​
• Knee damage: Falls can cause knee injuries, including meniscus tears and ligament damage, which may accelerate the progression of arthritis and potentially necessitate joint replacement. ​
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to ligaments, tendons, and muscles are common in slip and fall incidents. These injuries can lead to significant pain and functional limitations, sometimes resulting in long-term impairment.

Speak to a Bridgeport Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today!

Slip and fall injuries can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Ganim Legal, P.C., we put your recovery first with the experience and local insight you can trust. “Go with who you know—call Paul. Park Avenue Paul.”

Call our fall attorney on 475-267-0383 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.

FAQs