Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Stamford

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Stamford, Connecticut?

  The phone number for routine or non-emergency calls in Stamford is 203-977-4444.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Stamford, Connecticut?

  Incident reports in Stamford must be requested by email. You may send your request to spdrecords@stamfordct.gov. Make sure to include important information, such as your name, the date and time of the incident, the location of the incident, the type of incident, and the report number if available.

• Are punitive damages awarded in personal injury cases in Stamford?

  Sometimes. If the defendant in a Stamford personal injury case was found to have exhibited malicious and intentionally gross behavior with complete disregard for the safety of the victim, the court may award punitive damages. This category of damages is awarded on top of the actual damages that the at-fault party caused as a form of punishment for their exceptionally reckless or harmful conduct.

• Can you sue again if you’re not happy with the compensation you received in a Stamford personal injury case?

  No. Once you’ve received compensation for your personal injury claim in Stamford, whether through a settlement or through a court award, you can no longer pursue a follow-up claim for the same incident. Moreover, you cannot file another lawsuit against the same at-fault party for the same injury. For this reason, it's crucial for claimants to ensure that all aspects of the accident and their injuries are taken into account when submitting an initial claim.

• If you forgot to take photos of the scene of your accident in Stamford, should you go back to collect evidence to build your case?

  While photos can serve as key evidence in personal injury claims, it wouldn’t be wise of you to return to the scene of your accident in Stamford just to take photos. Once you’ve left the accident scene and think you can extract important evidence there, you may engage a law firm to conduct the investigation on your behalf. The firm’s investigator will be able to take photos and collect evidence that you’ll need to prove your claim.

• What should you do if you don’t trust your doctor’s findings about your injuries from a Stamford accident?

  If you got hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Stamford, you must seek medical attention immediately. However, if you have doubts regarding your diagnosis or if you are concerned that your doctor made a treatment error, you are free to seek a second opinion. If you’ve enlisted the help of a personal injury lawyer, they may be able to refer you to a specialist in the city to properly evaluate your condition.

• How long do you you have to file a personal injury claim in Stamford?

  If you wish to pursue a personal injury claim in Stamford, you must do so within two years from the date of the incident that resulted in your injuries. This follows Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases. There may be some instances where the deadline can be longer or shorter, so it would be best to take legal action immediately. If you fail to bring your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your losses.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.