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Am I Covered? Insurance Companies and Bad Faith Claims Insurance policies are contracts between you and the insurance company. The first step in any claim is to review your policy, including endorsements, to determine who is covered, what is a “covered peril,” and if any exclusions apply. Insurance Bad Faith Insurance companies must handle claims with good faith and honesty. If they unreasonably deny or delay claims, it may lead to a bad faith claim. In Connecticut, these claims can involve breaches of good faith, negligence, or violations of statutory laws, such as the Connecticut Unfair Insurance Practices Act and Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. What to Do if Your Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith Keep detailed records of all communications, including dates, times, and the names of representatives. File a complaint with the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner’s office for an investigation. Seek legal assistance from an attorney experienced in insurance law to protect your rights. If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, don’t face it alone. Contact Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP for a free consultation to navigate your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 888-244-5480 or visit www.hcwlaw.com for more information.

Delivery truck accidents are distinct due to their higher stakes, complex liability, and specialized regulations. These trucks are typically insured by high-value policies, prompting insurers to aggressively contest claims. Liability often involves multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders. Additionally, delivery trucks must comply with FMCSA regulations, adding layers of complexity to these cases. Challenges in pursuing a claim include defensive tactics from insurers, who may dispute fault or downplay injuries, and the potential loss of critical evidence like driver logs and GPS data without timely legal intervention. A Connecticut personal injury attorney provides essential support, offering in-depth knowledge of state laws, trial experience to counter aggressive defense strategies, and access to resources like accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts.

The surge in e-commerce has significantly increased delivery truck traffic on Connecticut highways, especially along I-84, a key route connecting western Connecticut to Hartford. FedEx, UPS, and Amazon trucks frequently share these roads with commuters, often operating under tight delivery schedules. National data from the FMCSA shows a 12% rise in truck-related accidents between 2019 and 2022, and a 2023 CTDOT report revealed that 18% of commercial vehicle crashes on I-84 involved delivery trucks.

Slips, trips, and falls cause over 1 million emergency room visits annually in the U.S., often due to unsafe property conditions. Connecticut’s premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe environments for visitors. Liability depends on the visitor's status and whether the owner knew or should have known about hazardous conditions. Common causes of these accidents include wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and uncleared snow or ice. To prove negligence, victims must show a dangerous condition existed, the owner failed to address it, and it directly caused the injury. Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule may reduce compensation if the victim is partly at fault, but recovery is barred if they are more than 50% responsible. Victims should report the incident, document the scene, seek medical attention, and consult an attorney. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers free consultations and legal support for premises liability cases, with no fees unless compensation is recovered.

Workplace injuries can have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts. Connecticut’s workers’ compensation system provides essential benefits for employees injured on the job, covering medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Most employees are eligible, except for certain groups like independent contractors and federal employees, who are covered under different programs. Common workplace injuries include overexertion, slips and falls, and struck-by accidents. To file a claim, injured workers must report the injury promptly, seek medical treatment from approved providers, and complete Form 30C with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. If a claim is denied due to delays, disputes, or challenges, employees can appeal with legal representation. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers guidance to ensure injured workers receive the benefits and compensation they deserve, with no fees unless compensation is recovered.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit requires careful navigation to avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your case. Acting within the two-year statute of limitations in Connecticut is crucial, as missing this deadline eliminates your right to sue. Preserving evidence, such as medical records, photos, and witness statements, is essential to proving negligence, while failure to document properly weakens the case. Speaking to insurance companies without legal representation can result in statements being used to minimize payouts, and accepting the first settlement offer often means settling for far less than what the case is worth. Finally, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney with a proven track record ensures the best chance of securing fair compensation and achieving a favorable outcome.

Suffering a personal injury can be overwhelming, but Connecticut law allows victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. With settlements averaging between $10,000 and $100,000, timely action is critical due to the two-year statute of limitations for most cases. Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule may reduce compensation based on the victim’s fault, barring recovery if fault exceeds 50%. Hiring an experienced attorney improves outcomes, as victims with representation recover significantly more than those without. Key steps after an injury include seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, preserving evidence, and consulting an attorney. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers free consultations to help victims protect their rights and secure fair compensation, with no fees unless they win your case.

Defective products can cause serious injuries, leading to medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Connecticut’s product liability laws hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers strictly liable for defective products, including design, manufacturing, and marketing defects. Victims do not need to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused harm. Key steps for victims include preserving the product, documenting the incident, seeking medical attention, and consulting an attorney. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing lawsuits, and missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to seek compensation. In Connecticut, the time limits vary depending on the type of claim. For personal injury cases, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Medical malpractice claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of the injury or its discovery, with an absolute maximum of 3 years from the negligent act. Property damage claims have a 3-year filing deadline from the date the damage occurred. For wrongful death cases, you must file within 2 years from the date of death, but no later than 5 years from the negligent act. Exceptions to these deadlines may apply in certain circumstances, such as when the injured party is a minor, when the discovery rule applies (as in medical malpractice cases), or when fraud or concealment has occurred. Acting promptly is crucial to avoid case dismissal.

Nursing home negligence affects many families, with 1 in 10 elders experiencing abuse or neglect. Common signs include physical injuries like bedsores, emotional changes such as withdrawal, and unsanitary conditions. To prove negligence in Connecticut, it must be shown that the nursing home breached its duty of care, causing harm to the resident.

Winter in Connecticut increases the risk of slip and fall accidents due to icy sidewalks, snowy walkways, and inadequate snow removal. These accidents often result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage, with elderly individuals being particularly vulnerable. Under Connecticut's premises liability laws, property owners must maintain safe conditions by clearing snow and ice promptly. Victims can pursue claims by proving negligence, causation, and damages. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers legal support for slip and fall cases, helping victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact them for a free consultation; no fees are charged unless compensation is recovered.

Cycling in Connecticut is popular but risky, with cyclists vulnerable to severe injuries. Bicycle accidents often result from driver negligence, road hazards, or dooring incidents. Despite Connecticut's 3-foot passing law, violations are common. Injured cyclists can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering under state law.

Dealing with insurance companies after an injury can be challenging as insurers prioritize minimizing payouts. This guide offers tips for protecting your rights, including avoiding recorded statements without legal advice, documenting everything, rejecting low initial offers, understanding your policy, and seeking legal representation. It highlights the value of experienced attorneys in negotiating fair compensation and ensuring a smoother claims process.

Bicycle accidents in Connecticut pose serious risks due to driver negligence, road hazards, and dooring incidents, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. This guide outlines common causes, legal protections for cyclists, and the importance of seeking compensation for damages. It emphasizes the role of experienced attorneys in securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.

Holiday driving between Thanksgiving Eve and New Year's Day presents increased risks, including drunk driving, distracted driving, and hazardous weather conditions. Drunk driving incidents spike during this festive season, with nearly 650 daily injuries or fatalities linked to alcohol-related accidents. To stay safe, avoid driving under the influence, designate a sober driver, or use rideshare services. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drunk driver, Hastings Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers compassionate legal support to fight for justice and aid your recovery. Contact them for a free case review.

The blog provides guidance on steps to take after a motorcycle accident, emphasizing safety, medical attention, documentation, and legal consultation. Key actions include ensuring safety, calling 911, seeking medical help, documenting the scene, and consulting a lawyer to navigate legal complexities and pursue compensation. The importance of legal representation is highlighted for fair negotiation and court representation. For assistance, the firm offers free consultations.

This passage provides an overview of fireworks laws in Connecticut, emphasizing the importance of understanding and complying with these regulations to ensure safety. "Fireworks" include any explosive devices, but sparklers and fountains are exceptions if they meet specific requirements. Only licensed professionals can use or display most fireworks; personal use is mostly prohibited. Sparklers and fountains are allowed if they adhere to safety standards. Licenses and permits are required for public displays or professional use. Injuries, property damage, and noise complaints from fireworks use can result in legal consequences. Safety tips include attending professional displays, following instructions, and preparing for emergencies to ensure safe enjoyment of fireworks. For legal advice on fireworks incidents, contact Hastings, Cohan and Walsh, who have extensive experience with Connecticut's fireworks laws.

At Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP, we assist car accident victims in obtaining rightful compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. Our expertise covers claims involving drunk driving, distracted driving, hit and runs, and uninsured motorists. We conduct thorough investigations, including witness interviews and examination of police and medical reports, to ensure the best outcomes. Connecticut allows claims even if you are partially at fault, provided your fault is below 50%. Follow these steps after an accident: stay calm, call 911, and document the scene.

After a motorcycle accident in Connecticut, determining liability often relies on understanding right-of-way rules. Motorcyclists deserve their own lane and must obey traffic laws. If involved in a collision, proving the specifics of the incident is crucial. Insurance companies may attempt to blame bikers, but skilled attorneys can help gather evidence and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Premises liability involves legal cases where someone is injured due to hazardous conditions on another's property, like slips on spills or weather-related hazards. To succeed, you must prove there was a dangerous condition, the property owner was negligent, and this caused your injury. In Connecticut, the owner's duty of care varies with the visitor's status (trespasser, licensee, invitee). Common cases include falls and inadequate security. Legal advice from experts like Hastings Cohan & Walsh is crucial for navigating these claims. They offer free consultations to guide you through the process.

In Connecticut, the process of handling Uber or Lyft accidents involves navigating complex insurance policies and determining liability, which can be challenging due to the unique nature of ridesharing services.

How Can We Go About Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case I am Connecticut personal injury lawyer Richard Hastings In order to receive compensation in a personal injury case, we must first prove that the other party was negligent. To prove negligence, we must show that the at fault par...

I am Connecticut personal injury lawyer Richard Hastings. Car accidents can be a traumatic experience but knowing what to do after an accident can help protect your safety, legal rights and can help you get more money for your case. Here's what you should do after a car accident: First, chec...

I am Connecticut personal injury lawyer Richard Hastings Personal injury cases can arise from a variety of accidents and incidents. Some common types of personal injury cases include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and dog bites. If you've been i...

There are time limits for filing a personal injury claim so it's important to act quickly. There may also be matters that need to be investigated at or near the time of the accident as quickly as possible. If you wait too long before contacting our Connecticut accident attorneys you could severely harm or even destroy your case