You may deserve compensation for an accident, illness, or wrongful death. Securing such compensation generally requires a lawsuit or insurance claim, though, and you may be short on time and energy. A Waterford personal injury lawyer from Polito & Harrington, LLC will lead your case in Waterford.
Why Choose Polito & Harrington, LLC?
If your case is in Waterford, your personal injury attorneys should have a presence in Waterford.
As a Connecticut-based firm, Polito & Harrington, LLC knows how to complete cases in your area.
We provide responsive, effective legal care to every client.
Our track record contains many settlements and judgments for our clients, including:
- A $6.4 million settlement for architectural and engineering malpractice
- A $4 million settlement in a wrongful death case
- A $1.2 million settlement against a casino for a slip and fall
- A $1.05 million settlement for a client injured in a drunk driving accident
- A $2.8 million verdict in a breach of contract case
These are just a few of our many personal injury case results.
You may expect us to win when you hire us, but we deliver more than a fight for compensation.
Our firm will also:
- Help with case-related appointments
- Help you find effective medical care
- Reply to emails and answer phone calls
- Keep you abreast of your case’s progress
Some victims try to handle their personal injury cases without legal help. This can be a mistake that imposes stress, mental health deficits, and further physical harm on the plaintiff. Polito & Harrington, LLC will lead your case from start to finish.
What Polito & Harrington, LLC’s Clients Say About Our Firm
Case results speak to a law firm’s effectiveness in negotiations or at trial. Testimonials, on the other hand, tell you how a firm treats its clients.
Our clients appreciate our unique brand of legal service:
- Attorney Harrington goes above and beyond for his clients. This experience was a first for me, and he made sure to guide me every step of the process. Not only is he very knowledgeable, but he also is attentive to his clients. The entire staff is friendly and helps ease any anxiety when going through this process. I highly recommend this office, and Attorney Harrington!
- “My experience with Attorney Bert Polito was everything you would expect and more from an injury attorney. He was always professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate, especially after he spoke with my doctors. He always returned my phone calls. This was a wonderful experience from a bad accident.”
- “My experience with attorney Bert Polito and Polito & Harrington was the first and best time I worked with a lawyer. I would/will definitely be referring this firm to others who are in need of a lawyer who is polite, caring, and informative.”
We provide the same high standard of service to every client. You won’t have to worry about your legal case it’s our responsibility. You can focus on your recovery while a personal injury lawyer from our team handles your case in Waterford.
Our Waterford Personal Injury Team
Our experienced Waterford personal injury attorneys represent those who’ve suffered harm because of someone’s negligence. This includes victims with illness or injury. It also includes those who’ve lost a loved one.
We have a dedicated team of award-winning lawyers who handle all types of injury claims, including:
- Waterford Bicycle Accident Attorney
- Waterford Car Accident Attorneys
- Waterford Premises Liability Lawyer
- Waterford Ridesharing Attorneys
- Waterford Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys
- Waterford Child Injury Lawyer
- Waterford Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
- Waterford Dog Bite Attorneys
- Waterford Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
- Waterford Slip and Fall Attorneys
- Waterford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Waterford Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you have any questions about a personal injury case, call our team. We’ll explain whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Our Waterford Headquarters and Office Location
Polito & Harrington, LLC, has our law firm’s headquarters located in Waterford at the following location:
Drop by our office to speak with one of our attorneys at no cost. You can also contact us at (860) 447-3300 to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
Waterford Accident Statistics
On average, around 270 people die each year in traffic-related accidents throughout Connecticut and around 1,360 people suffer injuries. In a recent year, New London County and the Waterford area reported 86 total traffic-related accidents and one fatality.
Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol impairment were cited as among the leading causes of serious and fatal car accidents in New London County and across Connecticut.
Types of Waterford Personal Injuries
You can suffer a wide range of personal injuries in Waterford, Connecticut. The types of injuries you can suffer and their severity depend on the nature of the accident, your overall health, and more. Some common types of injuries we help people recover compensation for at Polito & Harrington, LLC, include:
- Sprains and strains: Occur when ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) are stretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or impacts.
- Fractures: broken bones can happen in various accidents, like falls, sports injuries, or car crashes.
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries: These range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and can occur in falls, car accidents, or sports incidents.
- Spinal cord injuries: Typically result from severe trauma and can lead to paralysis or other long-term complications.
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Often seen in car accidents, whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head.
- Internal injuries: These can include damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys and may not always be immediately apparent.
- Burns: Can be caused by fire, hot liquids, chemicals, or electrical sources.
- Cuts and abrasions: These are often caused by sharp objects, broken glass, or friction with rough surfaces.
- Soft tissue injuries: These include injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can range from mild strains to more severe tears.
- Amputations: In severe accidents, body parts may be severed or require surgical removal due to the extent of damage.
- Eye injuries: Trauma, foreign objects, or chemical exposure can harm the eyes, potentially leading to vision problems.
- Crush injuries: Occur when a part of the body is compressed, often seen in accidents involving heavy machinery.
- Psychological injuries: While not always visible, accidents can also cause emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
You should seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you sustain in an accident someone else caused, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away but could cause problems later. Also, you will need documentation you sustained an injury and received treatment to file an injury claim with the insurance company.
What Should I Do After a Waterford, CT, Accident?
If you are involved in an accident in Waterford, CT, it’s essential to take certain steps to ensure your safety, well-being, and legal protection. Here’s a general guide on what to do after an accident in Waterford or any similar location:
Ensure Safety:
- Check for injuries: First, make sure you and anyone else involved in the accident are safe. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured and requires medical attention.
- Move to a safe location: If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic to prevent further accidents or hazards.
- Turn on hazard lights: Activate your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers to the accident.
Notify Authorities:
- Call the police: Regardless of the severity of the accident, it’s usually a good idea to report it to the local police. They will create an accident report, which can be important for insurance claims and legal purposes.
- Follow police instructions: Cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide accurate information about the accident.
Exchange Information:
- Exchange information with other parties involved in the accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
- Get contact information from any witnesses who may have observed the accident.
Document the Scene:
- Take photos: Use your smartphone or camera to document the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals.
- Write down details: Make notes about the accident, including the time, date, location, weather conditions, and what happened leading up to the collision.
Seek Medical Attention:
- Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s advisable to seek a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
- Keep records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and bills related to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and complete information about the incident.
- Follow your insurance company’s instructions for filing a claim.
Preserve Evidence:
- Keep all documents and records related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Do not repair your vehicle or dispose of any evidence without consulting your insurance company or attorney.
Follow Up:
- Continue to receive necessary medical treatment and keep all follow-up appointments.
Consult an Attorney:
- If you believe you may have a legal case, such as a personal injury claim, consider consulting with a qualified attorney who specializes in personal injury law. They can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
- Have your attorney stay in communication with your insurance company to ensure your case progresses smoothly.
Remember that the specific steps you need to take after an accident can vary depending on the circumstances. It’s important to prioritize safety, seek medical attention if needed, and consult with professionals who can help you navigate the aftermath of the accident.
How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Case in Waterford, CT
Determining whether you have a personal injury case in Waterford, or any other location, involves evaluating several key factors. Personal injury cases typically arise when someone is injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. To assess whether you have a valid personal injury case, consider the following steps:
- Evaluate Liability: Determine if someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your injuries. Common examples include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, product defects, or premises liability.
- Establish Duty of Care: Recognize that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care. In most cases, individuals and entities have a lgal obligation to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others.
- Prove Breach of Duty: Determine if the at-fault party breached their duty of care. This means they failed to act reasonably or responsibly, leading to your injuries.
- Show Causation: Establish a direct link between the breach of duty and your injuries. You must demonstrate that the negligent actions of the other party were a substantial cause of your injuries.
- Assess Damages: Identify the damages or losses you suffered as a result of the accident. This can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
- Consult with an Attorney: Perhaps the most crucial step is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Waterford, CT. They can assess the details of your case, determine its viability, and guide you through the legal process.
- Discuss the Facts: During your initial consultation with an attorney, provide all relevant information and documentation about the accident and your injuries. This will help the attorney assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
- Legal Assessment: Based on their evaluation, the attorney will advise you on whether you have a viable personal injury case and explain your legal options.
It’s important to remember that every personal injury case is unique, and the outcome depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and the strength of the evidence. Consulting with an attorney is crucial because they can provide you with personalized guidance and represent your interests in pursuing a personal injury claim if your case has merit.
The attorneys at Polito & Harrington, LLC, offer free consultations, so you can turn to us to get answers to your questions and a full case evaluation at no cost.
How Much Is My Waterford, CT, Personal Injury Claim Worth
The value of a personal injury claim in Waterford, CT, or anywhere else, is not a fixed amount and can vary significantly from one case to another. The worth of your personal injury claim depends on various factors, including the nature and extent of your injuries, the liability of the at-fault party, and the economic and non-economic damages you have suffered. Here are some key factors that can influence the value of your personal injury claim:
- Medical Expenses: The cost of your past and future medical treatment related to the injury is a significant factor. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medication, therapy, and assistive devices.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both the income you’ve already lost and any future earnings that you will miss due to your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your property (e.g., vehicle) was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are more challenging to quantify but are an essential part of many personal injury claims.
- Permanent Disabilities: If your injuries result in permanent disabilities or impairments that affect your quality of life or ability to work, your claim’s value may increase.
- Liability: The extent to which the other party is clearly liable for the accident plays a significant role. If liability is clear-cut, it may enhance the value of your claim.
- Insurance Coverage: The insurance policies involved, both yours and the at-fault party’s, will impact the potential compensation available. High-limit insurance policies can lead to larger settlements.
- Evidence: The strength and quality of evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, and medical records, can affect the value of your claim.
- Legal Representation: Having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case. They can negotiate on your behalf, gather evidence, and advocate for the highest possible compensation.
- Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiation skills, either by you or your attorney, can influence the final settlement amount.
- Jury or Court Decisions: If your case goes to trial, a jury or court may determine the value of your claim, and this can be unpredictable.
Note that there are no set formulas for calculating the exact value of a personal injury claim. Each case is unique, and the value is typically determined through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company or, if necessary, in court.
To get a better estimate of the potential value of your personal injury claim in Waterford, CT, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can assess the specific details of your case, consider the factors mentioned above, and provide a more accurate evaluation based on their experience and knowledge of local laws and precedents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Waterford, CT
In Waterford, Connecticut, and throughout the state, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s crucial to be aware of these time limits, as failing to file within the prescribed timeframe can result in the loss of your right to pursue a lawsuit. Here are some common time limits for personal injury claims in Connecticut:
- Personal Injury Claims: In general, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Connecticut. This includes claims related to car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injuries.
- Product Liability Claims: For injuries caused by defective products, you typically have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
- Medical Malpractice Claims: Medical malpractice cases in Connecticut have a specific statute of limitations. You generally have two years from the date when you discovered or should have discovered the injury caused by medical malpractice, but not more than three years from the date of the alleged malpractice itself.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased loved one, you usually have two years from the date of their death to file a lawsuit.
Keep in mind that there may be exceptions or variations in the statute of limitations based on the specifics of your case, so it’s always advisable to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Waterford, CT, to determine the exact deadline that applies to your situation.
If you attempt to file a personal injury lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will be unable to pursue compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it’s essential to act promptly and consult with an attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have a valid personal injury claim. An attorney can help ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe and guide you through the legal process.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Waterford Personal Injury Attorney?
At Polito & Harrington, LLC, we understand you likely don’t have the funds to pay for a personal injury lawyer, especially since you have been fronting your medical expenses and probably had to take time off of work to recover. We don’t want to add an additional financial burden during this difficult time in your life, so our Waterford personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
This means we don’t charge you anything upfront to represent you, and we only accept a fee if we win your case or recover compensation for you. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
The percentage we accept after all is said and done is based on the complexity of your case. Your attorney will go over all of the details during your free initial consultation. You really have to weigh the costs of NOT hiring an attorney, as a lawyer can help you get more compensation than you would on your own. Contact us today to discuss your claim at no cost and learn how you can get the quality, effective representation you need to improve your odds of a successful outcome.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Waterford, CT, Personal Injury Claim
The amount of time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim in Waterford, CT, varies depending on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle.
However, most personal injury cases in Connecticut are resolved within 12 to 18 months. Some cases may be resolved more quickly, while others may take longer.
Here is a general overview of the personal injury claims process in Connecticut:
- Initial consultation: You will meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. The attorney will assess your case and advise you on your legal options.
- Investigation: The attorney will begin investigating your case by gathering evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
- Filing Your Claim: The attorney will file your injury claim with the other party’s insurance company, outline your injuries and damages, and submit a demand for compensation.
- Negotiation: The attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- Litigation: If the insurance company is unwilling to settle for a fair amount, the attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf. The case will then proceed through the court system.
If your case goes to trial, it could take several months or even years to be resolved. However, most personal injury cases are settled before trial.
If you have been injured in an accident and are considering filing a personal injury claim, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney from Polito & Harrington, LLC, can help you understand your legal rights and options and can work to maximize your compensation.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault for the Waterford, CT, Accident
Yes, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for an accident in Waterford. Connecticut follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means that you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident.
The amount of damages you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you can only recover 80% of your damages.
Here is an example:
- You are driving down the road when another driver runs a red light and hits you.
- You suffer serious injuries in the accident.
- You file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.
- The jury finds that the other driver was 80% at fault for the accident and you were 20% at fault.
- The jury awards you $1 million in damages.
- Your damages will be reduced by 20% to reflect your percentage of fault, so you will receive $800,000 in damages.
If you were 50% or more at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages.
It is important to note that the jury is the one who decides the percentage of fault for each party involved in the accident. This means that it is important to have a strong case and to present all of the evidence in your favor.
The attorneys at Polito & Harrington, LLC, can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to maximize your compensation. We will advocate for you if the insurance company tries to place undue blame on you for the accident and fight to ensure the at-fault party receives full liability, if possible, so you can get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
What Does Our Firm Do for Personal Injury Victims?
We are a full-service firm. That means that we handle every aspect of your personal injury case. This may include:
Hiring experts based on your case type
Experts can help us process evidence in your case. We may hire medical experts for a malpractice case, engineering experts for a construction accident, and so on. We don’t hesitate to hire anyone who can improve your case.
Experts may also:
- Help investigate your injurious circumstances
- Provide direct testimony
- Digitally or physically reconstruct an accident
- Project future losses
Certain resources, like experts, can significantly strengthen a personal injury claim. Polito & Harrington, LLC can provide those resources at no extra cost.
Recording and projecting your losses
Each of our clients suffers different losses. Your case type, specific injuries, and other personal details will determine your damages. Our team works with doctors, mental health professionals, law enforcement, you, and your loved ones to identify your losses.
You may receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Lost income and earning power
- Loss of consortium (in wrongful death cases)
- Any other damages resulting from negligence
Serious injuries may affect you indefinitely. You may need medical treatment for the foreseeable future or not know if you can ever return to work. Our firm accounts for these realities when identifying and valuing your damages.
Dealing with attorneys and insurance companies
Your case may involve both insurance companies and other attorneys. These parties will have experience with claims and may try to violate your rights. The team at Polito & Harrington, LLC protects our clients from insurers and lawyers. We will speak to these parties on your behalf. If you must give a statement, then we will assist and protect you during that process.
Negotiating a financial settlement
Financial recovery is the goal of every personal injury claim. While your recovery is our foremost priority, we’re under no false assumptions you hire our team to win for you.
Our team handles the entire legal or insurance process for you. From making phone calls to filing your case and even going to trial, you can trust us to get it done.
Call Polito & Harrington, LLC Today About Your Personal Injury Case
File your personal injury case as soon as possible. Per Connecticut law, you generally have only two years to file a personal injury claim. You may also have two years to file a wrongful death claim after your loved one’s passing.
A lawyer from our team will move quickly to file your case in Waterford. Start with a free consultation call Polito & Harrington, LLC today at (860) 447-3300. We’ll answer your questions, introduce you to our team, and proceed with any case that you have. You pay us nothing when you hire us. We only receive a fee if we secure a judgment or settlement for you.
Additional Resources
Waterford Emergency Rooms
If you suffered serious injuries in a Waterford accident someone else caused, seek immediate medical treatment from one of the area’s emergency rooms or urgent care centers. A few include:
- Hartford HealthCare Medical Group: 196 Waterford Pkwy S #201b, Waterford, CT 06385
- Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Emergency Room: 365 Montauk Ave, New London, CT 06320
- Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care: 351 N Frontage Rd, New London, CT 06320
*Disclaimer – Polito & Harrington, LLC does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.
Waterford Courthouses
- Waterford Town Clerk: 15 Rope Ferry Rd, Waterford, CT 06385
- State Of Connecticut Superior Court: 112 Broad St, New London, CT 06320
Neighborhoods We Serve In Waterford, Connecticut
Quaker Hill, Central Waterford (06385), Millstone (06385), Poquonock Bridge (06340),
