Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP FindLaw IM Template 2026-08-13T15:29:08Z https://www.sheffylaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1404293/2026/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[Do I have legal options if I’m partly at fault for an accident?]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=52227 2026-08-13T15:29:08Z 2026-08-13T15:29:08Z After a sudden accident, it is natural to feel some concern if you think your own actions played a part in what happened. However, while you may feel badly if your actions may have contributed to an accident, understand that being partially to blame does not bar you from seeking financial remedies.

The rules of modified comparative negligence

Connecticut follows the modified comparative negligence rule. Per state law, you can recover money for your injuries if you are 50% or less responsible for the accident. Your final payout is simply lowered by your share of the fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but are 30% at fault, you could receive up to $70,000. However, if it is determined that you are more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages from the other party or parties involved.

How fault looks in daily life

Real-world situations often involve shared responsibility rather than one person being entirely to blame. Consider how the following scenarios might influence a personal injury claim:
  • A driver runs a red light and hits you, but you were looking at a text while in the crosswalk.
  • You slip on an icy store lot that was not salted for days, but you were wearing smooth-soled shoes.
  • A car rear-ends you at a light while your own brake lights were not functioning.
These examples illustrate the importance of thorough investigation. These details determine if you stay at or below the critical threshold required to receive any compensation at all. Keep in mind that insurance companies and other parties involved are typically interested in minimizing their own responsibility for an accident. It can be crucial to work with an attorney who is looking out for you and your best interests.

The impact of fault percentages

Insurance companies often argue your fault percentage to lower their payouts. The gap between 50% and 51% fault is the difference between a recovery and nothing. This makes gathering evidence like photos and notes immediately after an accident vital to countering fault arguments.
Beyond those initial notes, a complete case can rely on police reports, video footage and witness accounts. In complex situations, specialists can also reconstruct the accident. An attorney can tackle these legal logistics and help build a strong claim to maximize your compensation and protect your rights.
]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[Who is responsible for a dog bite in Connecticut?]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=52215 2026-07-29T06:32:00Z 2026-06-29T06:31:36Z Connecticut follows a strict liability rule Unlike some states, Connecticut has a strict liability dog bite law. This means an injured person usually does not have to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or acted negligently. Instead, the injured person generally must show that:
  • The defendant owned or kept the dog.
  • The dog caused the injury.
  • The victim had a legal right to be where the attack occurred.
Because strict liability applies in many cases, victims often have a clearer path to seeking compensation than they would under a negligence standard.

Are there any exceptions?

Although Connecticut law favors injured victims, dog owners may avoid liability under certain circumstances. For example, an owner may have a defense if the injured person:
  • Was trespassing at the time of the attack
  • Teased, tormented, or abused the dog
  • Provoked the animal in a way that contributed to the incident
The specific facts of the case often determine whether one of these exceptions applies. An attorney can evaluate the available evidence and explain how the law may affect your claim.

What damages may be available?

A serious dog bite can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring or permanent disfigurement
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries and the impact they have on your daily life.

Why acting quickly matters

After a dog bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury appears minor. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates medical records that may support your claim. You should also preserve evidence whenever possible by photographing your injuries, identifying witnesses, reporting the incident to the appropriate local authorities, and keeping records of your medical treatment and expenses.

An attorney can help you pursue compensation

Although Connecticut's strict liability law may make it easier to establish responsibility, insurance companies often dispute the extent of a victim's injuries or the amount of compensation they should pay. An experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney can investigate the attack, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for the full compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Connecticut dog attack, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal options and take the next steps toward financial recovery.  ]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[Who is responsible when you slip and fall in a store?]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=52213 2026-06-23T07:32:06Z 2026-06-23T07:32:06Z A fall in a store can feel embarrassing at first, especially when people are watching. But once the pain leads to medical visits, missed work and calls from insurance adjusters, the financial and legal question becomes harder to ignore: was this just bad luck, or did the store fail to fix a hazard it should have caught?

Responsibility starts with a dangerous condition

A store does not owe compensation simply because someone fell on its property. In Connecticut, the central question is usually whether the business failed to use reasonable care to keep customers safe from foreseeable hazards. A wet entrance, loose rug, broken tile, poor lighting or cluttered aisle may support a fall injury claim if the condition created an unreasonable risk of harm.

Notice often decides the claim

Many store fall cases turn on notice. That means the owner or employees knew about the hazard, or should have known about it through reasonable inspections. A spill that appears seconds before a fall can create a difficult evidentiary problem. A leak, tracking water, recurring spill area or earlier complaint about the same condition can tell a different story.

Exceptions can change the analysis

The notice rule has important limits. If an employee created the hazard, the claim may not depend on proving how long it sat there. Connecticut also recognizes a narrow business method exception for some self-service settings. It may apply when a specific way of operating the business regularly creates predictable hazards in a limited risk area, not simply because the store lets customers pick items from shelves.

Your actions may also matter

A store may argue that you missed an obvious warning sign, ignored a cone or failed to watch where you were walking. Connecticut’s negligence rule can reduce recovery based on the injured person’s share of fault. If that share exceeds the combined negligence of the people or businesses at fault, Connecticut law can prevent recovery.

Evidence can disappear quickly

The strongest facts often exist right after the fall. Photos of the floor, shoes, warning signs, aisle layout, lighting and injuries can help show what happened. Witness names, incident reports, medical records and the time of day can also matter. Surveillance video may show how long the hazard existed, but many businesses keep that footage for only a short retention period.

Do not decide too soon that it was just an accident

After a store fall, look beyond the injury and focus on what made the fall happen. What caused the fall? How long did the hazard exist before you encountered it? Did the store create the problem or have a routine that made the danger likely? Before you accept the accident label, compare what happened with the facts that Connecticut law tends to treat as important. Those answers can help you decide whether to treat the fall as a simple accident or a claim that deserves closer review.]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[How do you file an injury claim against an unknown driver?]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=52209 2026-05-26T05:50:08Z 2026-05-26T05:50:08Z Turning to your own policy Connecticut requires every auto insurance policy to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. State law treats an unknown hit-and-run driver the same as an uninsured motorist, so your own UM policy steps in to cover your losses. This insurance pays for your medical bills, lost wages and other injury-related costs up to your policy limits. The state minimum sits at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, though you may carry higher limits. If your policy includes medical payments coverage, often called MedPay, you can use those benefits for medical costs right away regardless of fault. For vehicle damage, you would rely on collision coverage instead, since UM benefits only cover your injuries. It is also worth knowing that the state operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that the insurer can reduce the amount you can receive based on the fault they assigned to you. For example, if you were to receive $20,000 and were 20% at fault, then you would get a $16,000 payout. Should the insurer find you 51% or more at fault, you would not be able to recover any damages.

Taking action at the crash scene

The following actions might help your ability to recover compensation after a hit-and-run:
  • Report the accident to police
  • Document the scene thoroughly
  • Gather witness information
  • Seek medical attention promptly
  • Notify your insurance company
Establishing an immediate timeline of events limits an insurance adjuster's ability to attribute your injuries to unrelated causes. This might contribute to the strength of your overall case.

Navigating Connecticut's filing requirements

Because there is no identified driver to sue, your UM claim is a contractual matter between you and your insurer rather than a standard personal injury lawsuit. State law prohibits insurance companies from setting the deadline to file a lawsuit or demand arbitration at less than three years from the date of the accident, but you must report the initial claim to your insurer much sooner based on your policy's notice requirements. Once you have filed your claim, your insurer will review the police report, your medical records and any repair estimates as part of its investigation. If you cannot agree on a fair settlement, you can pursue arbitration or file a lawsuit to resolve the dispute.]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[Spinal cord injuries in Connecticut: Understanding your long-term rights]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=52205 2026-04-23T16:32:02Z 2026-04-23T16:32:02Z What Connecticut law allows you to recover Connecticut personal injury law recognizes two categories of damages in a spinal cord injury case: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover the financial losses you can document and calculate. For a spinal cord injury, that list is long and reaches far beyond the initial hospital stay. Future medical care, in-home nursing support, adaptive equipment, home modifications, ongoing rehabilitation and the income you will not earn because of your injury all qualify as economic damages in a Connecticut claim. Non-economic damages cover what cannot be captured in a spreadsheet: the pain you live with, the activities you can no longer do and the quality of life the injury has permanently altered. Connecticut does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, which matters significantly when the losses are as profound and permanent as a spinal cord injury produces. Together, these two categories form the foundation of what a Connecticut court or jury considers when evaluating a catastrophic injury claim.

Why lifetime costs must be documented from the start

The full financial picture of a spinal cord injury rarely emerges in the first weeks or months after it occurs. Lifetime care costs, equipment replacement schedules, the impact on future earning capacity and the cost of home modifications all require careful projection by professionals trained to document catastrophic injury losses. In Connecticut spinal cord injury cases, life care planners and vocational rehabilitation professionals play a central role in building that picture. Here is what their work addresses:
  • A life care plan projects the full cost of medical and supportive care over your lifetime, including equipment, therapies, nursing support and anticipated future medical needs.
  • A vocational rehabilitation assessment documents the injury's impact on earning capacity, both what you earned before and what you can reasonably earn after, which forms the basis for the lost income portion of your economic damages claim.
Starting this documentation process early, while the medical picture is still developing, preserves evidence and strengthens the foundation of your claim.

What the legal deadline means for your family

Connecticut law gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. In certain circumstances, including injuries involving minors or claims against government entities, different timelines and notice requirements may apply. That deadline does not pause because your family is still in the acute care phase of recovery. For many families, the two-year window feels distant in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic injury and then suddenly close. An attorney who handles catastrophic injury cases in Connecticut can step in at any point in that window, assess the facts of your situation and make sure the legal process moves forward on a timeline that protects your rights while you focus on recovery. The earlier that process begins, the more thoroughly your attorney can preserve the evidence and document the lifetime costs that form the core of your claim.]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[2 common myths about traumatic brain injuries after accidents]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=52196 2026-03-18T12:43:46Z 2026-03-18T12:43:46Z Believing symptoms must appear immediately after impact You might expect clear signs right after a hit on the head, but in many cases, you will not notice anything right away. Symptoms can develop hours or even days later, so you may experience a headache later in the day or notice dizziness, confusion or disrupted sleep the next day. Even so, feeling stable at first does not rule out a potential injury, which means you need to monitor new or worsening symptoms instead of relying only on your condition right after impact.

Assuming a mild brain injury cannot affect daily life

The word “mild” can feel reassuring, so it may lead you to dismiss changes in your thinking or behavior. Still, even a mild injury can affect concentration, mood or sleep quality, which can interfere with work tasks, conversations or daily responsibilities. You may notice the following:
  • Difficulty recalling recent details
  • Disrupted sleep or persistent fatigue
  • Increased irritability or sudden mood changes
These changes can affect how you function each day, and even without losing consciousness, symptoms may still interfere with routine activities.

What to consider if symptoms appear

Common beliefs can shape how you respond after a head injury, and they can cause you to overlook changes that matter. Because of that, it helps to stay aware of what you feel in the hours and days after an accident. You can start by noting when symptoms appear and how they change over time. If those changes begin to affect your routine or work, you may also want to review what options exist, which can include exploring a personal injury claim depending on the situation.]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[The high costs of car accident injuries for primary caregivers ]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=52122 2026-02-13T10:13:13Z 2026-02-13T10:13:13Z Primary caregivers often serve as the glue holding a household together. When a car accident results in a serious injury like a second-degree burn or a bone fracture, the immediate pain is only the beginning. A caregiver managing a home and a career faces unique obstacles that ripple through every aspect of their family’s life.

Inability to contribute to household duties

A physical injury prevents a caregiver from performing essential daily tasks. Families must often hire outside help for cleaning, cooking and childcare. These costs add up quickly and create a significant strain on the monthly budget.

Loss of future earning potential 

Burn injuries often require long recovery periods and multiple surgeries. This time away from work does more than stop a current paycheck. It often derails a career path and eliminates opportunities for promotions or professional growth in the future.

The high cost of specialized care 

Recovery from a traumatic injury requires more than just a standard doctor visit. Families must pay for physical therapy, specialized wound care and mental health support. Insurance companies rarely cover the full extent of these necessary rehabilitative services.

Disrupted educational stability 

When a parent cannot drive or manage schedules, children often miss out on extracurricular activities or tutoring. Restoring this stability requires resources that most families do not have sitting in a savings account.

Protecting your family legacy 

A serious injury should not bankrupt your future. Filing a claim ensures that the person responsible pays for the true cost of your recovery. A skilled attorney can help provide the leverage you need to hold insurance companies accountable. You deserve a recovery that accounts for every hour of lost work and every dollar spent on rehabilitation. Securing the right compensation allows you to focus on healing while your legal team handles the heavy lifting.  ]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[4 dog bite myths Connecticut parents need to know]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=51772 2026-02-13T06:15:27Z 2026-01-19T10:35:59Z Experiencing a dog bite can be frightening, especially when it involves your child. The physical injuries can be painful, but the emotional impact, fear, anxiety and uncertainty about legal options can last far longer. Many parents feel overwhelmed, unsure how to protect their children or manage the claims process. To further complicate matters, misconceptions about dog bite laws are widely circulated. Knowing the facts about these four myths can help you safeguard your family’s well-being.

Myth 1: Only aggressive or previously biting dogs can cause liability

It is a common belief that owners are only responsible if a dog has a history of aggression. In Connecticut, this is not true. Owners can be held strictly liable even if their dog has never bitten anyone before. What matters is the injury and the circumstances, not the dog’s past behavior.

Myth 2: Bites must happen on private property to count

Some parents assume that if a bite occurs at a park, sidewalk or school playground, they lose the ability to take legal action. In fact, Connecticut’s strict liability law protects victims on both public and private property, meaning you do not have to prove the owner was negligent or "careless" in a public space to seek compensation.

Myth 3: Children are automatically favored in claims

While the law doesn’t “favor” children in terms of payout, it does provide protections related to their behavior. Connecticut law includes a “teasing” exception; an owner is not liable if the victim was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. However, for children under the age of 7, the law presumes they cannot be guilty of teasing or trespassing. This makes it easier for parents of young children to pursue a claim compared to adults, while still recognizing that older children and adults must exercise caution. Myth 4: Reporting to authorities is required for compensation Many parents think a police report is required to file a claim. This is not the case. You can pursue a civil lawsuit or insurance claim without one. That said, reporting the bite to a local Animal Control Officer is highly recommended. They create an official record and can verify the dog’s vaccination history, which is vital for your child’s medical treatment and safety. Separating fact from fiction allows parents to take informed action after a dog bite.  Protecting your child starts with understanding your rights Dog bite injuries can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, but knowing the law empowers you to take control. Every situation is unique, and Connecticut has nuances that can affect outcomes. A personal injury attorney can provide guidance tailored to your family, helping you manage this stressful time with care.]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[2 concussion symptoms Connecticut drivers may not link to a crash]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=51769 2026-02-13T06:15:31Z 2025-12-18T16:11:49Z Difficulty concentrating or memory fog You may notice mental strain when regular responsibilities return. Tasks that once felt automatic may take more effort. Following conversations may feel harder. Simple steps may require more focus than usual. These changes can appear without headaches or balance problems, which can make the connection to the crash less obvious. Signs of difficulty concentrating or memory fog may include:
  • Losing focus during familiar tasks
  • Forgetting details from recent conversations
  • Taking longer to organize routine activities
These changes may appear days after the collision. Daily routines can bring them to light. Stress or fatigue may seem like likely causes at first. Still, the timing may help explain why these changes started.

Changes in sleep patterns or mood regulation

Sleep changes may develop gradually rather than immediately. You may take longer to fall asleep, or your rest may feel lighter and disrupted. Emotional responses may also shift. You might notice increased irritability, unease or reduced patience without clear triggers. These changes may influence concentration and daily energy levels. When imaging does not show clear findings, the connection to the crash may feel uncertain.

What to consider if symptoms began after the crash

Not every motor vehicle crash leads to obvious injury. When symptoms show up later, clarity often comes from recognizing patterns. If you begin to question whether the collision connects to these changes, exploring a personal injury claim may become part of that evaluation. In that context, medical records and accident documents may help show timing and progression. Connecticut injury claims generally follow a two-year filing period that starts when you first notice an injury or reasonably could have noticed it, so timing can influence your options.]]> On Behalf of Sheffy, Grey & Bedard, LLP <![CDATA[Wintertime catastrophic injuries to watch out for]]> https://www.sheffylaw.com/?p=51764 2026-02-13T06:15:36Z 2025-11-25T18:02:53Z Traumatic brain injuries from slips and falls Winter creates perfect conditions for dangerous falls on icy sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. Even what seems like a minor fall can lead to serious complications if you hit your head. When your head hits a hard surface during a fall, you risk suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can permanently affect your memory, personality and ability to function independently.

Spine injuries from winter car crashes

Driving becomes much more dangerous in winter. Snow, ice and poor visibility lead to crashes that can hurt your spine badly. Spinal cord injuries happen when an accident damages the nerves in your backbone. The effects include:
  • Partial or complete paralysis
  • Loss of sensation below the injury site
  • Permanent disability requiring lifelong care
  • Respiratory problems requiring assistance
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
These injuries change lives forever and require long-term medical care for victims and their families.

Frostbite that can cost your limbs

Frostbite occurs when your skin and underlying tissues freeze due to extreme cold. Severe frostbite can set in quicker than you might think. In wind chills of -15°F or lower, adults can get frostbite in just 30 minutes and even faster for kids or babies. In the worst case frostbit scenarios, tissue damage becomes permanent. This forces doctors to amputate fingers, toes or even entire limbs. The danger increases dramatically when wet clothing or poor circulation is involved.

Stay safe this winter season

You can take several practical steps to protect yourself from catastrophic winter injuries. Wearing winter shoes with good traction, driving slower in snow storms and dressing in layers are key. Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including blankets and extra warm clothing and use salt on icy and slippery surfaces. By staying alert and preparing for winter conditions, you can avoid serious injuries that could change your life this season.]]>