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FAQs

Suffering an injury, especially a serious one, can be a disorienting and frustrating experience, especially as many injury victims are left struggling to find answers to a number of different questions they have about their legal rights and options in this situation. At the Law Offices of Paul Levin, our staff understands just how much an injury can impact your life and, as such, want to help you find the answers and guidance that you need. That's why we have put together the following collection of questions our clients frequently ask us, along with their answers, in order to help you get the information you need, when you need it.

If you can't the answers you need or if you would prefer to speak directly with a member of our legal staff, contact our offices today by calling (860) 322-5302.

Am I allowed to switch law firms during a personal injury case?

If a claimant in a personal injury case doesn't feel that his or her legal representation is providing adequate legal assistance, the individual may opt to work with another firm. Similarly, if a claimant is dropped by a legal firm for whatever reason, he or she may choose to continue the case with the help...

Can I file a lawsuit long after an initial accident happened?

Like many other states, Connecticut has a limit on how long after an accident you can file a personal injury claim. This limit is called the statute of limitations, and it is two years in this state. This means that you have until two years to the date after an accident to file your claim...

Can I represent myself during a case?

Self-representation is possible, but it's usually not advised.  This is due to two major factors: a lack of knowledge regarding the legal system and pertinent laws and a lack of time to deal with the many legal requirements. A lawyer can handle many of the documents and appearances or meetings that are required for personal...

Can I sue the government if it is responsible for my injuries?

An injured civilian usually has the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the government agency responsible for his or her accident. It is important to note, though, that there are some major exceptions to this rule. Additionally, even if a person can sue the municipality or other government entity at fault for his...

Do I have a lawsuit?

I had script for eye drops pharmacy in error gave me ear drops I used them for 5 days which super aggravated my eyes and my skin And I lost 10 days of work do to this have pictures and proof do I have a lawsuit? Paul's answer: You may very well have a negligence claim....

Do I really need a lawyer?

There aren't any legal requirements stating that a claimant must have an attorney represent them, but having the legal guidance and advice that a lawyer provides can be critical in getting the compensation a victim needs. Attorneys can provide much-needed assistance throughout the process, from working on paperwork and meeting crucial deadlines to providing representation...

How do I know if an attorney is the “right fit” for me?

It may take some trial and error, but typically you want to find an attorney that suits your personality and also is willing to consider your case as a top priority.  Largely, such things can be determined in an initial meeting, where you should feel free to ask questions about things such as the attorney's...

How do I pay my medical bills?

Utilize your personal injury insurance benefits if you have this under your automobile policy, otherwise rely on your health insurance. You will ordinarily be able to obtain reimbursement for out of pocket expenses such as deductibles and co-pays if the incident is caused by the fault of another. Generally, the insurance company for the at...

How long will it take to settle my case?

There is some variability here but generally it is necessary for you to have completed medical treatment and reached a point in time when the full magnitude of the injury's impact on you personally, professionally, medically and economically can be understood. Also, that the future implications of the injury are ascertained and projected as well....

How much can I expect from a settlement?

I have a lower L5 herniated disk and mri results show it . How much can ivexpect [sic] from a settlement? In a motorvehicle accident hit from driver rear side. Paul's answer: This needs some planning and coordination to accomplish. Quicker settlements are often at lower than full value. Additionally, increased risk of closing a claim...

How much compensation am I entitled to receive?

If you suffer an injury in an accident caused by someone else's carelessness, whether in a car accident or because of a dangerous product, it is possible that you may be entitled to receive compensation for a wide range of different losses. Loss of income as a result of time spent away from work recovering...

How will an insurance company value my case?

Some will utilize professional insurance adjustors and others may rely primarily on a computer program to do this taking account of medical bill, lost wages and the type and extent of the medical care involved. The problem is that even if they determine a fair value for your injury they may not offer this amount...

How will I be paid if my claim is successful?

Typically, a plaintiff in a personal injury case will be awarded damages in a lump sum, unless they exceed $200,000. These payments are provided in full, paying the complete compensation sum at once. However, for any compensation over $200,000, a plaintiff and defendant can work out an agreement in which the plaintiff is awarded damages...

If I can just pay for damages myself, should I even seek compensation?

Some people have the financial means to pay for the costs, such as vehicle repairs or medical expenses, they've incurred after another person has injured them. However, it should be the other person's responsibility to pay for these expenses, even if you can. Filing a claim is not as disruptive as many people believe, especially...

If I was injured before my accident occurred and I sustained further injuries, can I still sue?

Yes. A claimant is entitled to sue for injuries caused by an accident, even if they were in the process of recovering from pre-existing injuries. Although a claimant may need to take special care to provide evidence for injuries that occurred after the incident, they can still pursue a claim. In addition to new injuries,...

If I'm not happy with the amount of compensation I receive, can I sue again?

Once a claimant receives compensation for their claim, whether through a court award or through a settlement, they can no longer make claims for those particular injuries or that accident. They cannot file another lawsuit against the same defendant for the same injury. This is why it's so important for claimants to make sure all...

Is misdiagnosis always considered medical malpractice?

Not always. Medical malpractice is defined as a deviation from what is considered the basic standards of practice. This means that medical malpractice only occurs when a physician either makes a decision that is notably unreasonable or unusual, leading to a patient's injury, or makes an egregious mistake that causes undue harm to the patient....

What are punitive damages?

Punitive damages are sometimes awarded to a plaintiff in addition to actual damages that the defendant caused. Punitive damages are not awarded in the context of a breach of duty or contract, as their purpose is to punish a defendant when their actions are found to be exceptionally reckless or harmful. Punitive damages are usually...

What happens in a workers compensation case if the employer and his attorney do not show up to a pre-formal hearing?

I am currently going through a workers compensation case for approx 1 and a half years. I have been going through multiple pre-formal hearing and at this last hearing, my ex-employer and his attorney never showed up. Can they get away with that? My ex-employer does not have workers compensation insurance and therefore the second...

What is an injury lawsuit, and when is it necessary to go to trial?

An injury lawsuit is a legal action taken by an individual who has suffered an injury for which someone else was at fault. It involves a formal judicial proceeding in which testimony may be offered and, if a settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to go to trial. In the vast majority of...

What is informed consent?

Prior to administering certain treatments, such as invasive surgical procedures, doctors are sometimes required to obtain informed consent, which is a patient's signed agreement to undergo the treatment. In particular, informed consent is required whenever a patient is undergoing a potentially risky treatment or one that could cause harm; however, it is typically up to...

What is negligence, and how important for my case is it to prove negligence?

Negligence is the fundamental legal basis for a personal injury claim, and it plays an essential role in determining whether an injury victim will be able to receive compensation and how much compensation they may receive. It also provides the moral basis for an injury claim, demonstrating that the victim suffered because of the irresponsible...

What is the most important thing for me to do after my injury?

Get good quality medical care, don't speak with insurance adjusters, and obtain prompt legal guidance. If you would like to learn more about what you should do following an injury, contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Paul Levin today by calling our office at 860.322.5302.

What is the statute of limitations?

The statute of limitations is a term in personal injury law that refers to the limited amount of time in which a litigant can bring forward a claim for damages. Typically, statutes of limitations for personal injury cases are only a few years in length, and the amount of time available to file certain claims,...

What questions should I ask a potential attorney in our first meeting?

The initial meeting with an attorney is a vital one, as it not only allows you to determine whether the attorney is right for you, but it will also set the tone for your relationship for the duration of your case. Though you may have dozens of specific questions, sometimes it's best to start with...

What should I look for if I suspect physical abuse in a nursing home?

Sadly, nursing home abuse is one of the most under-reported forms of abuse. You may trust nursing homes to care for your aging loved ones, but it is extremely important to be aware of and report any signs of abuse. Some of the most common signs of abuse involve unexplained scratches or bruises, sudden weight...

What will the negligent party's insurance company do about my claim?

Generally, they will conduct their own investigation or review and may want to speak with you in order to find information that will help them defend against your claim or at least minimize their exposure. Property damage reimbursement may sometimes proceed on a separate track but it is still useful to keep in mind the...

What's the biggest mistake people make when it comes to personal injuries?

The worst thing a person who has been injured by another person's actions is taking no action at all. Although people may initially believe that they were not harmed in the accident or have no grounds for a case, this not always the case. There is no harm in initially consulting with an attorney, but...

When is an owner liable for a dog bite injury?

Dog owners are typically found liable for an injury their dog caused if any of the following are true: a dog-bite statute makes the owner liable, the injury was caused by the unreasonable carelessness of the dog's owner, or if the owner was aware that the dog had a tendency to cause injury. For example,...

When should I file a lawsuit?

Other than the legal constraints that require an injured individual to file a claim within the statute of limitations or otherwise face their claim becoming invalid, there aren't set rules regarding when a person must file an injury claim. However, it may be beneficial for an injured claimant to file their personal injury lawsuit as...

Who is liable for my injury?

Personal injury cases are often more complicated than a simple situation in which one person is clearly responsible for another person's injuries. In fact, a wide range of different groups or individuals may be held partially or fully liable for an injury. Individuals, product manufacturers, building owners or managers, and many others may all be...

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Statewide practice serving all counties throughout Connecticut and the following cities: Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Milford, West Haven, Middletown, Norwich, Shelton, Torrington, New London, Ansonia, Derby, Groton and Winsted.

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