Tremont Sheldon P.C.Bridgeport Personal Injury Lawyer2024-02-28T16:03:37Zhttps://www.tremontsheldon.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103033/2021/04/cropped-tremont-site-icon2-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=495252024-02-27T19:35:04Z2024-02-27T05:00:00ZAbout the doctrine
The family car doctrine in Connecticut holds the owner of a vehicle responsible for accidents that occur when their spouse, parent or child is driving. It gives an injured party another liable person to go after if insurance will not pay for all losses. The owner of a car driven by a family member is liable unless they can prove they did not authorize the person to drive the vehicle. Being found liable for another driver's negligence can result in significant financial obligations, including medical bills, lost wages and property damage.
How the doctrine impacts car accident cases
For the vehicle owner, this doctrine means a lot of responsibility. They have to ensure the person driving their vehicle is a good driver and someone they know will drive with care.
For the injured party, the doctrine does provide a nice backup when all other avenues to collect damages fail. If an insurer pays out all the money and the actual at-fault party is unable to pay, the vehicle owner becomes the next person liable for the expenses resulting from an accident.
Potential defense that could stop the doctrine
There is a defense to this liability if the driver did not have permission to use the vehicle at the time of the accident.
The burden of proof lies with the vehicle owner to demonstrate this lack of authorization. The owner may need to provide evidence, such as written documentation prohibiting the driver from using the car or witness statements. If the owner successfully proves the claim, he or she is not liable for the damages from the accident.
The family car doctrine in Connecticut highlights the importance of understanding the legal implications of allowing family members to borrow vehicles. Vehicle owners should take proactive measures to prevent unauthorized use of their vehicles and only grant permission to individuals who are trustworthy.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=704522023-12-07T18:09:57Z2023-12-07T18:09:57ZSlippery sidewalks
For those delivering packages and food orders during the holidays, one major obstacle is the slippery state of sidewalks. As winter takes hold, icy paths become commonplace, turning routine deliveries into risky ventures.
To get the job done, delivery drivers must navigate these frozen surfaces with care to avoid slips and falls. Balancing packages, food bags and drinks while treading cautiously may become tricky to prevent accidents that could lead to injuries and delayed deliveries.
Owners of the property responsible for the sidewalk may be liable for injuries that occur from a slip and fall on the ice.
Dangerous dog bites
Dogs, usually cherished pets, can become unexpected threats during holiday deliveries. Dogs may react unpredictably to unfamiliar faces approaching a home, posing a danger to delivery drivers.
The risk of dog bites can spike during this festive period due to higher stress levels for these pets. Drivers need to exercise caution and be ready to handle encounters. Pet owners should also take measures to safeguard pets from getting loose and coming in contact with unfamiliar delivery personnel.
Hazardous driving conditions
The risk of car accidents may rise with winter conditions, putting both the drivers' safety and the timely delivery of packages in jeopardy. Approximately 24% of weather-related accidents happen on icy, snowy or slushy pavement.
Driving on busy streets requires extra attention. Drivers must also deal with the pressure to meet delivery deadlines while ensuring their own safety on the road.
Safe celebrations
The holiday season brings a wave of heightened dangers for the dedicated individuals making sure packages reach their destinations. Taking precautions to secure animals, drive safely and clear icy walkways may make the season safer for those working hard to deliver packages on time.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=698442023-09-14T20:03:04Z2023-09-14T20:03:04ZStop for school buses
In 2021, 108 people across America died from school bus-related accidents. When a school bus stops to pick up or drop off students and activates its stop sign and flashing lights, all vehicles in both directions come to a complete stop. This simple action allows students to cross the road safely and minimizes the risk of accidents.
Maintain a safe following distance
Maintaining a safe distance behind a school bus is essential. Buses make frequent stops, and leaving enough space provides you with reaction time in case the bus stops suddenly. This precaution can also prevent rear-end collisions.
Stay cautious near bus stops
Use caution when approaching bus stops, as students might be waiting at or near these locations. Make sure to stop for pedestrians who might be crossing the street to reach the bus.
Watch for school zones
Be attentive to school zone signs and reduce your speed accordingly. School zones often have lower speed limits during specific hours to ensure the safety of students arriving and departing from school.
Be patient and mindful
Driving near a school bus requires patience. Avoid overtaking a school bus while it is loading or unloading students, and wait until the bus resumes motion before proceeding.
As a driver, it is your responsibility to focus on the safety of people getting on school buses. School bus safety plays a vital role in protecting the lives of young passengers.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=698022023-12-20T17:25:41Z2023-07-24T17:47:44Zdog attacks.
The Connecticut city that saw the highest number of dog bite incidents was Waterbury, followed closely by Bridgeport.
It is not just that mail carriers bear the brunt of these attacks. There is a higher rate of dog bites among most people who deliver products, letters and even food to your home.
Why do dogs attack mail carriers and delivery people?
First, this is not an aggression issue exactly, nor is it a breed issue. There are a few reasons why delivery people bear the brunt of the attack.
Territory - Dogs are territorial and defend what they view as theirs.
Recurring encounters - Since delivery people have similar routes, they return. If a dog barks or bites and the delivery person leaves, then comes back, it reinforces the behavior.
Addictive chemicals - Fear and aggression release addictive chemicals in a dog's brain.
Although there are other factors, these are the main reasons.
What can delivery people do?
There are a few things that delivery people can do to avoid a bite.
Never attempt to feed or pet the dog
Do not startle the dog
Keep a watchful eye out
Never think a dog will not bite
Make noise while entering a yard
Report any aggressive behavior
Each of these might prevent a bite.
More than 5,000 mail carriers receive bites annually in the U.S.A. 67 of the bites were in Connecticut. This does not include other delivery people. It is important to know basic dog safety measures.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=697562023-10-16T16:29:10Z2023-06-07T15:43:53ZAbout the Firm
Tremont Sheldon P.C. represents clients throughout the State of Connecticut in childhood sexual abuse claims. The firm has represented over 200 sexual abuse survivors including those abused by teachers, priests, medical professionals, coaches and counselors. For more information go to https://www.tremontsheldon.com.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=697232023-06-05T15:14:59Z2023-06-05T15:14:59ZWhen are the 100 deadliest days of summer?
Based on a AAA study, the 100 deadliest days of summer occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. From 2010 to 2019, over 7,000 people died in teen-related summer crashes in the United States.
What factors contribute to the dangers of summer driving?
Many factors contribute to the increase in teen driving-related accidents in the summer. For example, minor drivers have more time to be on the road when school is out of session. Teen drivers have limited experience, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Even an 18-year-old has, at most, a couple of years of legal driving experience. Making driving more risky, young people commonly carpool to summer parties and other activities, creating potentially deadly distractions in the car. According to We Save Lives, 60% of teen crashes result from distracted driving. Speeding and not wearing a seat belt are also major contributors to teen-related summer crashes.
There is no substitute for vigilant driving to prevent accidents. Reinforcing the importance of safe driving habits with your teen by modeling responsible behavior and discussing the issue with them may help keep your child and those around them safe on the road.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=697162023-05-08T14:57:47Z2023-05-08T14:57:47Z5.9 million people between the age of 12 and 20 in the U.S. have consumed alcohol. That staggering number may come with a harsh reality for any adults in Connecticut who supply the drinks.
Consequences of the Social Host Law
Connecticut has a Social Host law that makes a private property owner, which includes dwelling units, fully and legally responsible for minors drinking or possessing alcohol on their property. This applies whether the owners know about the alcohol consumption or not. If found guilty of this misdemeanor, a person may face a $2,000 fine, up to a one-year jail sentence and a court-ordered evaluation.
Along with dealing with criminal charges, a person may also face a civil suit. If the alcohol consumption leads to injury or death, the victim’s parents have the right to sue for damages on top of potentially increased criminal penalties.
Risks of underage drinking
Drinking while still in the midst of growing up can result in long-lasting health issues and creates dangerous scenarios for the person drinking and the people around them. Alcohol usage frequently contributes to car accidents, falling or drowning, violence, suicide and risky behavior.
Long-term drinking comes with potentially severe physical problems. Along with possibly affecting hormones, usage creates a greater risk of a teenager developing depression and anxiety. Binge drinking, an unfortunately frequent event, increases the chances of injury or death due to alcohol poisoning.
Raising a teenager comes with many challenges, especially when it involves peer influence. Open discussions may help minimize the chances of giving in to that pressure.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=691512023-04-24T14:52:48Z2023-04-20T14:51:48ZFiling a civil lawsuit after suffering sexual abuse
There is a criminal case for sexual assault if an individual acts with the intent to cause harmful or offensive sexual damage against another. You can file a civil suit against the perpetrator of such a criminal act.
Recovering compensation in a civil lawsuit
If the court finds the party in question liable for the damages you or your child suffer as a result of sexual abuse, that individual has the obligation to pay the court-ordered compensation to you from their own personal assets. Keep in mind that you might not receive the full amount you deserve in the near term if the guilty party does not have the assets to cover the full damages recognized by the court.
When there is a criminal case for sexual abuse, you can likely pursue a successful civil suit especially if the law already recognizes the individual as guilty. This gives you the best chance at receiving monetary compensation for your family's pain and suffering, even if the guilty party cannot pay the full amount ordered.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=688712023-03-27T15:44:25Z2023-03-26T13:58:30ZTip #1: Do your homework.
Research the nursing homes that you are considering and check for citations for any violations.
Talk to other families, read reviews and learn about its track record.
Spend some time in the facility at a time other than a prearranged open house, so you can see a typical day at the nursing home.
Tip #2: Get to know the staff.
The more active you are in your loved one's care, the better the care he or she will receive. Learn the names of caregivers and the center director. Let them know they can expect to hear from you on a regular basis.
Even if you are too far away to visit, call frequently and ask to speak to your loved one's caregiver. Discuss any changes in your loved one's health or care requirements. Learn how to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, and take action right away if you see something that troubles you.
Tip #3: Take action.
If you are concerned about the care that your loved one is receiving, consider contacting the facility's ombudsman to discuss your concerns. Ombudsmen identify, investigate and resolve complaints by or on behalf of facility residents.
You can also report concerns to Connecticut's Department of Public Health at www.ct.gov/dph and view a list of licensed nursing home facilities.
Call [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-2"] or contact us online if you would like to discuss when it might make sense to get an attorney involved. We're here to listen and advocate for you and your family.]]>On Behalf of Tremont Sheldon P.C.https://www.tremontsheldon.com/?p=688662023-03-27T15:44:27Z2023-03-26T13:33:19ZPeople should know the warning signs that a dog is about to attack in order to avoid becoming a dog bite victim.
Many people in Connecticut and across the country are naturally drawn to dogs, and instantly reach out to pet them when approached by friendly canines. Unfortunately, not all dogs are friendly, and some can even attack people when they are scared, sick or aggravated. Dog bites can cause excruciating pain, nerve damage, infection and other serious problems to unsuspecting victims. People who are able to identify the preliminary signs of a dog attack may just be able to avoid becoming bitten and/or otherwise injured.
Identifying the Physical Signs
Before dogs bite, they often give verbal and physical cues warning people to stay away. According to Hartz.com, nervous dogs will change their facial expressions to show intensity, discomfort, pain and/or fear. Dogs may show their teeth, lick their chops or even look away quickly and avoid eye contact just before striking. It isn't unusual for an aggravated canine to change their stance and posture. For example, a dog may suddenly become stiff, tuck its ears flat against its head, cower or even tuck its tail between its legs.
Other signs that canines may give include:
• Growling, fierce barking and/or whining
• Lunging and jumping
• Intense eye contact
• Fur standing up along their back and neck
• Stiffly wagging the tail back and forth
People should be extremely cautious around unfamiliar dogs, as well as their own canines when they are acting out of character, as reported by Cesarsway.com.
People who receive dog bites should seek help from a physician as soon as possible. A number of infections and diseases can come from dog bites, and so it is crucial that dog bite victims get proper medical attention. Large medical expenses, physical pain and emotional trauma are not the only repercussions that stem from dog bite incidents. People may be forced to stay home from work while they recover or have permanent scars as a result of a vicious dog attack.
Dealing With the Aftermath of a Dog Bite
If you have been bitten by a dog in Connecticut, you may want to speak with an attorney about your legal options and rights. Dog owners are subject to certain laws in Connecticut and must keep their dogs under control at all times. Whether you have had to undergo surgical procedures to repair the damage caused by a dog attack or you have missed work because of a dog bite injury, a lawyer may offer essential information that will help with your case. Call [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-2"] or contact us online for a free consultation.
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