Do you need a Connecticut auto accident attorney? Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. We have won millions of dollars for our past clients and we will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured in an auto accident and someone else was to blame, call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. In fact, if we handle your case, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win.

Car accidents happen every day in Connecticut , and no one can predict when an accident will result in a serious injury or wrongful death that may require the help of a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney. Balzano and Tropiano can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut.

We routinely make home and hospital visits. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut attorneys. Find out how we can help you by calling us today.

Connecticut Auto Accident Information

Auto accidents happen for many reasons, and each year millions of people sustain injuries as a result of the negligence of others. Distractions surround us, increasing the likelihood of such incidents. Every year thousands of people are injured in Connecticut as a result of some type of accident of this sort.

Research studies show, for example, that the number of cell phone subscribers has grown from 94 million in the year 2000 to about 130 million today. It has been estimated that 6 percent of automobile accidents are caused by drivers talking on their cell phone. This means that a total of 2,600 people will die in cell-phone related car accidents this year.

Around 98 percent of reported accidents involve a single distracted driver concentrating not on the road, but rather on one of the following:

• Rubbernecking (16%)
• Driver Fatigue (12%)
• Surroundings (10%)
• Child/Passenger Distraction (9%)
• Adjusting Radio/CD (7%)
• Cell Phone (6%)

Many causes are due to:

• drunk driving
• drowsiness
• distractions
• cell phone misuse
• agressive driving
• poor road conditions
• mechanical failure
• speeding

Drunk driving is another epidemic problem in Connecticut . Blood alcohol concentration levels are another major cause of fatal crashes. There were 16,694 alcohol-related fatalities in 2004 – 39 percent of the total traffic fatalities for the year. Of the 16,694 people who died in alcohol-related crashes in 2004, 8256 (57%) were killed in crashes where the driver had a blood alcohol concentration ( BAC ) of .08 g/dL or higher.  The legal limit for BAC is currently .08 in all states in the US .

Traffic fatalities in alcohol-related crashes fell by 2.4 percent, from 17,105 in 2003 to 16,694 in 2004. Although this is definitely an improvement, it is still a lot of dead fellow citizens. To put this in perspective, it is equivalent to a fully loaded Boeing 747 crashing, and leaving no survivors, every nine days all year long – over 39 airplanes in total. The 16,694 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes during 2004 represent an average of one alcohol-related fatality every 31 minutes.

How can we help you?

Balzano and Tropiano can help you recover damages for:

If you or someone close to you has suffered a motor vehicle accident injury, you should speak with an experienced Connecticut auto accident attorney at our office as soon as possible. We will help ensure that your legal rights to compensation are properly protected. Our experienced injury accident attorneys will evaluate all the issues related to your case, including compliance with Connecticut traffic laws, motor vehicle regulations, medical treatment, and liability assessment. Because there are deadlines for filing personal injury claims, meeting with a Connecticut auto accident attorney to evaluate your case as soon as possible is highly recommended. We make home and hospital visits and we will come to you wherever you are in the state. Again, you pay nothing up front to have us handle your case. There is never any fee unless we win your case. Call us today for your free case evaluation.

Dealing with the death of a loved one is an extremely difficult time, especially when the death was the result of the negligence of someone else or even a defective product. If you need the help of an experienced Connecticut wrongful death attorney, the lawyers at Balzano and Tropiano are ready to help.

We have a combined 25 years of experience successfully handling wrongful death cases and we will apply our expertise and experience to help your family get just compensation for your loss. We understand how difficult this time can be and we will do everything we can to help ease the pain that comes from losing a loved one. We have recovered millions for our past clients and we will do everything we can to do the same for you.

There is never any up front fee for us to handle your case. If fact, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win. Call us today for a free case evaluation. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut personal injury and wrongful death attorneys.

Wrongful Death Information

A wrongful death is a death that is caused by the negligence or misconduct of an individual or company.

The definition of a survivor of a wrongful death victim may vary from state to state, but in general, this usually includes the spouse and minor children. Compensation may vary by state or jurisdiction but in general the law provides for the following:

In order to file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to prove that you will experience severe future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss of the negligent death. The required elements for a successful case for wrongful death include:

In most states, a family member cannot sue other family members for a wrongful death, but some states do allow it. This depends on individual state law, but in general the immediate family members (spouses, children and parents) can file a wrongful death claim. Some states allow grandparents, legal dependants and extended family members to file.

Wrongful death cases are usually complicated and involve many other legal subjects. While a good Connecticut wrongful death attorney can cut through the legal jargon for you, it might be a good idea to read up on the following wrongful death-related issues.

Wrongful death cases can usually be the result of:

If a loved one has been fatally injured as the result of an accident, contact the Connecticut wrongful death attorneys at Balzano and Tropiano today to find out how we can help. We offer a free consultation and there is no fee to handle your case unless we win.

Do you need the help of a Connecticut truck accident attorney? Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. We have won millions of dollars for our past clients and we will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured in a truck accident and someone else was to blame, call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. In fact, if we handle your case, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win.

Trucking accidents happen every day in Connecticut, and no one can predict when an accident will result in a serious injury or wrongful death that may require the help of a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney. Balzano and Tropiano can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut.

We routinely make home and hospital visits. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut attorneys. Find out how we can help you by calling us today.

Connecticut Truck Accident Information

Connecticut has special laws that apply to auto or truck accidents. In fact, Connecticut is one of only 10 states that has changed its laws to impose a slower speed limit for large trucks and other commercial vehicles. Large trucks (tractor-trailers, single-unit trailers, and some cargo vans weighing more than 10,000 pounds) account for many of the large truck accidents that occur every year on Connecticut highways.

In 2003 alone, over 450,000 large trucks were involved in crashes. Many factors can contribute to these incidents, including poor driving conditions, truck braking problems, and driver fatigue. In a recent survey, for example, almost 20% of truckers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the previous three-month period. Truck driver fatigue is a troublesome factor in large truck crashes.

In 2004, over 5000 people died as a result of truck accidents and collisions, a rise of 4 percent from 2003. 15 percent of these fatalities were the drivers themselves, while 72 percent were automobile occupants. The remaining 13 percent were motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Crash statistics have shown that at least 20% of large truck accidents are due to some form of driver negligence. Following are some common causes of truck accidents:

Every 16 minutes another person in the United States will be injured or killed in a truck-related accident. At least a third of the injured truck accident victims will suffer either fatal or at least life threatening injuries. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident that has resulted in a serious injury or wrongful death, contact Connecticut personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Balzano and Tropiano today.

Do you need the help of a Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney? Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

We have won millions of dollars for our past clients and we will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and someone else was to blame, call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. In fact, if we handle your case, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win.

Motorcycle accidents happen every day in Connecticut , and no one can predict when an accident will result in a serious injury or wrongful death that may require the help of a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney.

Balzano and Tropiano can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut . We routinely make home and hospital visits. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut attorneys. Find out how we can help you by calling us today.

Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Information

Connecticut highways can be a dangerous place for motorcyclists. Crashes with motorcycles are not rare events - particularly among some beginning riders. Since 1966 when the enactment of the Highway Safety and National Traffic and Motor Vehicle and Safety Act took place, an estimated 128,000 motorcyclists have died in such incidents. Motorcycle riders are 32 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die and 6 times more likely to be injured in a crash than other types of vehicles.

When it comes to injuries for motorcyclists, statistics show that one out of every five motorcycle crashes result in head or neck injuries for riders. Additionally, single vehicle motorcycle accidents account for nearly 45 percent of all motorcycle fatalities. In 2004, for example, 4008 motorcyclists were killed, and an additional 76,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States, an 8% rise from the previous year. In 2003, the reported fatality rate was nearly five times higher than it was for passenger car occupants.

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Motorcycles are also more likely than passenger vehicles to be involved in a fatal collision with a fixed object. In 2004, 18 percent of passenger cars that collided with fixed objects resulted in a fatality, while 26 percent of motorcycles that collided with such objects resulted in a fatality. Also in 2004, there were nearly 2000 two vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle that resulted in a fatality reported. In 39 percent of these crashes, a motorcycle was passing the other vehicle, going straight, or approaching it, while the other vehicle was turning left. Inattentive automobile drivers present a great danger to the motorcyclist, to say the least. The fact is that 80 percent of these accidents are clearly shown to be the fault of the automobile driver and not that of the motorcyclist.

Motorcyclists face a far higher risk of involvement in an injury-causing crash, highlighting the need for a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer should the need arise. Motorcycle injuries are expensive because they tend to be more serious and have much longer rehabilitation period. An experienced attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

The Connecticut motorcycle accident injury attorneys at Balzano and Tropiano can help you with your case. Call us today for your free, no obligation consultation with an attorney who specializes in motorcycle accident injury cases.

Have you been injured by a defective or dangerous product? A Connecticut product liability attorney at Balzano and Tropiano may be able to help you. Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been injured as a result of dangerous or defective products. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our past clients and we will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut . We routinely make home and hospital visits. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than any other Connecticut product liability attorney. Find out how we can help you by calling us today.

Product Liability Information

Product liability refers to a broad area of the law that is designed to allow those who have been injured, or who have suffered from other damages or loss as a result of a product’s malfunction, to seek compensation. A qualified liability attorney such as those at Balzano and Tropiano are able to assist you in determining the merits of your case individually and expertly, and then to plan a legal course of action in recovering damages in your product liability suit should it be determined that you have one.

Three types of product defects incur liability in manufacturers and suppliers, including design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects:

Design defects: This is the case where a product imperfection occurs when the seller or distributor could have reduced or avoided a foreseeable risk of harm by adopting a reasonable alternative design, and when, as a result of not using the alternative, the product is not reasonably safe. A hidden defect is like it, in that the product imperfection is not obvious by reasonable inspection but where the seller is still generally liable if the flaw causes harm. A manufacturing defect is an imperfection in a product that departs from its intended design even though all possible care was exercised in its assembly and marketing. A marketing defect is a failure to adequately warn of a potential risk of harm that is known or should have been known about a product or its foreseeable use.

The manufacturer of the product is responsible for damages for the failure to adequately warn of a potential risk of harm that is known or should have been known about a product. The failure to adequately instruct the user about how to use a product safely is the manufacturer’s responsibility.

The products you purchase from stores are manufactured with an implicit guarantee that the product is in good condition, without defects, and is safe for the consumer to use if done so within its intended guidelines and limits. Any product manufactured in a negligent manner that is then sold, given, or even loaned to an individual without that person’s knowledge makes the manufacturer liable.

Product liability is the legal responsibility of any party along the chain of manufacture of a product for damages caused by that product. Liable parties include a product's manufacturers, then, as well as its suppliers. Products with defects that cause harm to a consumer of the product, or someone to whom the product was loaned or given, are the subjects of product’s liability suits.

Product Liability Statistics

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2002 there were an estimated 212,000 emergency room visits for dangerous toy use alone.

• About 26 infants die from crib injuries every year in the United States . The most frequent cause of crib injuries and death is asphyxiation. Your child does not have to experience painful injuries as a result of faulty craftsmanship. Crib deaths can also be caused by gaseous poisoning, the gases being phosphine, arsine, and stibine (and/or derivative gases). These extremely toxic gases can be generated from the mattress where a baby sleeps.
• Approximately 11,500 babies require hospitalization from crib-related injuries every year. Due to this astoundingly large number of injuries, the Infant Crib Safety Act was passed. Its purpose is to reduce the numbers of infant injuries and deaths from baby cribs. Older cribs constructed before current standards of safety were issued are an even greater danger than newer cribs.
• On September 27, 2004 , that the Data Safety Monitoring Board for an ongoing long-term study of Vioxx had recommended that the study be stopped early for safety reasons. The study was being conducted in patients at risk for developing recurrent colon polyps. The study showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx compared to placebo, particularly those who had been taking the drug for longer than 18 months.
• On December 16 of 2005, the CPSC recalled 22,000 Dell Notebook computer batteries. These batteries can overheat, posing a fire risk.

If you or someone you love has been injured by the type of negligence discussed above, the product liability attorneys at Balzano and Tropiano can help. We can review your case and advise you accordingly. We offer a free consultation and there is no up front fee if we take your case. You pay only if we win your case. Call us today to find out how we can help you.

Do you need a Connecticut brain injury attorney? If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), we can help. Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been severely injured due to someone else’s negligence and have handled many brain injury cases over the years.

A brain injury can be an incredibly devastating event not only for the injured but for loved ones as well. We will do whatever we can to help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. If you or someone close to you has suffered a brain injury caused by someone or something else such as a defective product, we believe we can help. We have recovered millions for our past brain injury clients and will do everything we can to do the same for you.

There is never any up front fee for us to handle your case. If fact, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win. Call us today for a free case evaluation. We make home and hospital visits and will come to you no matter where you are in Connecticut . We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut attorneys.

Brain Injury Information

Of all the types of personal injury, those to the brain are among the most likely to result in permanent disability or death. Each year in the United States , over a million and a half people suffer some type of injury that causes trauma to the brain.

At least half of these traumatic injuries to the brain are a result of some type of traffic incident. In Connecticut alone last year, for example, drunk drivers caused 4,120 traffic related fatalities.

Estimates of traumatic brain injury ( TBI ) incidence, severity, and cost reflect the enormous losses to individuals, their families, and society from these injuries. In fact, e very 15 seconds someone suffers a traumatic brain injury. Of the 1,000,000 people treated in hospital emergency rooms each year, 50,000 die and 80,000 become permanently disabled because of traumatic brain injury ( TBI ).

Some of the most common types of brain injuries include:

Traumatic brain injury is more common than many people believe. It can happen in contact sports, for example. You don’t have to be knocked unconscious to sustain a brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, can damage the brain at the cellular level.

In fact, an estimated 250,000 concussions and an average of eight deaths due to head injuries occur every year in football alone. Twenty percent of football players suffer concussion during a single football season, and some more than once.

There are various causes for traumatic brain injury, many of which are the result of the negligence of another person. The main sources of brain injury are automobile accidents, falls, violence, and sports injuries. The following are some statistics regarding the main causes of brain injuries:

Brain injury may also result from domestic abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome, physical assault, stroke, and on-the-job accidents.

Children and adults of all ages are at risk for traumatic brain injuries. In 2001, an estimated 3,000 children between the ages of birth and fourteen died as the result of traumatic brain injuries.

If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the personal injury lawyers at Balzano and Tropiano today. Brain injury cases are extremely complex and you deserve a brain injury attorney highly experienced in handling these types of cases. Call today to find out how we can help you and your family like we have helped others in the same situation you’re in. Consultation is free and there is no cost to handle your case unless we win.

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident resulting in a spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and your pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Balzano and Tropiano can help you. Their personal injury law firm has over 40 years of combined service representing victims of accidents including spinal cord injuries. They have won millions of dollars in damages for clients who have been victims of catastrophic injuries including spinal cord injuries.

There are approximately 11,000 new cases per year of spinal cord injuries throughout the United States. The average age at injury is increasing. Since 2000 the average age at injury is 38 years but the percentage of persons older than 60 years of age at injury has increased almost five percent. Spinal cord injuries are caused by:

• motor vehicle crashes
• gunshots
• sporting activities
• falls

You may be entitled to compensation for spinal cord injuries, including:

• Broken Back
• Spinal Fracture
• Herniated Disc
• Spinal Cord Compression
• Paralysis
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Fractured Vertebrae
• Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
• Loss of Sexual Functioning

You need an attorney who understands the physical and emotional pain victims of spinal cord injuries suffer. The team of experts and attorneys can help you to recover the damages you deserve enabling you to lead a happy and productive life. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never have to pay us unless we win your case.

The personal injury firm of Balzano and Tropiano has won millions of dollars in damages for personal injury victims, including spinal cord injuries. Let our attorneys help you. Make an appointment for a free case consultation. We’ll meet you wherever it’s convenient.

Do you need the help of a Connecticut construction accident attorney? Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence. We have won millions of dollars for our past clients and we will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

We have handled many construction accident injury cases over the years and we have the expertise needed to win your case. If you or someone close to you has suffered a construction site injury or wrongful death due to someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

You pay absolutely nothing unless we win. Balzano and Tropiano can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut . We routinely make home and hospital visits. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut attorneys. Find out how we can help you by calling us today.

Construction Accident Injury Information

One out of every 10 construction site workers is injured on the job every year. While the most common cause of on the job injury for construction workers is falling, back injury accounts for 25 percent of all work-related injuries, with legs, arms, and hands the next most common. There is an average of 11,200 disabling injuries every year in this industry for workers, while accidental injuries are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

Construction sites often harbor danger to workers. These hazards pose a risk that may result in severe injuries or even wrongful deaths to workers as a result of negligent practices of construction companies. Burn injuries, for example, are a very real risk at construction sites. With ample amounts of hot liquid, steam, chemicals, and electricity found at work sites, a variety of burn injuries may occur that can have severe long-term consequences. Other accidents common to construction sites are scaffolding accidents, structure failure, trench collapses, heavy equipment accidents, and equipment malfunction, to name a few.

Construction companies are responsible for conditions on job sites and are required to adhere to safety guidelines. Supervisors must create a safe work environment for workers. Machinery and equipment must be properly maintained. When this fails to occur, worker safety is compromised.

Although there are Federal and State regulations which have implemented extensive construction industry safety rules, thousands of construction workers are injured and killed annually in the United States while performing their job duties. In fact, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reported that 1,124 construction workers died as the result of construction site accidents in 2004.

General contractors and sub-contractors are just as responsible as employers for what takes place on the work site. Like employers, they are required to warn of job site hazards, to hire responsible contractors, to coordinate job safety, and to supervise compliance with safety regulations.

The following are some of the accidents which may occur on construction sites:

The above listed construction site accidents may result in various injuries such as spinal cord injuries, back and neck injuries, chemical burns, paralysis, amputations, brain injuries, and broken or crushed limbs.

The Connecticut construction injury attorneys at Balzano and Tropiano can help you determine whether a company’s negligence entitles you to compensation for injuries you sustained on the job. Call us today and find out how we can help you. There are never any up front costs to handle your case. You pay only if you win. We have recovered millions for our past clients and will do whatever we can do get you the settlement you deserve.

Do you need the help of a Connecticut dog bite injury attorney? Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.

We have won millions of dollars for our past clients and we will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have handled many dog bite injury cases over the years and we have the expertise needed to win your case. If you or someone close to you has suffered a dog bite injury due to someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

You pay absolutely nothing unless we win. Balzano and Tropiano can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut . We routinely make home and hospital visits. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut personal injury attorneys. Find out how we can help you by calling us today.

Connecticut Dog Bite Injury Information

Dog bite laws vary from state to state, but Connecticut is one of the states that supports statutory strict liability , which means that the stringent laws making owners liable for injuries caused by a dog bite are intended to protect others from being needlessly victimized from irresponsible dog owners.

Each year there are 4.7 million dog-bite incidents. Two million of these victims are children. In Los Angeles alone last year 204 mail carriers were attacked, many occurring on the customer’s doorsteps.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Humane Society of the United States , dog bites requiring medical attention number 500,000 to 800,000 annually. Approximately fifteen of these people will die as a result of these attacks.

The legal rights of a dog bite victim depend on where the attack happens. Laws vary from state to state, and sometimes even from city to city. I n most states a victim can recover compensation from a dog owner because of the state's "dog bite statute." Dog bite law in Connecticut is very strict, and depending upon the circumstances, a victim can recover compensation from:

Dog bite statistics show that once a dog has bitten, the dog is more likely to bite again. Statistics on dog bites also show that 60% of all dog bite victims are children and that the dog bites they suffer usually occur close to home. While dog bite fatalities are rare, statistics show that 15 to 20 people are killed in vicious fatal dog attacks every year. The most dangerous dogs breeds include:

Do you need the help of a Connecticut burn injury attorney? Balzano and Tropiano have a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.

We have won millions of dollars for our past clients and we will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve. A burn injury can be one of the most devastating injuries a person can sustain, both physically and emotionally. If you or someone close to you has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

You pay absolutely nothing unless we win. A burn injury case can be complex and requires someone experienced with handling these types of cases. Balzano and Tropiano can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut . We routinely make home and hospital visits. We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past case results and personal attention make us different than most other attorneys. Find out how we help you by calling us today.

Burn Injury Information

In the United States , approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported every year. Burns can be one of the most painful injuries one can sustain. Those who suffer from such injuries can face a lifetime of serious healthcare challenges. Last year, an estimated 650,000 burn injuries were treated by medical professionals. 75,000 of those injuries required hospitalization.

Several factors are used to determine the severity of a burn injury, including the patient's age, size and depth of burn, and the location of the burn.

First Degree Burns
First-degree burns are red and very sensitive to touch, and the skin will appear blanched when light pressure is applied. First-degree burns involve minimal tissue damage and they involve the epidermis (skin surface). These burns affect the outer-layer of skin causing pain, redness and swelling. Sunburn is a good example of a first-degree burn.

Second Degree Burns
Second-degree burns affect both the outer-layer (epidermis) and the under lying layer of skin (dermis) causing redness, pain, swelling and blisters. These burns often affect sweat glands, and hair follicles. If a deep second-degree burn is not properly treated, swelling and decreased blood flow in the tissue can result in the burn becoming a third-degree burn.

Third Degree Burns
Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, causing charring of skin or a translucent white color, with coagulated vessels visible just below the skin surface. These burn areas may be numb, but the person may complain of pain. This pain is usually because of second-degree burns. Healing from third-degree burns is very slow due the skin tissue and structures beingdestroyed. Third-degree burns usually result in extensive scarring.

Inhalation Injuries
Fire has been associated with 3 different types of inhalation injuries. More than a hundred known toxic substances are present in fire smoke. When inhalation injuries are combined with external burns the chance of death can increase significantly. The three types of inhalation injuries are:

1.) Damage from Heat Inhalation: True lung burn occurs only if you directly breathe in a hot air/flame source, or have high pressure force the heat into you. In most cases, thermal injury is confined to the upper airways, because the trachea usually shields the lung from thermal loads. However, secondary airway involvement can occur after inhalation of steam as it has a greater thermal capacity than dry air. When hot air enters the nose, damage to the mucous membranes can readily transpire as the upper airway acts as a cooling chamber.

2.) Damage from Systemic Toxins: Systemic Toxins affect our ability to absorb oxygen. If someone is found unconscious or acting confused in the surroundings of an enclosed fire, systemic toxins could be a possible cause. Toxin poisoning can cause permanent damage to organs including the brain. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can appear symptomless up until the point where the victim falls into a coma.

3.) Damage from Smoke Inhalation: Smoke intoxication is frequently hidden by more visible injuries such as burns as a result of fire. In a disaster situation can lead to not receiving the medical attention needed, due to the rescue teams taking care of the more apparent patients. Patients that appear apparently unharmed can collapse due to major smoke inhalation, 60% to 80% of fatalities resulting from burn injuries can be attributed to smoke inhalation.

According to the National Fire Protection Association survey, in 1997, 4,675 Firefighters suffered burn injuries as a result of performing their assigned duties, of which 3,770 also suffered inhalation injuries.

A burn accident can take place almost anywhere and can happen when you least expect it. Did you know that every 19 seconds a local fire department is responding to an emergency fire call somewhere in the United States? Burn accident statistics show that the most vulnerable victims of these incidents are children under 5 and elderly individuals over 65.

Many burn injury victims have suffered their injuries as a result of defective products or improperly maintained property. As a consequence of such negligence, some have spent years in a painful rehabilitation process and going through reconstructive surgeries in an attempt to rebuild their lives. If your life has been affected by such an injury, our experienced burn injury attorneys will fight to help you get the compensation you deserve. Medical treatment can be extremely expensive and unless an attorney is highly experienced with these burn injury cases, they might not understand all the medical costs involved. Call a highly experienced Connecticut burn injury attorney today and let us help you like we’ve helped others that have been in a situation similar to yours. Consultations are always free, there are no up front fees, and you pay only if we win your case. Call now to schedule your free consultation.

If you need the help of a Connecticut nursing home abuse attorney, Balzano and Tropiano can help. The firm has a combined 25 years of experience successfully representing people who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence including nursing home abuse cases. If you or a loved one has dealt with nursing home abuse or nursing home negligence, we believe we can help. There is never any up front cost to have us take your case and you pay absolutely nothing unless we win. Balzano and Tropiano can help you no matter where you are in Connecticut . We truly go the extra mile for our clients and we believe our experience, past results , and personal attention make us different than most other Connecticut attorneys. Find out how we can help you by calling us today.

Nursing Home Abuse Information

Nursing home abuse is one of the nation's largest growing problems. An estimated one in three nursing homes are reported for nursing home abuse, a number thought grossly underestimated. This statistic is frightening, especially considering the fact that the instances of nursing home abuse that are reported are so severe. Reports of death, physical and sexual abuse, broken bones, beatings, and complete neglect have occurred in these situations. Sadly, nursing home abuse potentially affects the 1.6 million nursing home residents.

According to ABCNews.com, a study done by the minority staff of the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee found that 30 percent of nursing homes in the United States — 5,283 facilities — were cited for almost 9,000 instances of nursing home abuse over a recent two-year period, from January 1999 to January 2001.

Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect. For every case of elder abuse and neglect reported to authorities, experts estimate that there may be as many as 5 cases not reported. Research suggests elders who have been abused tend to die earlier than those who are not abused, even in the absence of chronic conditions or life threatening disease.

People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States , more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.

Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. The Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It's a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to double to 8.9 million by the year 2030.

Further, it is estimated that only 20 percent of abuse cases are reported at all, but also that the statistics reveal the source of the abuses are not staff members alone. Other residents contribute to the problem, as well. Abuse takes the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological distress, financial exploitation, malnutrition, and neglect.

Our elderly do have rights under the law. If you or your loved one needs help or protection, contact an elder abuse attorney atBalzano and Tropiano today for your free consultation.

Balzano and Tropiano represent victims of child molestation and sexual abuse in Connecticut. One of the most horrific crimes anyone can commit is abusing an innocent child. Unfortunately child molestation and sexual abuse is a growing problem in the United States. If a loved one has been the victim of child molestation, please contact us for help. Any child that has suffered through this ordeal will need the very best treatment and help in order to deal with the effects of child molestation. Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 girls are molested before the age of 18. 1 in 7 boys are molested. Sadly, most cases of child sexual abuse are never reported. Studies show that only 6-12% of sexual abuse cases are ever reported.

The financial cost associated with this terrible crime is staggering. While no amount of money will can ever compensate a victim or their family, we believe those at fault should pay for their actions. In addition, costs to treat victims of child sexual abuse can be enormous. Balzano and Tropiano will fight to get the compensation your family deserves so your child can get the very best treatment. Balzano and Tropiano can refer you to psychiatrists and psychologists who are experienced in both identifying and counseling victims of child molestation. We can also help you in filing a civil lawsuit against the molester and the institution that failed to protect your child from being abused.

To learn more about child molestation statistics, child molestation prevention, and warning signs of child molestation, visit the child molestation victim website and contact us today. There is never any up front fee for us to handle your case. In fact, you pay nothing unless your case is won.

Balzano and Tropiano can help if an insurance company has rejected your legitimate insurance claim or have delayed payment of your claim. When insurance companies fail to pay a claim without reason, it is considered to be acting in bad faith. If you have been wronged by an insurance company, contact our office to help regarding your insurance claim.

We take all insurance bad faith lawsuits on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay for us to handle your case unless we win. We also provide free consultations so call us today to get expert legal advice without any obligation whatsoever.

If you need a Connecticut insurance claim attorney we may be able to help. If you have an insurance dispute with any of the following insurance companies, call us today so we can help:

• UNUM Provident
• Nationwide Insurance
• State Farm Insurance
• Progressive Insurance
• Mercury Insurance
• USAA Insurance
• Farmers Insurance
• Allstate Insurance
• Geico Insurance
• Any other insurance company

We can help with all types of claims including auto accident claims, personal injury insurance claims, medical insurance claims, fire insurance claims and more. Call today and let us know how we can help!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident and you need a boating accident attorney in Connecticut, we can help. Injuries on boats are quite common and people are injured as a result of water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and other kinds of water sports recreation activities. If your injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you need to call us today for a free case evaluation. There are never any up front fees for us to handle your case and you will only pay if your case is won. With over 25 years combined experience, our personal injury attorneys can be the difference in your case.

Boating Accidents

In the last several years thousands of boats were registered each year in the state of Connecticut alone.  These vessels and other water crafts had free access to Connecticut's many area waterways.  While the number of boating fatalities has been decreasing over recent years, hundreds of people still die in recreational boating accidents.  In the year 2000, there were nearly 11,000 vessels involved in 7,740 recreational boating accidents.  These resulted in 791 fatalities and 4,355 injuries.  Not all boating accidents are even reported.  It is estimated that only five to ten percent of non-fatal accidents are on record at all.

While less than ten percent of boating accidents result in fatalities, more than half of those occur because of capsizing and falls overboard, with 90% of those victims drowning.  Of those who did drown, 86% were not wearing a life jacket. Types of recreational boating accidents may include:

• Capsizing
• Falling overboard
• Collisions with another vessel or structure
• Fire
• Sinking, flooding
• Explosions
• Disappearance of a vessel or passenger

There are numerous causes of boating accidents, of course, but a great many of them are preventable.  Statistics show that the majority of these accidents are caused by operator inexperience or inattention.  Eighty-four percent of all boating fatalities that occur on boats happen where operators have not completed a boating safety education course.  Other reasons for boating accidents include:

• Lack of experience for boat operators
• Recklessness/careless boat operation
• Operator inattention
• Operating at an unsafe speeds
• No proper lookout

Another serious cause of boating accidents is the consumption of alcohol while operating a boat.  This accounts for nearly one-third of all recreational boating fatalities, and is, in fact, the number one cause of boating accident deaths.  Because the effects of alcohol are magnified while on the water, intoxicated boaters are more than ten times as likely to be killed in a boating accident because of diminished coordination, dehydration, susceptibility to hypothermia, and impaired judgment.

In Connecticut, a person is considered legally intoxicated if blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or greater; for youths under 21 the BAC cannot exceed 0.01.  Just like driving a car, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or barbiturates, so the penalties are stiff, and could include fines, prison time, community service, mandatory substance abuse counseling, and more.

When operating a recreational vessel, steps can be taken to prevent a boating accident or to minimize the damage if an accident occurs:

• Always wear life jackets and dress for possible immersion.
• Be aware that cold weather is more dangerous: there are fewer boaters and patrols to rescue those in distress, and the water is much colder.
• Do not drink alcohol while on the water.
• When in larger bodies of water, take advantage of available distress-alerting and position-indicating technologies.

If and when a boating accident does occur, the operator of a boat in the state of Connecticut is required to file an accident report with the proper authorities.  For example, if any of the following conditions occur you must report:

• A life is lost due to the accident
• Someone sustains an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid
• Property damage in excess of $500, or, or course, complete loss of the vessel
• A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury

The law says that if the operator is unable to file the report, the owner must file. In Connecticut, death, disappearance and injury reports must be filed within 48 hours and damage reports must be filed within 10 days.

Boating accidents, as we've said, can and do happen for many reasons, but if you are the victim of an accident because of someone else's negligence you are entitled to fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another, contact the personal injury attorneys at Balzano and Tropiano today, we can help.

Laws that govern the areas of navigation, shipping, and overseas injuries are known as maritime and admiralty laws, and these can vary significantly depending on the geographic location.  Any injury that occurs on navigable waters may require the help of a maritime injury attorney to manage the case.  Thousands of individuals who have experienced an offshore injury need to work with professionals in order to understand the specific laws and guidelines that pertain to their situation.  If you or someone you know is involved with a maritime case, finding an offshore injury lawyer is the first step in handling a law suit, dispute, or settlement.

What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury occurs when an employee at sea is injured during their working hours.  While this is considered to be a workers’ compensation claim on land, the injuries fall under a different category offshore.  This is why working with an offshore injury lawyer is essential for determining the elements and issues of each case. Individuals who have been injured at sea may file a claim under the Jones Act.

The Jones Act provides coverage for individuals who may have:

• Been injured while at sea in a body of water located on interstate and international commerce pathways
• Sustained injuries while working on the vessel itself
• Sustained injuries while working on board a vessel

The most common types of workers who may need to consult with an attorney include:

• Cruise ship workers
• Construction workers
• River boat workers
• Tug boat workers
• Fish processors
• Fishermen
• Commercial drivers
• Oil platform workers
• Transportation workers

Any indications of negligence or poor working conditions can qualify for a maritime injury case, and each case will be investigated for specific details about the quality of equipment on board, staff training, and vessel safety.  A Jones Act attorney can work with you to determine if any signs of negligence have been the cause of your injury, and work with appropriate compensation on a case by case basis. 

How a Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help

A maritime injury attorney understand specific laws and guidelines that pertain to those injured at sea. They serve as personal injury lawyers to represent the needs of ship crew members, boat workers, and oil rig maintenance crews that are often involved in accidents or health damages as a result of their work environment.  Working with an offshore oil rig attorney or specialized maritime injury lawyer can make it much easier to process a claim and gain compensation for any injuries endured.

A maritime injury lawyer is skilled in handling international laws and requirements, and can find out what various guidelines and standards are for any country where the ship or crew may be based.  The most common laws associated with injury at sea include:

• Public Vessels Act
• Death on High Seas Act
• Jones Act

A Jones Act attorney can work with a variety of individuals and circumstances who may have experienced an injury at sea and now require representation.

What Types of Situations Qualify for a Maritime Injury Case?

Any situation where the equipment or environment may be deemed as ‘unseaworthy’ can qualify for a maritime injury case, and even circumstances of slight negligence can be grounds for a claim.  An injury at sea, unsafe or hazardous work conditions, and improper safety control are just a few instances that may establish a case.  Other causes for a maritime dispute include:

• Lack of appropriate equipment
• Inability to provide medical treatment after an accident
• Unsafe working conditions
• Failure to provide safety gear or appropriate training
• Ignoring safety statues and standards
• Inadequate training or safety measures

Individuals who may have suffered health damages and other injuries must report their injury immediately and consult with a maritime attorney or offshore injury lawyer for further steps.  Compensation may include maintenance payments, lost wages, and monies for medical treatment and other damages.  If you or a loved one needs advice and representation for a recent injury at sea, contact Balzano and Tropiano for professional guidance and handling of your case.  Maritime injury cases can be confusing, but consulting with a maritime injury attorney can help you obtain the right information and receive appropriate compensation for damages. 

If you need a pedestrian accident attorney in Connecticut, Balzano and Tropiano can help. We've helped thousands of injury victims in Connecticut recover millions of dollars in damages for the injuries they have suffered. Many of these injured victims were innocent pedestrians hit by another vehicle. We will do everything we can to help you. Call us today for a free consultation. We never charge any fees unless we win your case so there's no obligation to call us and get free legal information and advice.

Pedestrian Accident Information

Each year in Connecticut, thousands of innocent victims are injured or killed as they attempt to do something as simple as cross the street.  Pedestrian injuries and deaths due to driver negligence is the cause of hundreds of traffic related accidents each day in the United States.  It has been estimated that some 110,000 pedestrians are injured every year in the United States and that almost 60,000 pedestrians are killed in pedestrian accidents.  Statistics like these are staggering.  The victims of such accidents include people of all ages, but a large number of fatalities included here are elderly people and children.  Pedestrians are so vulnerable and exposed when crossing a street that an impact from even a slow-moving vehicle can easily cause injury or death.  Injuries sustained in these accidents are all too often severe or life threatening, and the damage to life and life can be catastrophic in many cases.       

In 2002 the pedestrian accident statistics included these facts:

• Over 4,800 pedestrians died in traffic related accidents
• Pedestrians were injured every 7 minutes in traffic related accidents
• 68% of pedestrian fatalities were males
• Over 71,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic related accidents

Statistics highlight the problem of human error on the part of both pedestrians and motorists when it comes to unsafe travel practices.  Confusion and inattention are the two main reasons that accidents take place.  Statistics show that males have a high occurrence of pedestrian accidents, along with young people, possibly due to risk-taking behaviors.

Statistics also show us that, as mentioned, many of these accident victims are smaller children, of course, and then the elderly. This year, if the statistics are any indication at all, another 70,000 pedestrians will be injured in traffic related accidents, and 5,000 more will die.

We also know from statistics that nearly half of those deaths will occur between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., when our children are on their way home from school.  Teaching children to stay in the crosswalks is no guarantee of their safety, either.  Negligent drivers are on the roads all throughout the day, every day.

When a pedestrian is involved in an accident, there are so many variable to consider.  The hospital bills can be enormous, simply because of the types of injuries one sustains when struck by an oncoming vehicle. Catastrophic type injuries such as spinal cord injuries and brain injuries, are not uncommon in such cases.

At Balzano and Tropiano, we are committed to protecting the rights of our Connecticut personal injury clients.  We will help you to recover the maximum award allowed by law in the case of driver negligence.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, or if you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a reckless driver, contact the personal injury lawyers at Balzano and Tropiano today.

Have you been injured in a slip and fall accident in Connecticut? A Connecticut premise liability attorney may be able to help you. In the state of Connecticut, premises liability law is based upon negligence, meaning if someone acted (or failed to act) in a manner that contributed to your injuries, that person or company may be help liable for your injuries. Premise liability laws help to determine who is responsible (at fault) for accidents that take place when a person slips and falls or is injured on someone else's property.  We will handle your case on a contigency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your case is won. Consultations are always free so call us to get your questions answered and to find out if you have a premise liability case.

Who is responsible in a premise liability case?

Determining fault isn't always easy. Laws that fall under this category vary from state to state and local jurisdiction to jurisdiction.   In order for a slip and fall victim to hold a property owner liable for an incident, the victim will have to prove the following in order to have a clear cut premises liability case:

• That the property owner was responsible for unsafe condition and the subsequent slip and fall accident (by spilling something, for example, and not cleaning it up)

• That the property owner was aware of the condition of the property but did not try to correct it (by not posting a warning sign, etc.)

• That the property owner knew or should have known about the danger, since a "reasonable" person would have found the problem and taken steps to prevent injuries caused by the slip and fall accident (This is the most common situation, as it is not clearly defined and is determined based on common sense).

Thousands of injuries occur each year due to slip and fall accidents.  Someone stumbling over a loose brick or falling down an uncovered manhole can easily wind up in the hospital with injuries requiring long-term recovery time.  No one knows whether a fall due to a slippery floor in a supermarket like Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons or Stater Brothers will lead to a sprained ankle or a broken leg.  It is always wise, therefore, for property owners to take safety precautions and take whatever steps necessary to prevent accidents.

There are, of course, certain situations where exceptions to the general slip and fall and premises liability rules come into play. These might include situations where trespassers come on to property without the permission of the owners and then incur injuries as a result of disregarding trespassing laws.  Other examples could also include burglars and uninvited guests coming onto the property.  Children, however, are an exception this is rule, since the law recognizes that children often do not perceive danger as well as adults.  Property owners must take steps to ensure the safety of children, whether they have permission to be on the premises or not. In the case of employees, there are workers' compensation laws in place that hold employers liable for most on-the-job injuries, including those that result from a slip and fall accident.  The amount of damages that the injured person can collect is limited, however.

When it comes to government property, such as public parks, the federal or Connecticut state government may bear the legal responsibility for personal injuries incurred on the premises.  Premises liability cases against the government are covered by either the Federal Tort Claims Act or similar state tort claims acts.  Such cases must, however, be brought within a certain time limit.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a premises liability accident, or if you have questions regarding a slip and fall accident, a premise liability lawyer in Connecticut can help you determine if you have a case. Consultations are always free and we never charge any fees unless your case is won. Call anytime

Train accidents happen. If you are a loved one has been injured or killed in a train accident, you need to speak to a Connecticut train accident attorney who can help. Our office specializes in serious injuries such as train accidents and we have recovered millions for our past clients. We never charge any up front fees to handle your case and you pay nothing unless your case is won. Call us today to get a free train accident case evaluation.

Train Accident and Derailment Information

In the United States, there are over 600 railroads and hundreds of thousands of miles of railroad tracks crossing this country. Much of this is used for freight transport, which includes rail for cargo, merchandise and chemicals. It is those trains carrying the toxic chemicals that are of particular threat when they are involved in accidents. Passenger trains, on the other hand, use only a fraction of the railroads. These railroads, too, are involved in collisions and derailments. The problem here is, these trains are carrying hundreds of passengers on them. Negligence on the part of engineers, inadequate rail maintenance, and unsafe operators are but a few of the reasons cited for what causes train accidents. Automobiles crossing the tracks and causing collisions is an all too common problem. Last January, 2005 a man left his truck on the railroad tracks in an alleged suicide attempt and caused a Metrolink train to crash into the vehicle and derail, killing eleven victims and injuring at least two hundred others. Train travel has increased dramatically in Connecticut in the past decade. Commuters rely on trains such as MetroNorth to get them to and from work every day. With more use comes an increase risk of accidents.

Train accidents often result because of the railroad's negligence (such as poor maintenance of trains or track) or the negligence of the operator. In many cases such accidents could have been avoided if the engineer had acted in a proper fashion. When these accidents do occur, they may result in lost lives and terrible injury to those involved.

In 2005, where were 3,152 train accidents. Thirty three resulted in fatalities, 730 people were injured. 2,256 derailments occured and there were 261 collisions. As the numbers show, train accidents are not at all uncommon.

Railroad accidents may also result in hazardous chemical and material spills. These types of accidents basically consist of:

• train derailments
• collisions with passenger vehicles or trucks
• collision with other trains

For 2005, statistics showed that in 36 accidents where the release of hazardous materials was involved, 7,646 persons were evacuated at the time of these incidents.  49 rail cars in these accidents were reported as releasing hazardous materials.

The laws that govern liability on train accidents can be extremely complex.  When it comes to injuries sustained in a railroad accident, proving the physical, emotional, or psychological extent of an injury can be difficult.  Not all railroad companies are willing to assume responsibility, it may be necessary, then, for accident victims to contact legal representation to ensure fast recovery of damages resulting from the accident.

A credible and trustworthy Connecticut personal injury attorney who understands the laws pertaining to railroad accidents could make all the difference.  Call the legal experts at Balzano and Tropiano today.  We have the resources and expertise to help you through the complex process related to helping you receive just compensation for damages resulting from such an accident.

Have you been injured while at a Connecticut amusement park? You may need an amusement park accident attorney to help. Connecticut is home to and borders several major amusement parks that attract visitors from all over the nation.  With the thousands of park visitors each day, injuries are bound to happen. In the amusement parks competitive attempts to provide the ultimate thrill, however, consumers are sometimes injured.  In a very recent accident, more than two dozen victims were injured when a roller coaster came to an abrupt stop at the end of its ride.  At least twenty people were sent to the hospital with neck and chest injuries.  While the majority of these patients were treated and then released, at least one person was admitted to the hospital as a result of this accident.

How often amusement park accidents occur is difficult to say since trying to determine since there is no comprehensive source for amusement ride accident data. No federal law or national agency requires all ride operators in every state to file such accident reports. In Connecticut, there are no laws that require all ride operators -- either permanent or mobile rides -- to report all accidents to the state.  On a national level, most regulated parks are required to report accidents to their regulating state agency and/or their insurance company, but the reporting requirements are not uniform and the information is generally not available to the public.  As a result, it is impossible to obtain accurate and complete accident data.

The following are some statistics taken by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on amusement park injuries published in 2003:

· In 2002, mobile amusement rides accounted for an estimated 3000 injuries treated by emergency rooms

· In 2002, inflatable rides, such as inflatable slides and bounces accounted for an estimated 2,500 hospital emergency room trips;

· From 1987 to 2000, for mobile and fixed-site amusement rides combined, there were an estimated 4.5 amusement-ride fatalities per year. At the time of preparing the report, the US CPSC had reports of 3 amusement ride fatalities in 2003, 2 in 2002 and 3 in 2001.

In an earlier report, the CPSC also noted the hazard patterns associated with amusement related incidents, such as:

(1) mechanical failures: missing safety pins, broken welds or structural components, exposed electrical wires, malfunctioning lap bars or other safety restraints, failure to shutoff, etc.

(2) operator behavior: abruptly stopping the ride, improperly assembling or maintaining the ride.

(3) consumer behavior: intentionally rocking cars, standing up, defeating safety restraints, sitting improperly, holding child above the safety restraint.

(4) other: rides that injure people while apparently functioning normally, without any unusual behavior on the part of the consumer or operator.

(5) combination: operator suddenly stopping a ride when he heard an unusual thumping sound due to a bent rail.

Liability for amusement park accidents and injuries involves three types of law - negligence or tort law, product liability law and premises liability law. If you or a family member has suffered an injury at an amusement park, there will be some important questions you and your attorney will want to explore together in order to determine if you have a case or not and against whom. Liability will certainly be a major issue.

The "doctrine of assumption of risk" will be the legal issue at stake and one you will want to discuss with a lawyer who will represent you and get you the compensation you deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference in these cases. Contact the law offices of Balzano and Tropiano today for expert advice in your case.

If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an aviation accident, a Connecticut airline accident attorney can help. The firm offers free consultations and does not charge any up front fees to handle your case. You pay only if your case is won. Call today to speak to our attorneys.

Aviation accidents can happen for all sorts of reasons.  Thankfully, they don't happen very often at all, but when they do, the results can be catastrophic.  For this reason, there are some fairly strict guidelines set forth by certain governing agencies that airlines must follow in order to remain in operation and offer their services to the public. 

Causes of airplane accidents can range from the obvious human error to the not so obvious mechanical error.  The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has set clear safety guidelines for pilots, aircraft manufacturers, as well as all flight operations, but whether these standards are enforced carefully enough to ensure the safety of passengers and crew to prevent accidents is always the question.

On October 19, 2004 one such question arose when an airliner struck trees on its final approach to the airport and crashed short of the runway at Kirksville, Missouri.  The captain, the first officer, and 11 of the 13 passengers were fatally injured, while the 2 passengers that survived received serious injuries. The airplane was completely destroyed by the impact and post-impact fire. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause(s) of the accident was the pilots' failure to follow established procedures and to properly conduct a non-precision instrument approach at night.  The pilots' unprofessional behavior during the flight, along with their fatigue, likely contributed to their degraded performance.

When you hear about such things, do you ever wonder who takes responsibility when such monumental disasters like this occur?  Depending upon the exact cause of the accident, potential liable parties vary. In cases where the accident was due to a malfunction because of defective parts, for example, the manufacturer may be at least partly liable. Owners and operators are, of course, liable for the condition of their airplanes. When pilot error is a factor in cases like the one above, that also comes into play.

When an aviation accident does occur, several governing agencies become involved. These can include:

• The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), an independent federal agency in charge of investigating every civil aviation accident that takes place in the United States

• The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), a separate element of the U.S. government that is primarily responsible for the safety of civil aviation

• The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), whose role is to investigate the possibility of sabotage or any other criminal act that may have contributed in any way to the accident

• Other agencies such as the Red Cross, FEMA (Federal Emergency and Management Agency) or other state, local, or even foreign agencies (when appropriate) may be involved when the situation calls for it.

The NTSB also has a role in working toward preventing future accidents, so it will issue safety recommendations toward that end. Additionally, this organization maintains the government's database on any significant aviation accident issues.

In the state of Connecticut, an attorney who understands aviation law can help you by working with the governing agencies (such as those listed above) and represent you with any legal problems related to aviation accidents. At Balzano and Tropiano, we will work with you on personal injury issues related to aviation accidents in Connecticut. If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation related accident, call us today, we can help. We will work with you to see that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Have you had a child injured as a result of carelessness or an intentional act on the part of someone else? Everyday in the United States thousands of young children are injured and killed because of the actions of other people or companies.

Whether it's a due to a defective child safety seat, a careless doctor who injures your child at birth, or someone who molests a child, anyone who inflicts harm on a child should be held responsible for their actions. Injuries to children can effect them not only physically, but emotionally as well.

Many serious injuries leave permanent emotional scars for the lifetime on the injured victims. As parents ourselves, we know how you feel when someone hurts your child. We will do everything in our power to hold those responsible accountable for what they have done. Some of the children's injury cases we can help with include:

• Child molestation & sexual abuse
• Children's birth injuries
• Children's brain injury
• Child's burn injury
• Auto accident injuries
• Cerebral Palsy cases
• Erb's Palsy
• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
• Children's pedestrian injuries
• Child's bike accident
• Paralysis
• Defective Products
• Child's wrongful death cases

We provide free children's injury consultations and take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing for our services unless we win. We're attorneys who care about helping you and your child to recover as quickly as possible. With a history of successful verdicts and settlements, you are in the right hands with Balzano and Tropiano. Call us today.

Medical treatment should result in healing. When you enter a hospital or clinic for treatment and find yourself permanently or severely injured by the actions or inactions of professionals at that facility, you may feel betrayed or mistrustful of the medical profession.

Our attorneys at Balzano and Tropiano are familiar with the various needs of the victims of medical malpractice and their families. Medical malpractice claims can involve complex litigation, corporate entities, and large insurance companies. When you face medical malpractice litigation, you need experienced personal injury attorneys who you can trust to recover maximum compensation for your injuries.

When you suffer as a result of negligent medical care, you need legal representation to assert your rights. Contact our firm to ensure maximum compensation in your medical negligence case.

What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice is the failure to provide medical services according to the generally accepted standard of care. If a doctor, surgeon, hospital, or other medical provider acts, or fails to act, in a manner that deviates from the accepted standard of care, then that provider may be liable for an injured person's damages.

Though the majority of health care providers do good work, avoidable mistakes are sometimes made which could adversely affect a person, as well as their family and friends, for the rest of their lives. At Balzano and Tropiano we represent individuals and their families whose medical provider has breached the standard of care in diagnosing or treating medical conditions.

Our medical malpractice team can assist you with:

• Birth injuries
• Brain injuries
• Surgical errors
• Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis
• Failure to diagnose cancer
• Obstetrical and gynecological malpractice
• Patient neglect
• Medication errors
• Emergency room errors

What can we do for you?
First and foremost, we seek to help you get the care you need so that you and your family can begin to recover. We investigate every medical malpractice claim to identify every potential source of liability. Our experienced medical malpractice team will work with qualified experts in the medical profession to help prove your claim.

Throughout your case we will remain attentive and responsive to your medical and legal needs. When your family suffers as a result of negligence, you deserve maximum compensation in your legal claim. We work to see you financially restored for your losses. Contact us today to learn more about our services.