Brignole, Bush and Lewis, Attorneys at LawFindLaw IM Template2026-09-16T13:52:41Zhttps://www.brignole.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1301794/2020/04/cropped-Favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[Hidden brain injuries can be dangerous for older adults]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486252026-09-16T13:52:41Z2026-09-16T13:52:41Zresult in internal bleeding in seniors than in younger people. There are multiple reasons for that. For example, many people start taking blood thinners to lower their blood pressure as they get older. While these can be effective in reducing heart attack and stroke risk, they can also increase bleeding in the brain after an injury.
The brain changes with age
Another reason older people are at greater risk if they suffer a TBI is the physical changes that occur to the brain with age. For example, the brain itself shrinks somewhat. That typically doesn’t affect intelligence or cognition, but it does create more space between the skull and the brain. That gives the brain more space to move if it strikes something or is jolted. Further, the bridging veins that connect the brain to the skull shrink, which makes them more susceptible to damage.
It’s always crucial for seniors to get a thorough medical evaluation after any kind of head injury to get any potentially serious injury diagnosed and treated. If an injury was the result of someone else’s intentional actions or negligence, this can also help provide crucial evidence to help victims pursue compensation from any at-fault parties. Getting experienced legal guidance is a good first step forward in this regard.]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[How social media can affect a wrongful death case]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486242026-09-08T15:42:33Z2026-09-08T15:42:33ZSocial media has become a part of our everyday lives. People share photos and updates, comment on news stories and communicate with family and friends.
However, after the unexpected death of a loved one, social media activity can have unintended consequences for a wrongful death case. It’s crucial to understand how your case can be impacted so you can avoid mistakes and protect your legal rights.
Social media posts can become evidence
Many people assume that what they post onsocial media is private. The truth is that information you share online can be discoverable in litigation in certain circumstances. Wrongful death cases often involve disputes about what happened, who was responsible and the extent of the family’s losses. Social media posts may potentially be used to support or challenge statements made during the case.Pictures and videos can sometimes provide useful evidence, but they can also be taken out of context. A photograph posted after a loved one’s death might appear to show that a surviving family member is doing well emotionally. The opposing party can use such a photograph to dispute the severity of a person’s emotional losses. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, it rarely tells the entire story. Still, it may be used to challenge a claim.Comments can also create problems.Family members may make emotional statements about the accident, the person responsible or the legal case. Even comments intended to express grief or frustration could potentially be misunderstood when viewed outside their original context.If you have filed, or are considering filing, a wrongful death lawsuit, resist the urge to discuss the case online. Also, be cautious about friend requests or follow requests from people you don’t know. Someone connected to the opposing side may be trying to access information that isn't publicly available. When you are grieving, the last thing you need is for an innocent social media post to create unnecessary complications. Taking a cautious approach to your online activities can help protect your family’s interests during yourwrongful death claim. ]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[How long do you have to file a Connecticut injury claim?]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486212026-08-26T19:54:57Z2026-08-26T19:54:57ZHow the two-year deadline works in Connecticut
While two years may sound like plenty of time, gathering records and managing medical treatments consumes those months quickly. Different types of harm carry distinct statutory windows:
Car crashes and general negligence claims: Two years from discovery, with an absolute three-year maximum from the date of the crash
Wrongful death actions: Two years from the date your loved one passed away, capped by an overall five-year limit from the harmful act
Product liability and intentional harm: Three-year statutory windows
Failing to start a court case before these specific windows close permanently bars you from seeking financial recovery.
Exceptions that can pause or alter the legal window
You might think certain life situations give you extra time, but state rules are strict. Courts only pause or change deadlines in very specific cases:
Drivers who leave the state: The filing clock may pause while a driver lives outside Connecticut, up to a maximum seven-year limit.
Hidden fault: The deadline pauses if a responsible driver hides details about their role in the crash.
Many parents assume an injured child gets an automatic deadline extension until they turn 18 years old. Connecticut courts do not extend limits for minors in regular negligence cases, so families must take swift action.
Why early legal guidance protects your right to compensation
You need to focus on healing without worrying about court paperwork. Starting early gives a legal representative time to collect police reports, talk to witnesses and secure insurance details while facts stay fresh. Talking with a personal injury attorney early protects your rights and ensures you meet every statutory deadline.
]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[How can you prove fault after a car crash in Connecticut?]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486192026-07-31T12:35:18Z2026-08-07T12:31:48ZGather evidence at the scene
Right after a crash, collect evidence if you can do so safely. Take photos of the crash scene from several angles. Include damage to every vehicle, skid marks, traffic signals and nearby street signs. These photos may help support your claim later.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get names, contact details, insurance information and license plate numbers. If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can give an unbiased account of what happened and support your version of events.
Document everything thoroughly
After you leave the scene, write down what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. Include the weather, the time of day, traffic conditions and anything unusual you noticed before the collision.
Keep all medical records related to your crash injuries. These records show how badly you were hurt and connect your injuries to the crash and your treatment. Save receipts for all crash-related expenses, including vehicle repairs, rental cars and medical bills.
Obtain the police report
Connecticut law requires a formal police investigation report when a crash causes injury, death or property damage exceeding $1,000 to any single individual. The police report often contains important information, such as the officer's observations, statements from the people involved and sometimes an early opinion about fault.
You can usually request a copy of the report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash. This report gives an independent account of what happened and may support your claim.
Understanding Connecticut's fault system
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover damages if you were only partly to blame for the accident, though your share of responsibility cannot go beyond 50 percent. However, the amount you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Knowing how this rule works helps you understand why strong evidence matters.
Strong evidence strengthens your claim
You can build a strong claim by paying close attention to the details. Gather evidence, keep accurate records and obtain the police report. Together, these steps can help show what happened and support your claim. The quality of your evidence can affect the outcome of your case. Taking these steps can strengthen your claim and help protect your interests after a crash.]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[Why can settling too soon hurt brain injury recovery claims?]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486182026-07-29T09:04:18Z2026-07-29T09:04:18ZWhy do brain injuries take time to fully appear?
Brain injuries are deceptive. Initial symptoms might seem manageable. However, cognitive issues can emerge weeks or months later. Swelling, inflammation and microscopic injuries may mask the true severity of the condition.
As the brain attempts to heal, new symptoms often surface. Concentration difficulties, personality changes, chronic headaches and balance problems might not appear until the injured person returns to normal activities.
What are the true costs of brain injuries?
Brain injury expenses extend far beyond immediate medical bills. Long-term costs may include:
Ongoing therapy
Medication
Assisted living
Home modification
Lost income
Some victims cannot return to their previous careers. Others require lifelong care. These financial realities often do not become clear until after a thorough medical evaluation. Understanding the full extent of these costs is essential before considering a settlement.
What happens when settlement occurs before full recovery?
Accepting a settlement closes the door on future claims related to that injury. Under Connecticut law, signing a valid release usually prevents you from seeking more compensation later, even if your condition worsens or new expenses arise. Those costs become personal burdens. A settlement that seems fair at first may not cover long-term medical care, lost income or a permanent disability.
How does Connecticut law protect injury victims?
Connecticut provides injured parties with time to make informed decisions. Personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years of discovering the injury. However, they must be filed no later than three years after the incident. This window allows victims time to understand their injuries and future needs. A quick settlement may leave you with less protection than you need.
Getting fair compensation for your recovery
Brain injury claims demand careful evaluation. Waiting for a complete medical assessment ensures that any settlement reflects actual needs, not just initial appearances. The recovery process does not end when treatment begins or a claim is resolved. Continued support and planning can help you adjust to life after injury.]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[Steps for multivehicle hit-and-run victims in Connecticut]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486162026-07-14T13:28:40Z2026-07-14T13:26:51ZImmediate actions to take at the scene after a multivehicle hit-and-run
In a hit-and-run car accident, there is a high chance that the at-fault driver may escape if the proper steps are not taken. In Connecticut, a multivehicle hit-and-run is legally termed “evading responsibility," and drivers who flee the scene can face serious penalties. To help protect yourself and support any legal process, consider the following:
Seek medical help and call 911: Even if you are feeling okay at the moment, do not hesitate in seeking medical help to prevent future health complications. If you are able to, call 911 and report the accident. The police report can be viable evidence if you decide to press charges.
Take photos of the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to your car. These photos can be concrete evidence in court.
Try to recall details of the suspect’s vehicle: Try to remember and gather every detail about the suspect’s vehicle. Also, check if there are nearby cameras that could have possibly captured the incident.
These essential steps can help you gather concrete evidence against the accused, which can help support your case.
Taking the right steps moving forward
Your injury after a hit-and-run does not have to define your future. Documenting evidence, going to the doctor and reporting the accident can help hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. Taking these steps carefully and thoroughly can help protect your legal rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation.]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[How can AI intersect with wrongful death claims?]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486142026-06-30T11:08:15Z2026-06-30T11:08:15ZPeople share a lot of things with AI chatbots. Without even knowing, they might share their most private information. This was strictly a privacy concern until suicides and violent crimes allegedly linked to AI began to emerge in Connecticut.
The case of Suzanne Eberson Adams
Suzanne Eberson Adams was an 83-year-old Connecticut woman. She was murdered by her own son, Stein-Erik Soelberg, who was suffering from deep paranoia and believed the world was conspiring against him. A few months later, the estate of Suzanne filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT and Microsoft, alleging that their chatbot played a role in Suzanne’s death. According to that lawsuit, Soelberg regularly conversed with his customized ChatGPT bot, which he called “Bobby,” before the fateful incident. It alleges that “Bobby“ supported Soelberg’s paranoia that eventually led him to murder his mother and commit suicide. This landmark case is still pending in the courts.
What do Connecticut AI regulations say about wrongful death?
In the wake of such incidents, the Connecticut governor recently signed legislation that focuses on protecting Connecticut citizens from the harms of the digital age. A primary subject covered in the bill addresses how AI companions (customised chatbots) should interact with users.Under this law, AI operators must take reasonable steps to detect any user expressions indicating a risk of suicide, self-harm or imminent violence. If the AI companion detects such language, it must immediately refer the user to mental health and treatment resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Furthermore, the law requires the AI to clearly disclose to users that they are interacting with a bot and not a human.
Beyond chatbots: AI risks in other industries
Beyond conversational chatbots, AI is widespread in other industries too. Industries using them may face wrongful death claims, including:
Autonomous Vehicles: Software glitches or algorithmic failures in self-driving cars that cause fatal accidents or fail to detect pedestrians.
Healthcare AI: Algorithmic bias or diagnostic software failures that miss life-threatening conditions, leading to fatal medical neglect.
Industrial Automation: AI-driven warehouse robots or heavy machinery malfunctioning and bypassing safety protocols, resulting in fatal workplace accidents.
As AI integrates further into daily life, courts increasingly treat these software failures under strict product liability and negligence doctrines.
Evolving AI and laws
This legislation will take effect in stages starting in October 2026. The specific provisions governing chatbot regulation will become active after January 1, 2027. AI is evolving every day and so are the laws that govern it. One should wait and watch how these guardrails impact future liability and wrongful death claims.]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[Can an insurance company rush you to accept a settlement after a car accident?]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486132026-06-18T13:41:04Z2026-06-18T13:41:04ZAfter a serious car accident, you have to err on the side of caution if the at-fault driver or their insurance company is rushing for a settlement. While a fast payout might seem like the right choice when medical bills are piling up, acting too quickly usually serves against your interests. Here is what you should know.
Why do they rush?
One of the crucial reasons why an insurance company may resort to this behavior is that they want to cap their liability. In other words, they want to free themselves from the shackles of future financial liability. Furthermore, they may be trying to take advantage of your vulnerable condition. In either case, accepting their settlement without a proper and thorough legal review can free them from paying you what they owe you.
What are the dangers of signing the early settlement offers?
Early settlement after a car accident offers come with hidden dangers that may backfire if you aren’t careful enough. Among the many dangers, the two major ones include:
Losing the opportunity to demand more money if your condition worsens or you discover hidden injuries in the future.
Underestimating the total damage you have suffered if your medical diagnosis is not complete.
An early settlement offer is rarely favorable to you, even if it appears to be.
Connecticut’s cooling-off period
Making important decisions right after suffering a car accident can be overwhelming. That is why Connecticut law has established a 15-day cooling-off period. Under this rule, any settlement or liability release obtained within 15 days of the accident is voidable at your option.
Why a legal guide may help
Before you engage in any kind of dialogue with the at-fault driver or their insurance company, you should hire a legal representative who is experienced in personal injury cases. They can help you determine when to settle, how much to settle for or if you should settle at all.]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[Are you able to file a claim against an unknown driver?]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486122026-06-16T06:32:03Z2026-06-16T06:32:03ZThe Connecticut UM coverage mandate
State law requires every auto insurance policy to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This protects you, your household relatives and your passengers when the at-fault driver has no insurance or you cannot find them.
Minimum UM limits are at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Your coverage is usually equal to your bodily injury liability limits, though you may purchase up to twice that amount.
The hit-and-run claim process
Connecticut makes use of a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurer would normally pay your damages. When you cannot identify another driver, your own UM policy will need to cover your damages.
This also applies in "phantom vehicle" scenarios. In these cases, another driver forces you to swerve or take evasive action that leads to a crash, even without direct contact between vehicles.
Because this is a first-party claim, you are filing against your own insurer rather than a third party. The company will review the circumstances of the accident, including police reports, medical records and other supporting documents.
The key deadlines for filing
Connecticut law requires insurance companies to allow at least three years from the date of an accident to file suit or demand arbitration on a UM claim. Your insurer cannot shorten this window through the terms of your policy.
A separate two-year statute of limitations applies if you file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver instead. It is important to note that pursuing a case under the wrong one could lead to a dismissal.
Certain situations can shorten these periods further. If your insurer denies coverage or becomes insolvent, you may have as little as one year from the date of that notice to act. Many policies also require you to report the accident within a set timeframe, and delays can give your insurer grounds to dispute.
If law enforcement later identifies the driver, you may have grounds to file a claim against them directly. This opens categories of compensation not available through a UM claim, including the possibility of punitive damages if the driver's conduct was reckless or willful.]]>On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis<![CDATA[Your next moves after getting hit by an uninsured driver]]>https://www.brignole.com/?p=486102026-06-05T15:17:37Z2026-06-05T15:17:37ZRelying on your own coverage
In Connecticut, every auto insurance policy has to include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This can be a vital safety net if you are hit by a driver who lacks insurance or does not have enough to cover your damages. Your own insurance policy can provide the compensation you would otherwise recover from the at-fault party.
Immediate steps to take
What you do right after the car crash can help preserve the evidence needed to support your claim. If you are able to, calling the police can help you get an official report documenting the uninsured driver and how the accident happened.
While waiting, you can take photos of the scene, vehicle damage and your injuries. You can also collect contact details from any witnesses. Afterward, seeking medical treatment can create important records that help link your injuries to the crash.
Going about your insurance claim
Notifying your insurance company promptly is essential as UM/UIM claims often have short reporting deadlines. You may be able to recover the same losses as a personal injury claim, including:
Current and future medical bills
Lost wages and reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering damages
While you are dealing with your own insurance company, they may still attempt to minimize your payout. A lawyer can help you present the full value of your damages to ensure your insurer treats you fairly.
Turning tragedy into action
Being hit by an uninsured driver does not have to be a detriment to your financial stability. Taking the right steps to leverage your own UM/UIM benefits can help you pursue the compensation needed for a successful recuperation.
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