When someone is injured on another person’s property in Connecticut—whether it’s a slip on a grocery store floor or a fall on a broken stairway—premises liability law may entitle the victim to compensation. But success in these cases depends heavily on the quality and scope of evidence. Without clear proof of negligence, even valid claims can fall short.

Below, we break down the essential types of evidence that can support a strong Connecticut premises liability case and explain why each form matters.

Premises Liability Claim Evidence: Photographs and Videos of the Hazardous Condition

Visual documentation is often the most powerful form of evidence. It captures the dangerous condition as it existed at the time of the accident—something that could later be repaired, cleaned, or removed.

Take Clear, Time-Stamped Photos

Photos should clearly show:

• The condition or defect (e.g., wet floors, cracked pavement, loose wires)
• The surrounding environment (lighting, warning signs, or lack thereof)
• Weather conditions, if relevant (such as snow or ice)

Videos from security cameras or bystanders can also strengthen your case by establishing how long the hazard was present or how the injury occurred.

Incident Reports Filed With Property Owners or Managers

In Connecticut, filing a written incident report immediately after the injury helps create a formal record that the event occurred. This report should include:

• Date and time of the incident
• Location on the property
• A brief description of what happened
• Names of any staff who responded

If the injury happened at a business, many companies are required to log customer injuries. Request a copy or take a photo of the report before leaving.

Eyewitness Statements and Contact Information

Eyewitnesses provide third-party confirmation of how the incident happened, the state of the premises, and whether staff responded appropriately.

What to Ask Witnesses

• What did you see just before and after the fall?
• Did you notice the hazard?
• Did anyone attempt to fix or warn about the danger?

Make sure to collect full names and reliable contact details. If witnesses are employees, note their job titles and shifts in case employer records are needed later.

Medical Records and Injury Documentation

Proving that your injuries directly resulted from the unsafe conditions is central to any premises liability claim in Connecticut.

Why Detailed Medical Records Matter

• They link the injury to the event
• They document severity and necessary treatment
• They provide an estimated timeline for recovery or permanent disability

Include ER visits, follow-ups, therapy notes, prescriptions, and imaging results. Maintain a pain journal that tracks daily discomfort, physical limitations, and how your life has been affected.

Proof of Prior Complaints or Violations

Connecticut premises liability law often hinges on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. Evidence of previous complaints or code violations can be game-changing.

Where to Look

• Past complaints filed with local agencies or online platforms
• City inspection reports or health department citations
• Maintenance logs from the property owner
• Testimony from current or former employees

If a hazard had been reported but not fixed—or fixed improperly—it strengthens the case for negligence.

Property Maintenance and Cleaning Records

These documents help establish whether the property owner followed a reasonable maintenance routine.

Examples include:

• Janitorial schedules
• Inspection checklists
• Snow and ice removal logs
• Elevator or escalator service records

In cases involving recurring hazards—like water leaks or poor lighting—this paperwork can be a key element in demonstrating ongoing negligence.

Expert Testimony or Accident Reconstruction for CT Premises Liability Cases

In complex premises liability claims, such as those involving defective construction or disputed causes of injury, expert analysis can clarify what went wrong and who is at fault.

Types of Experts Used in CT Premises Liability Cases

• Structural engineers
• Safety consultants
• Medical professionals
• Accident reconstructionists

Expert witnesses interpret data in a way that supports your case while meeting the evidentiary standards required in Connecticut courts.

Surveillance Footage from Onsite or Nearby Cameras

While store security cameras are an obvious source, don’t overlook other options:

• Neighboring businesses
• Residential doorbell cameras
• Traffic or municipal CCTV systems

These may show the injury or the condition leading up to it. Be sure to request footage quickly—many systems overwrite data within days.

Clothing and Personal Property Damaged in the Incident

Torn clothing, broken glasses, or a shattered phone can physically reinforce the story of how the accident occurred.

Preserve these items without washing or repairing them. They may be inspected by insurance companies or presented in court as physical evidence of the impact and force of the fall or injury.

Lost Wages and Employment Impact Records

Premises liability claims can include lost income if the injury prevents someone from working. To support these damages:

• Gather pay stubs or direct deposit records
• Get a signed letter from your employer detailing time missed
• Document any changes in job duties or reduced hours

Self-employed individuals can use tax returns, client cancellations, and business losses to demonstrate economic harm.

Why Acting Quickly Matters in Connecticut Premises Liability Cases

Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including premises liability. Waiting too long to gather evidence can make it harder to obtain key documentation or locate witnesses.

Also, property owners may clean up or fix the hazardous condition shortly after the incident, which is why photos, videos, and witness accounts should be secured immediately.

Conclusion

Building a strong premises liability claim in Connecticut isn’t just about telling your side of the story—it’s about proving it with clear, credible evidence. Whether it’s a slip in a parking lot or an injury due to faulty railings, success hinges on showing that the property owner failed to act responsibly and that their inaction caused real harm. By collecting the right types of evidence—photos, reports, witness statements, and beyond—you place yourself in a much better position to recover the compensation you deserve.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating a Premises Liability Claim in Connecticut can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.