The unexpected death of a loved one is a traumatic and frightening experience. When that death was caused by someone else's careless, negligent, or intentional actions, the impact is only compounded. Not only must you cope with a significant loss, but you are immediately confronted with significant legal issues and challenges. When confronted with the issue of a wrongful death, there are many obvious questions that need to be addressed. There are also numerous questions and issues that are not so obvious that require quick, thoughtful, and professional attention. In some instances, the failure to take the appropriate steps in a timely manner may preclude your right to assert a claim. [read more]

Sometimes a traumatic brain injury is referred to as a "closed head injury" or gives rise to a medical diagnosis such as "post-concussive syndrome."

Unlike many physical injuries, traumatic brain injuries may not be recognized at first. If, as a result of an accident, a loved one’s personality has changed, they show symptoms of difficulty in concentrating, they become irritable or aggressive with little or no provocation, they seem depressed or anxious, these may be signs of a traumatic brain injury. Often these symptoms are not immediately apparent, but manifest over time. [read more]

Personal injury may be caused in many ways: the result of an auto accident, a dog bite or attack, the result of a defective product or the result of defective property conditions (public or private property). [read more]

If you, a loved one, or a family member has suffered a head injury, broken bones, a back injury, or other type of serious injury in a slip and fall accident, you know how significant the incident and its consequences are. A fall on snow or ice, a fall down a set of stairs, a fall on a slippery surface, on public or private property can leave a victim incapacitated for a long time. In addition, medical bills, lost wages and the impact the injuries have on your ability to perform daily activities can substantially impact your economic security, family relations, and social activities. [read more]

Currently, Connecticut drivers are only required to purchase liability coverage in the amount of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident on their auto insurance policies. The problem is that $20,000 may not even come close to covering the hospital bills, lost wages, and other expenses that many car, motorcycle, and truck accident victims incur before they even consider the day-to-day effects of an injury. [read more]

If you are a first-time home buyer, investor, or if you are looking to refinance or sell your home, we will guide you through the transaction. We regularly deal with many of the local realtors, banks, appraisers, and insurers. [read more]

Under Connecticut state law, one who serves an intoxicated person alcohol may be held financially liable for injuries or fatalities that result from car accidents (or other incidents) caused by the intoxicated person. However, in order to recover damages under Connecticut's dram shop law, it must first be established that the intoxicated person in question was visibly intoxicated when he or she was served alcohol by a bar, restaurant, liquor store, or party's host. [read more]

The Law office of Andrew J. Pianka, LLC represents individuals and families throughout Connecticut who have suffered catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain and head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and burn injuries due to the negligent or wrongful conduct of another party. [read more]

It makes no difference whether the property owner is a private citizen, a business, a municipality, or the federal government—they have a legal obligation to make certain their property is reasonably safe for those who use it. However, depending on who is in control of the property may make a big difference on what steps need to be taken to preserve your claim and how it is pursued. If you have suffered a serious injury or lost a member of your family as the result of the negligence of a property owner, the law allows you to seek fair compensation for your losses. [read more]

The most important skill an attorney can have in handling a catastrophic injury case is the ability to fully convey to a judge or jury what it really means to lose the use of your legs, to take daily care of a loved one who cannot take care of themselves, or to look in a mirror and not recognize yourself. Helping others to see what these losses really mean is what we do for our clients. [read more]

Estate planning is not only for the very old or the very wealthy. Most adults, regardless of age or economic status, should have an estate plan. The primary purpose of an estate plan is the orderly management and transfer of property. It should also address the needs we face if we become incompetent or critically ill. By voluntarily appointing a conservator and a health care representative to manage property and health care decisions in the event of serious illness or injury, we can avoid the unneeded stress on loved ones in the event there is a need to have a conservator appointed or a health care representative to make medical decisions or to effectuate a living will. None of us plan on becoming disabled, becoming incompetent, or passing away. However, we should all have plans in place if such an event occurs. By planning ahead, your family and loved ones will be relieved of certain burdens, financial costs, and gain peace of mind that your plans and desires will be carried out without causing unneeded stress and conflict among family members. [read more]