Personal Injury

BACK INJURY: Injuries are an unfortunate part of life, especially in the populous areas of Connecticut. If you or someone you love has been injured, and you believe that someone else is at fault, you have come to the right place. Please spend some time on this Web site getting to know the Connecticut personal injury lawyers at Ganim Law Firm. We are here to assist you in your time of need, and look forward to the opportunity to analyze your personal injury situation free of charge.

If there is any time when you need wise and experienced counsel, it is in matters of the law. Auto Accident, an injury on the job, an injury on the premises of another, injuries resulting from defective product, and industrial accidents are all serious matters. To resolve them, you need a Connecticut personal injury lawyer who knows state and federal laws inside and out. You need a personal injury lawyer with a proven track record of commitment to justice and to the betterment of the community.

With a combined 90 years of experience practicing law and a history of service in numerous professional associations, the Ganim Law Firm is where you'll find that lawyer. Please see the attorney profile page for more specific information. A law practice is measured by the results the lawyer secures for his or her clients. Ganim Law Firm has been achieving outstanding results for their clients for over 90 years, and would like to help you with your problems.

Auto Accidents

CAR ACCIDENT: Injuries occur on the highways and streets of the Connecticut area with staggering frequency. Auto accident injury law is a very specific niche within the realm of personal injury, and Ganim Law Firm has a high degree of knowledge and experience in this area.

Personal injury law, and as a result lawsuits involving auto accidents, are governed by the basic elements of negligence. These are detailed below:

Duty
1. General duty of ordinary care. This, in plain terms, is the degree of care that ordinary and prudent people can be reasonably expected to put forth in a similar situation.
a. Degree of care varies with the circumstances of each auto accident.
b. The greater the danger of the circumstances, the more care that is required to avoid liability.
c. Another factor is the foreseeability of the danger.

2. Affirmative duty of care.
a. Generally: One is not liable if one does not get involved in an ongoing situation.
b. A person can voluntarily assume a duty of care by getting involved in a situation, such as "rubber-necking" at an accident and causing further injury.
c. If the person in the other car is related or an employee of yours, you may have a duty to aid, protect, or warn that person of danger.
d. If you create a dangerous driving situation, you are liable for not preventing others from being injured by it.

Breach of duty: A person who has this duty above must breach it by either acting negligently, or failing to act when legally required to do so.

Damages: The injured person must be able to show damages, such as damage to the car, medical bills, and/or lost wages.

Causation: This is a very difficult concept. The plaintiff's damages must be caused, either directly or indirectly, by the defendant's breach of his or her duty.

Medical Malpractice (Wrongful Death)

Wrongful death is defined as the area of law that seeks to provide compensation to the heirs of a person whose death was caused by another person through the negligent, willful or wrongful act, or omission of. Obviously, it is a devastating time for the family, and the tragedy that surrounds such a situation leaves serious emotional scars.

A general rule is that one should not deal with legal issues if there is too much emotion involved, so if someone you love has been killed by someone else, it is imperative that you find and retain a wrongful death attorney immediately. Wrongful death attorneys at Ganim Law Firm have been handling these types of claims for decades, and understand the difficulty of such a scenario for the survivors of the person who was wrongfully killed.

General Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut

1. Nature (circumstances that allow for) of the cause of action
a. Negligence
b. Intentional wrongful act

2. Those who can bring an action
a. Only the heirs or dependents of the deceased person can bring suit
b. Only one joint cause of action can be maintained

3. Damages available: lost love, care, comfort, and support

All cases have Statute of Limitations, which can include actions for wrongful death. What this means is that you only have a limited time to bring a claim against whom or whatever caused the death of your family member. If you wait too long, you may not bring an action. There are issues that can extend the Statute of Limitations in some cases. By calling the Ganim Law Firm you can speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney who can handle all your legal issues during your time of grieving.

Given our extensive knowledge of the technical elements above, the Ganim Law Firm will pursue any wrongful death claim to the fullest amount allowed by law. They will make sure that once you agree to have them represent your claim, you can focus on putting your life back together, as difficult as that may be.

Probate Law

Ganim Law Firm attorneys deal with the legal process during which the will is validated. During that legal process, the assets of the deceased are inventoried, and all debts, creditor claims (including applicable lawsuits), and taxes are paid. Then, once it is determined who is entitled by the probate proceedings, the remaining assets that were left in the Will are distributed to the named beneficiaries and heirs.

A Will is probated in the county and state in which the testator (person who wrote the will) died. If the testator owned any property in another state, another probate proceeding will be started in that state and county. Assets that do not pass directly to a surviving spouse or other heir through a community (joint ownership or joint tenancy) property agreement, right of survivorship, a payable on death (POD) bank account, an "in trust for" account with named beneficiary, other trusts with named beneficiaries, life insurance, retirement accounts [e.g., IRAs, Keoghs, and 401(k)], or annuities are subject to formal probate proceedings. If the decedent dies without a will (intestate), and no beneficiaries are named, the courts will determine the hierarchy of heirs.

Because of the legal complications that may arise in the probate process, many people try to put together their estate plans so as many assets as possible pass directly to their intended heirs. To assure your estate is distributed according to your wishes and to avoid as many legal complications as possible through the probate process, consult with Ganim Law Firm to formulate the best plan for your needs.

If you have legal issues pertaining to the probate process or wish to contest a Will, Ganim Law Firm specializes in this complicated area of law and can help you make the right decisions.

Workplace Injury

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there were a total of 4.4 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses reported in private industry workplaces during 2005, resulting in a rate of 5.0 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers. That means that one in 20 workers in the United States suffered some sort of injury or illness in the workplace.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics also showed that there were over 5,000 workplace fatalities in 2005 in the United States, and more than 20% of those fatalities occurred within the construction context. What does this mean? It means that the workplace can be dangerous, and that if you are injured in the workplace, you should be ready to fight for your rights. Ganim Law Firm attorneys have been representing clients who have suffered injuries and illnesses in the workplace for over 90 years, and are ready and willing to listen to your situation.

Large companies have insurance carriers backing them, and insurance companies have teams of attorneys whose job is to limit their liability as much as possible. This is a very intricate area of law, with state, and sometimes even federal guidelines coming into play.

Proceeding without an attorney would be a highly and unreasonably risky venture. Therefore, you need to make sure that you don't let too much time pass before your ability to bring a claim is prevented by law. Contact the Ganim Law Firm today to get the process of protecting your rights started. Call now to speak directly to a Ganim attorney at (888) 90-GANIM.

Criminal Law (including DUI and motor vehicle violations)

The Ganim Law Firm, P.C. represents clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors as well as driving under the influence and motor vehicle violations. The Ganim Law Firm, P.C. is experienced in the area of criminal law and safeguarding their clients’ constitutional rights.

The Ganim Law Firm, P.C. will represent you, should you believe that you might be charged with a crime, or if you have been charged with a crime.

We have successfully defended clients charged with various violations of the law including, but not limited to:

    * Drug offense
    * Sexual assault
    * Theft
    * Shoplifting
    * Driving under the influence
    * Domestic violence
    * Weapons possession
    * Burglary
    * Robbery
    * Homicide
    * Motor vehicle violations, such as reckless driving, evading responsibility,
      speeding, and others

The Ganim Law Firm, P.C. will represent you and protect your rights from the moment you are contacted by a law enforcement agency. The Ganim Law Firm, P.C. will represent you at your bond hearing, arraignment, pre-trials, and trial.

If you have been contacted by any law enforcement agency, or if you have been arrested, you do not have to, nor should you, talk to the police without your lawyer being present. Your rights need to be protected, so contact The Ganim Law Firm, P.C. immediately. We are experienced in representing and helping client throughout the state of Connecticut.

Family Law

Statistics demonstrate that there’s no longer a “typical” family. There were approximately 2,230,000 marriages in 2005*. Studies have shown that a growing segment of the population doesn’t wish to get married, and even more marry, then divorce. This ever-changing family dynamic can carry a great impact on those involved in relationships and their children in various ways. The Ganim Law Firm understands that in the 21st century “family” has been redefined and its important to know what you and you’re loved ones rights are in an “unconventional” position.

When problems arise with family involved, it can be an incredibly stressful situation. Often, it’s hard for you to know what your legal options are. The Ganim Law Firm can aid you in this emotional time. We offer well-balanced counsel to our clients, and are extremely sensitive to the needs of those going through distressing periods, such as divorce, child custody and/or spousal abuse. We have a strong and successful track record in these types of cases and will get the results you need to put your life in order and get your family back on track.

The Ganim Law Firm can provide the necessary information that you need to know to handle any type of legal action for any type of family. We have the knowledge and expertise to advise you on the following matters:

Divorce
* Pre-divorce counseling and strategic planning.
* Drafting, negotiating and reviewing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
* Negotiating and preparing property settlement agreement also know as
   Separation Agreements.
* Litigating annulments, legal separations, divorce and child custody cases.
* Advising on spousal maintenance or alimony, child support and educational
   orders.

Child Custody
* Providing a vast array of child-related services such as advising on
   child custody, child support, access issues, visitation, grandparent visitation,
   etc.
* Paternity and maternity
* College Education

Spousal Abuse and Domestic Violence
* Temporary Restraining Orders against harassment or further violence.
* Representing the victims of domestic violence.

**Statistics published by divorcemag.com

Landlord / Tenant Law

At the Ganim Law Firm, we understand the problems that can arise when owning and/or renting property. Whether it is commercial or residential real estate, unresolved issues between a landlord and tenants can become messy situations. Let us help you stay informed of your legal rights and keep what can be a confusing situation from getting out of control. We are experienced in various types of Landlord/Tenant disputes, including everything from commercial and residential lease drafting and review to prosecuting and defending evictions.

Our lawyers have gained a comprehensive understanding of the laws and regulations governing actions involving Landlords' rights and Tenants’ rights. We work on behalf of Landlords in cases involving:

    * Negotiating and drafting of commercial & residential lease agreements
    * Rights of entry to an apartment or place of business.
    * Failure to pay rent
    * Disorderly conduct & nuisance (e.g. loud music).
    * Property damage
    * Late rent payments
    * Lease term violations
    * Notices to Quit and Cease & Desist orders
    * Preparation of Lease Assignment/Assumption agreements.

On behalf of Tenants with Landlord/Tenant disputes, our attorneys work in cases involving:

    * Negotiation of commercial & residential lease agreements
    * Wrongful evictions
    * Discrimination
    * Wrongfully withheld security deposit
    * Lease violations
    * Other violations of a renter's rights
    * Representing commercial tenants with rights to assignment of lease

If you are a Landlord and are having trouble collecting from your Tenants, or need help during eviction proceedings, or if you are a Tenant that has a problem with an unreasonable Landlord, then contact the Ganim Law Firm today and get to know your rights and what legal recourse is available to you.

Real Estate

The transfer or sale of real estate can be a very involved process. The Ganim Law Firm can help you get through the necessary paperwork and documentation involved in acquiring or selling commercial or residential real estate. Our law firm has experience in all kinds of issues that arise during the changing of ownership, such as:

   * Representing the Purchaser or Seller in drafting, reviewing and/or
     negotiating Purchase and Sale Agreements.

   * Document review and due diligence (review of title, purchase agreements
     and loan documents associated with residential and commercial real estate.

   * Preparation of Deeds for conveyance of real estate (e.g. Warranty Deeds,
     Quit Claim Deeds, Fiduciary Deeds, ect.).

   * Clearing Title (researching title problems in preparation for sale, preparing
     Affidavits or other documents necessary to clear title, alternatives to probate,
     probate proceedings, quiet title actions).

   * Seller financing - preparation of Purchase Money Mortgage Notes and
     Mortgage Deeds.

   * Drafting and reviewing Deed Restrictions or Restrictive Covenants (drafting
     and reviewing).

   * Drafting and reviewing of documents granted or deeded Easements or
     Rights of Way.

   * Drafting special contract provisions for complex issues for residential
     and commercial real estate transactions.

   * Environmental Contamination and Remediation issues (e.g. heating oil
     tanks, ect.).

   * Preparation of Assignment & Assumption of Lease agreements.

   * Preparation of Owner and/or Mortgage holder Title Insurance policies.

Corporate and Limited Liability Formation

At the Ganim Law Firm, we will work with our clients from the inception of their business plan through its implementation. We consult with our clients to learn about their business and their business plan, and once we have accomplished that, we can provide the proper options to help the client decide what type of business entity to select and how the entity should be organized.

There are a number of other reasons why using a legal entity such as a corporation or limited liability company can be beneficial to a smaller business. Among those reasons are:

    * To shield personal assets from business creditors.
    * The ability to make easier the transfer or sale of some or all of an ownership
       interest in a company.
    * Potentially greater tax advantages that which may be available.

As a business becomes larger, and its operation requires management by more than one person, a legal business format can be helpful in providing a structure for the organization and management of the company.

The attorneys at the Ganim Law Firm have extensive experience in all aspects of corporate formation. This corporate formation experience includes the preparation and drafting of the organizational documents, negotiation of buy and sell agreements, shareholder agreements, and employment agreements.

The Ganim Law Firm works side by side with our business clients, along with tax professionals to help our clients achieve all of their business goals.

Zoning

Municipal land zoning can be a very complicated matter. Problems that arise from zoning can cost a property owner thousands of dollars. Whether you are a land developer or just someone who is making changes to their home, as a property owner, it is important to know your rights. The Ganim Law Firm can help make the difference and save you from a costly error.

If you have questions or concerns about zoning, one consultation with the Ganim Law Firm can put you on the right track to making sure your property is properly zoned for your intended use. We will help you with all of the necessary development and zoning permits. Since our law firm handles these types of cases frequently, we are knowledgeable regarding with zoning laws, and can provide the legal representation you need to accomplish your goals.

The Ganim Law Firm is skilled in the following areas of zoning law:

    * Investigation of applicable zoning regulations to your property
    * Representation in residential or commercial subdivision applications and
       site plan review
    * Applications Zoning Boards of Appeals for the variance or waiver of a
       zoning regulation based on legal hardship
    * Appeals of governmental cease & desist orders
    * Representation before Planning and Zoning Boards for site plan approval