Connecticut Personal Injury Laws
Connecticut follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar — you can recover only if your fault does not exceed the combined fault of the defendants. The statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury is 2 years from discovery with a 3-year statute of repose. Connecticut is a traditional tort (at-fault) auto insurance state with mandatory 25/50/25 liability minimums and required uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Joint and several liability has been abolished in negligence cases. Punitive damages in personal injury are generally limited to litigation costs (attorney fees).
Last verified: 2026-02-25
Statute of Limitations
Actions for injury to person or property caused by negligence, reckless or wanton misconduct, or malpractice must be brought within 2 years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have been discovered. No action may be brought more than 3 years from the date of the act or omission complained of.
Exceptions
Actions founded upon a tort (other than negligence/malpractice, which are governed by § 52-584) must be brought within 3 years from the date of the act or omission complained of. This is a strict occurrence-based statute with no discovery rule.
Wrongful death actions must be brought within 2 years from the date of death but no more than 5 years from the date of the act or omission complained of. Only the executor or administrator of the estate may bring the claim.
The statute begins running from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have been discovered — providing a discovery-based trigger within the 3-year repose period.
Claims against the state for highway defects require written notice within 90 days. Claims against municipalities are subject to specific notice requirements. Failure to provide timely notice can bar the claim.
Fault & Liability Rules
Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence system. Contributory negligence does not bar recovery in negligence, reckless misconduct, or malpractice actions if the negligence of the plaintiff was not greater than the combined negligence of all defendants. Recovery is reduced by the plaintiff's percentage of fault. If the plaintiff's fault exceeds 50%, recovery is barred entirely.
Damage Caps
Connecticut does not impose caps on compensatory damages (economic or non-economic) in general personal injury cases.
Under Connecticut common law, punitive damages are generally limited to the plaintiff's litigation costs less taxable costs (essentially attorney fees). In product liability cases, statutory punitive damages are capped at twice the compensatory damages if the product seller acted with reckless disregard for safety.
Auto Insurance System
Connecticut is a traditional tort (at-fault) state — the person who causes an accident is responsible for damages. Minimum liability limits are 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory at 25/50 minimums. Connecticut switched from no-fault to at-fault in 1994.
Key Connecticut Statutes
Connecticut has abolished joint and several liability in negligence actions. Each defendant is liable only for their proportional share of the damages based on their percentage of fault.
In personal injury or wrongful death actions, the plaintiff's economic damages are reduced by collateral source payments (health insurance, disability insurance, etc.), offset by the amount paid to secure those benefits (premiums). Settlement payments are not considered collateral sources.
Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to an intoxicated person can be held liable for injuries caused by the intoxicated patron. Liability is capped at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence. The claimant must prove the sale or service of alcohol to an intoxicated person and resulting harm.
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — verify current statutes at Connecticut General Statutes. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
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