Practice Areas at Donovan & Morello
Since the formation of the firm, Attorneys Donovan and Morello have been committed to protecting the rights of the injured and the criminally accused. We handle most types of bodily injury claims, including automobile collisions, fall downs, work place injuries, and defective products. We also provide criminal representation for most criminal cases, including drug offenses, sex offenses, driving under the influence, assaults, larceny and other violent offenses.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Donovan and Morello, LLP has handled thousands of motor vehicle accident cases. These cases include rear end accidents, hit and run accidents, pedestrian accidents, intersections collisions, and bicycle and motorcycle collisions. Most of the cases we handle involve motor vehicle collisions. Most automobile cases are fairly straightforward and uncomplicated. In those instances, we move the case along expeditiously upon the completion of medical treatment by the client. However, some cases are both factually, medically and legally complicated. In those cases we employ experts to reconstruct the accident to better present your case.Drunken Drivers
In automobile accidents caused by a drunken driver, in addition to pursuing a claim against the driver, in certain instances we can make a claim against the person or bar that provided alcohol to the driver. In those cases, we can obtain additional insurance which may provide you with more complete damages for your injuries.Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
In the event that you are struck by a driver who was uninsured or had insurance that was inadequate to fully compensate you for your injuries, you may be entitled to file a claim under your own automobile insurance policy which in Connecticut will provide you with coverage for such a situation. Attorneys Donovan and Morello, have published a treatise entitled “The Handbook of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Connecticut” and are often consulted by other Connecticut Attorney's for their expertise in this area of the law.Hit and Run Accidents
Even if you are hit by a hit and run driver, who cannot be identified, you may be entitled to make a claim under your own policy for uninsured motorist coverage. Most policies include such coverage for injuries caused by hit and run drivers. Attorneys Donovan and Morello, have published a treatise entitled “The Handbook of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Connecticut” and are often consulted by other Connecticut Attorney's for their expertise in this area of the law.Bicycle Accidents
Both Attorney Donovan and Attorney Morello are avid bicyclists, with decades of riding experience behind them. They are familiar with the unique challenges faced by bicyclists riding on public roads and the difficult obstacles facing them when claims are made against the responsible driver. Together they have successfully represented many bicyclists who sustained serious injuries in collisions involving motor vehicles.Fall Downs/Defective Premises
Injuries caused by defective premises, such as; snow and ice on roads; sidewalks or parking lots; foreign substances on the floors of retail stores; structural defects like uneven stairs; improper or inadequate lighting; negligent placement of merchandise in big box stores; and other conditions which are unreasonably dangerous, may give rise to a claim for negligence for failure to warn or correct the dangerous condition.Worker's Compensation and Third Party Claims
In Connecticut, an employee injured on the job is, if certain conditions are met, entitled to Worker's Compensation benefits from their employer. The employee need not prove that the employer was negligent, only that the injury arose in the course of the employees employment and that it was in the employer's regular course of business. The remedy provided by the Worker's Compensation statutes is fairly limited and may not provide complete indemnification for the employees damages.In certain cases, the employee may have what is known as a “Third Party” case, that is a common law claim for damages against the person that caused the employees work related injury. In that case, the employee can file suit against the third party to recover all damages to which they would be entitled. Such “Third Party” claims encompass suits against fellow employees for negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle or if they intentionally cause you injury; premises liability claims against persons other than the employer; or claims against product manufacturers for workplace injuries.
Animal Injuries
Injuries caused by animals, such as domestic dogs and cats, are generally covered by homeowner's insurance. In Connecticut, a person injured through the actions of a dog or cat may be entitled to make a claim against the owner or keeper of that animal. Significantly, our legislature has enacted a statute which imposes liability upon the owner or keeper of a dog which causes damage to the person of another, even if that dog did not bite that person, but caused damage in some other way.Social Security Claims
A person who is unable to pursue gainful employment due to disabilities recognized under the Federal Social Security Act, may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you have enough work credits and meet the definition of disability set forth in the Social Security regulations relating to disability, you can receive Social Security benefits.Criminal Representation
The firm represents persons accused of crimes in both State and Federal courts. Criminal representation ranges from the defense of Homicide; Extortion; Embezzlement; Assault; Kidnapping, Burglary; Criminal trespass; Arson, Criminal Mischief; Larceny; Robbery; Forgery; Bribery; Breach of Peace; Stalking; Drug Offenses; White Collar Crimes to Disorderly Conduct cases.Sexual Assault Defense
In this day and age, false allegations of sexual assault frequently arising during hotly contested divorce proceedings. This firm has successfully defended many such cases resulting in not guilty verdicts.Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated
This firm handles a significant amount of these cases in both court and at the Department of Motor Vehicles Administration hearings for license suspension.Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our areas of practice.
