Connecticut Dog Bite Lawyers

While dogs may be America’s most favorite pet, dogs can also be unpredictable and, in some cases, even vicious. At The Dodd Law Firm LLC, we love dogs, but we recognized that dog bites and other types of animal attacks can cause serious injuries and long-term harm. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, we can provide legal representation throughout the claims process. To learn more about your legal rights and how to get started, reach out to our law firm today for a free consultation.

How Common Are Dog Bites?

The Canine Journal, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Of those, about 80,000 require medical care. Based on the population of the U.S., dogs bite approximately one in every 73 people each year! While dogs are often lovable, friendly creatures, even the sweetest of dogs can bite when it feels threatened, scared, or upset.

What to Do If You’re Bitten By a Dog

If you are bitten by a dog, it’s important to take the following steps immediately to protect yourself and your right to damages:

1. Get to a safe location immediately. If you are being attacked, roll into a fetal position to protect your vital organs and face, and put your hands behind your head to protect your neck.
2. Assess for injuries—are you bleeding? Do you have bite marks or bruises? Were you injured in the attack, for example, falling and hitting your head? Do you have any potentially broken bones or soft tissue injuries?
3. If in an emergency situation where you need immediate medical care, call the police. While you wait for the police and medical care to arrive, try to record as many details as you can about the attack, including what the dog looked like. If you are near the dog’s owner, ask for their contact information.
4. Get medical care. Dogs can carry diseases, like rabies, which need to be treated immediately. If you are bleeding or experiencing any other injuries, getting medical care immediately is critical. Seeking medical care as soon as possible after your injuries will also be essential for your insurance claim.
5. It is your responsibility to report the dog bite or attack to a local animal control officer as soon as possible after the dog bite/attack occurs. The animal control officer is responsible for immediately investigating the attack.
6. Call your insurance company. It is important to provide your insurer with notice of the incident, even if you are only going to be filing a claim against the dog owner.
7. Call an attorney. The sooner that you call a Connecticut dog bite attorney, the sooner you can start the claims process.

Connecticut’s Dog Bite Laws: Statute and Common Law

The state of Connecticut has two different ways of dealing with dog bite liability: common law and statutory law.

• Common law. Under common law in Connecticut, a victim of a dog bite or dog attack can bring a negligence-based claim against a dog owner when the dog owner’s negligence was the proximate cause of injury. For example, if the dog owner knew that the dog was aggressive and was in an area where the dog was supposed to be restrained yet allowed the dog to run at large, the dog owner breached their duty of care to the victim and could be held liable for damages as such.

• Statutory law. While bringing a common law claim is possible when negligence was the proximate cause of the injury, the state of Connecticut also maintains a dog bite statute that holds a dog owner strictly liable for damages in certain cases. According to the statute, found in Section 22-357, “If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or if the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog.”

In other words, the dog owner will be held strictly liable, with the only defenses to liability being that the victim was trespassing, committing a crime, or teasing the dog. Keep in mind that the statute applies to non-bite injuries involving a dog, such as a dog jumping on a person and knocking them over, causing harm.

Damages Recoverable in a Dog Bite Claim

A dog bite injury could result in medical bills, lost wages while you recover from the incident, personal property damage expenses, and pain and suffering. A dog bite can cause a fear of dogs and even lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When you work with The Dodd Law Firm LLC, our top priority will be getting you the settlement that you deserve. We will advocate for your right to the full value of your economic and noneconomic losses.

How Our Lawyers Can Help

Understanding how to recover compensation after a dog bite can be complex. Our lawyers will guide you through your options, explain the differences between strict liability and common law, and build your case. We will be responsible for gathering evidence, proving causation and damages, and negotiating your settlement. While dog bite litigation is rare, if your case doesn’t settle in mediation, you can count on our lawyers. We have trial experience and will be ready to advocate for you.

Hire a Dog Bite Attorney in Connecticut Today

Working with a dog bite attorney in Connecticut can be a crucial decision following a traumatic incident. While the immediate aftermath of a dog bite often involves medical attention and emotional distress, understanding your legal rights and options is essential for securing fair compensation and holding negligent parties accountable.

Connecticut law, like that of many other states, holds dog owners responsible under certain circumstances for injuries caused by their animals. Navigating these laws and the complexities of insurance claims can be overwhelming, making the in-depth knowledge of an experienced attorney invaluable.  

Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider working with a dog bite attorney in Connecticut:

1. Understanding of Connecticut Dog Bite Laws

Connecticut has specific statutes and case law governing dog bite incidents. General Statutes of Connecticut § 22-357, often referred to as the “dog bite statute,” establishes a strict liability standard in certain situations. This means that if a dog bites someone who was not trespassing or committing a tort, the owner or keeper of the dog is liable for the resulting damages, regardless of whether the dog had a history of biting or the owner was negligent.  

However, the application of this statute and other relevant legal principles can be nuanced. An experienced Connecticut dog bite attorney possesses a thorough understanding of:

• The strict liability statute: Knowing the specific conditions under which strict liability applies is fundamental to building a strong case.
• Exceptions to strict liability: There are exceptions to the strict liability rule, such as provocation by the victim or the victim trespassing. An attorney can assess whether any of these exceptions apply to your situation.  
• Negligence claims: Even if strict liability doesn’t apply, a dog owner can still be held liable if their negligence contributed to the bite. This could include failing to properly restrain a known dangerous dog, violating leash laws, or failing to warn others of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
• Local ordinances: Connecticut municipalities may have their own ordinances regarding leash laws, animal control, and dangerous dogs. An attorney will be familiar with these local regulations.  
• Relevant case law: Understanding how Connecticut courts have interpreted dog bite laws in past cases is crucial for developing effective legal strategies.

2. Navigating the Complex Insurance Claim Process

Dealing with insurance companies after a dog bite can be challenging. Insurance adjusters represent the interests of the insurance company, which often means minimizing payouts. A dog bite attorney can act as your advocate, handling all communications with the insurance company and ensuring your rights are protected. They can:  

• File the initial claim: Ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted correctly and promptly.
• Negotiate with the insurance adjuster: Leveraging their experience to counter low settlement offers and fight for fair compensation.
• Understand insurance policy limitations: Identifying all potential sources of coverage and understanding the limitations of the applicable policies.
• Protect you from making statements that could harm your claim: Insurance adjusters may try to elicit information that can be used to deny or reduce your claim. An attorney will advise you on what to say and what not to say.  

3. Gathering and Preserving Crucial Evidence

Building a strong dog bite case requires gathering and preserving relevant evidence. A dog bite attorney has the resources and depth of knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation, which may include:  

• Identifying and interviewing witnesses: Obtaining firsthand accounts of the incident.
• Securing police and animal control reports: These reports often contain valuable information about the incident and the dog’s history.  
• Gathering medical records: Documenting the extent of your injuries and the necessary medical treatment.
• Obtaining photographs and videos: Capturing visual evidence of the scene, your injuries, and potentially the dog.  
• Investigating the dog’s history: Determining if the dog has a prior history of aggression or biting.
• Consulting with experts: If necessary, they may consult with medical experts, animal behaviorists, or other professionals to strengthen your case.

4. Assessing the Full Extent of Your Damages

The damages resulting from a dog bite can extend beyond immediate medical bills. A skilled attorney will help you identify and calculate all the losses you have incurred, including:  

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future costs associated with treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time off work for medical appointments, recovery, and legal proceedings.  
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, scarring, and disfigurement caused by the bite.  
• Emotional distress: The psychological impact of the trauma, which can include PTSD, fear of dogs, and sleep disturbances.  
• Property damage: If any personal property was damaged during the incident.
• Future medical expenses: If ongoing treatment or future surgeries are anticipated.

5. Providing Objective Legal Advice and Guidance

Following a dog bite, emotions can run high, and it can be difficult to make rational decisions. A dog bite attorney can provide you with objective legal advice, explaining your rights and options in a clear and understandable manner. They can guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your case.  

6. Protecting Your Legal Rights

An attorney will act as your advocate, ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout the entire process. They will be familiar with deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits (statutes of limitations) and will ensure that all necessary legal procedures are followed correctly.  

7. Increasing Your Chances of a Successful Outcome

While there are no guarantees in legal proceedings, working with an experienced dog bite attorney significantly increases your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or a favorable judgment in court. Their knowledge, skills, and resources can level the playing field against insurance companies and potentially uncooperative dog owners.

8. Providing Peace of Mind

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be incredibly stressful. Hiring an attorney allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case. Knowing that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights can provide significant peace of mind during a difficult time.  

9. Litigation Experience When Necessary

While many dog bite cases are settled out of court, sometimes litigation is necessary to achieve a fair outcome. A dog bite attorney with extensive litigation experience will be prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing your case before a judge or jury.  

10. Contingency Fee Arrangements

Most dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you typically don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, their fees are a percentage of the settlement or judgment they recover for you. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford hourly legal fees.  

Call Our Connecticut Dog Bite Attorneys Directly

If you or a loved one has been bitten, attacked, or otherwise harmed by a dog, you may have a claim for damages. At The Dodd Law Firm LLC, our Connecticut dog bite lawyers can review your case for free and provide you with the legal guidance that you need and deserve. Call us today at 203-272-1883, visit our law firm in person, or send us a message online to request your free consultation and get started.