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Connecticut Personal Injury Attorneys Tremont Sheldon PC

We’re On Your Side After a Dog Bite Injury

Last updated on April 3, 2023

Animal owners have a duty to use reasonable care to keep their animals from hurting people. While this obligation applies to all animals, most commonly we see people being injured as a result of an attack by a dog. In 2019, 48 U.S. dog bite-related fatalities occurred, and there were thousands of injuries. Unfortunately, 60 percent of dog bites happen to children. There are special laws addressing injuries caused by dogs which entitle injured victims to compensation.

Even if a dog has no history of aggressive or violent behavior, in Connecticut, its owner can be held responsible for an attack, and the dog will be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Our personal injury lawyers at Tremont Sheldon P.C. stand up for the victims of vicious dog attacks in Bridgeport and throughout the state.

We Know the Law and Can Help You Build a Strong Case

We’ve successfully resolved millions of dollars of dog bite claims. For example, one of the claims above involved a plaintiff, who was extremely afraid of dogs, who was caused to fall and injure her wrists when a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier chased her into the roadway.

It is against the law to allow a dog to roam freely and not under control of the owner or keeper. In addition, Connecticut law states that a dog cannot “create a disturbance, growl, bite or otherwise annoy” a person using a state administered road, in addition to local ordinances. If a dog bites or even knocks down a person, the owner of the dog can be held responsible for the injuries that are caused. Further, the owner or keeper of the dog is liable for any injuries caused by a dog as long as the victim is not trespassing, tormenting or teasing the dog (CGS § 22-357). “If damage has been caused by two or more dogs at the same time, and the dogs are kept by more than one person, the dogs’ owners or keepers are jointly and severally liable for the damage” (CGS § 22-356).

What to Do After a Dog Attack

If a dog is involved in your injury, always identify its owner or license. This will be important evidence to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Additionally, you are allowed to kill a dog during an attack without fear of criminal or civil penalties.

Dog attacks can cause nerve damage, puncture wounds that become infected and scarring and disfigurement. Frequently, we also see attack victims left with deep emotional trauma. We will work with your doctor to determine the extent of your injuries and the financial losses that are a result of them.

Contact Our Experienced Lawyers Today for Help

Dog attacks and most premises liability claims can be difficult to prove. That is why if you have been hurt by an animal, please do not hesitate to call 203-212-9075 or contact us online to evaluate your case.

Dog Bite Frequently Asked Questions

What should you do after a dog bite?

Seek medical attention immediately to care for your injuries. You should also obtain as much documentation of what happened as soon as you can. This includes information like the name of the dog owner, the dog’s license and where the incident happened.

Who can be held liable after a dog attack?

Dog owners in Connecticut can be held liable for injuries and harm caused by their dog as long as the victim was not teasing or tormenting the dog or trespassing on the owner’s property.

Do I have a right to file a claim after being attacked by a dog?

Yes. Victims attacked or injured by another person’s dog may be able to file a legal claim against the dog’s owner and seek compensation for their medical care, lost wages and emotional trauma in some cases.

Can I sue someone if I am hurt at their home?

Property owners are responsible for the condition of their property. Dangerous property conditions must be swiftly addressed to keep those who may be visiting the property safe. Any given property could have security concerns or an area where guests and visitors might be more prone to a fall. Or, homeowners in Connecticut may not have their pets properly secured, leading to one of the most common causes of serious injuries: dog bites.

Whatever the circumstances of the injury you suffered, it is important to consider your options to attempt to recover compensation so that you can pay for medical expenses. In the case of a private homeowner, perhaps all you will need to do is submit a claim against the property owner’s homeowner’s insurance.

You are also allowed to sue a family member or submit a claim against a family member’s insurance policy. For example, you are at your aunt’s house and her dog bites you or you are at your cousin’s house and you fall through the deck. You are allowed to sue family members under Connecticut law in order to recover money to pay for your injuries and medical treatment.