Connecticut Dog Bite Lawyer

Last updated on May 6, 2025

A dog bite or attack can leave you shaken, injured, and uncertain about what to do next. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we know how stressful and overwhelming this can feel—not just for victims, but for their families too. Our lawyers understand what you’re going through and we’re here to support you through every part of your recovery and the legal process.

Dog owners have a clear responsibility to keep their pets under control to prevent injuries to others. Unfortunately, many dog owners don’t take this responsibility seriously, leading to a significant number of dog bites and related injuries every year.

If you or someone in your family has been injured because a dog owner was careless or negligent, you deserve fair compensation. Our attorneys hold these owners accountable. We help you get the financial support necessary for your physical and mental recovery, so that you can move forward with your life.

Connecticut Dog Bite Laws Explained

Connecticut laws protect victims of dog bites. Even if a dog has never shown aggression before, the owner or keeper can still be held fully accountable for any injuries caused. This is known as “strict liability,” meaning victims don’t have to prove negligence or a dog’s past behavior to receive compensation.

According to Connecticut General Statutes (CGS § 22-357), dog owners are responsible when their dog injures someone, provided the injured person was not trespassing, provoking, or teasing the animal. This applies very broadly, not just to bites, but also to situations where a dog knocks someone down or indirectly causes injury.

For example, we once recovered compensation for a victim who was extremely afraid of dogs. She had fallen and injured her wrists when a small dog, a Yorkshire Terrier, chased her into the street.

Connecticut also requires dogs to be properly restrained. Allowing a dog to roam freely or act aggressively toward others can result in legal liability. Also, if multiple dogs owned by different people cause injury together, Connecticut law holds all involved owners equally responsible, simplifying the process of securing compensation.

Following an attack, dogs are usually quarantined for 14 days as a public safety measure to check for diseases such as rabies.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident

If you or someone you love suffers a dog bite injury, taking the following steps promptly can make a significant difference:

• Get medical help immediately, even if injuries appear minor. Small cuts can get infected due to the nature of animal bites.
• Gather details about the dog and its owner, and document the scene and injuries with photographs, if possible.
• Notify local authorities, including animal control or police, to officially document the incident.
• Save any damaged clothing, maintain medical records, and track all related expenses.
• If you feel an emotional impact, consider professional counseling. This can be especially important when children are the victim of a dog attack.
• Contact an attorney to discuss your case and learn about your rights as soon as possible.

Compensation You Can Receive

Victims of dog bites can claim various types of compensation, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses. At our law firm, we maximize the value of your claim by gathering all of the evidence to support these types of damages and making sure that the insurance company has the full picture of how your life was affected by your injuries.

Common Misconceptions About Connecticut Dog Bite Cases

When dealing with dog bite incidents, people often misunderstand how these cases work, which can prevent victims from seeking proper legal help and compensation. Clarifying these misconceptions is essential to ensure victims know their rights and take appropriate action. Below are some of the most common misconceptions surrounding dog bite injuries:

1. Only large or aggressive breeds cause serious injuries – many people believe severe dog bite injuries come exclusively from large or traditionally aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. However, the truth is that any dog, regardless of its breed or size, can inflict serious injuries under the right circumstances. Even small breeds, such as terriers or Chihuahuas, can cause significant harm, particularly if the victim is a child, elderly, or already vulnerable.
2. You can’t file a claim if the dog never bit anyone before – another misconception is that a victim cannot pursue legal action if a dog has no history of aggression or biting. Under Connecticut’s strict liability law, a dog’s past behavior does not matter. Owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, even if it’s the first time the dog has bitten or injured someone.
3. If you were partially at fault, you can’t recover damages – some victims mistakenly believe they can’t seek compensation if they partially contributed to the incident, such as by unintentionally provoking a dog. Connecticut applies a comparative negligence standard, meaning you may still recover damages even if partially at fault, although your compensation could be reduced proportionately.
4. Dog bite claims are only about physical injuries – victims often underestimate the scope of compensation available. Dog bite claims can include emotional trauma, anxiety, PTSD, psychological counseling, lost wages, future medical care, and ongoing rehabilitation. Recognizing this broader scope ensures victims get comprehensive compensation.
5. You only have a claim if you were bitten – this is not the case. Injuries can also occur if you are knocked over or chased, or in other situations. Being bitten is not the only way to have a case.

Clearing up these misconceptions helps victims and their families better understand their rights and feel more confident about taking the next steps after a dog bite or injury.

Higher-Risk Areas in Connecticut for Dog Bite Incidents

Some areas in Connecticut have higher risks of dog bites, particularly densely populated neighborhoods and areas where dogs frequently roam off-leash. Cities like Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford, and New Haven experience higher rates of dog bite incidents due to increased human-dog interactions. Suburban towns like Fairfield and Westport also experience dog bites, especially in parks.

Always be cautious around unfamiliar dogs, especially in parks or neighborhoods known for loose dogs. Teach your children to ask for permission before approaching or touching a dog.

Addressing Emotional Trauma

The emotional impact of dog attacks can be profound, leading to anxiety, fear, and PTSD. Our team recognizes these emotional consequences and ensures they are accounted for when pursuing compensation.

We also collaborate with mental health experts to provide comprehensive support for emotional healing. We believe that your physical and mental recovery is our most important goal. We have dealt with many injuries caused by dogs and we can help you too.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Dog Bite

Speaking with insurance companies can be very stressful after you have been injured. Many people think the insurance company will quickly provide fair compensation to cover medical bills and other costs, but that’s often not the case. Usually, insurance companies will try their hardest to pay as little as possible, even when the victim has a legitimate claim.

Insurance companies often act friendly and helpful at first. However, it’s important to remember their main goal is to protect the insurance company’s profits. They may ask detailed questions or encourage you to describe your injuries or recovery casually. They might use what you say against you later to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or that the dog bite wasn’t entirely the owner’s fault.

Another common tactic insurance companies use is offering a quick settlement. While it might seem helpful to get money right away, these initial offers are typically far less than what your injuries are worth. If you accept the first offer, you usually lose your chance to seek additional compensation later, even if your injuries get worse or you need more medical treatment.

Here are some simple guidelines for dealing with insurance companies after a dog bite:

• Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster without first talking to a personal injury lawyer.
• Avoid signing any paperwork from the insurance company until your attorney reviews it.
• Keep track of all communication, including emails, letters, and phone calls, noting who you spoke with and when.
• Consider letting an attorney handle all communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to deal with these interactions.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we manage conversations and negotiations with insurance companies for you. Our attorneys clearly explain your injuries, the medical costs, lost wages, emotional effects, and any future treatment you may need. We make sure the insurance company sees the full extent of how the dog bite has affected your life.

If the insurance company doesn’t cooperate and offer fair compensation, our attorneys are always ready to bring your case to trial.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

Getting a lawyer involved right after a dog bite can significantly strengthen your case and protect your rights. When you involve an attorney early, they can help gather important evidence, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and make sure documents like medical records and police reports are preserved. They can also ensure that other evidence of your injuries is documented. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence or weaker witness accounts, which may negatively impact your claim.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our Bridgeport, CT accident lawyers step in immediately to handle all aspects of your claim, letting you focus fully on recovering physically and emotionally. This early involvement often leads to better outcomes and higher compensation, giving you greater peace of mind and financial security during a difficult time.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Preventing dog bites begins with awareness. Always approach unfamiliar dogs cautiously, avoid direct eye contact, and do not disturb dogs eating or sleeping. Educate children to ask permission before petting dogs and supervise their interactions carefully.

How Tremont Sheldon P.C. Helps You

Compensation won’t erase the pain or stress caused by a dog bite, but it can provide the support to help cover medical bills, therapy expenses, lost wages, and other expenses. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our attorneys carefully collect evidence, talk to witnesses early, and work closely with medical specialists to clearly document the full extent of your injuries.

We also prepare every case for trial. By preparing each case thoroughly, we show insurance companies that we are serious, which often leads to better settlement offers. If the insurance company doesn’t offer fair compensation, our attorneys are always ready to present your case at trial. The insurance companies know this. We are committed to making sure you receive every dollar you deserve, allowing you and your family to focus on healing without unnecessary financial worry.

Representation With Compassion and Clear Communication

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we treat every client with empathy, respect, and personalized attention. We understand how difficult dealing with a dog bite injury can be, and we’re here to listen carefully and support you fully.

Keeping you informed is also important to us. Our attorneys will regularly communicate with you, ensuring you always know what’s happening with your case. If you have questions, we’re here to answer them clearly and quickly, providing reassurance and guidance every step of the way. Our goal is to ease your stress and help you feel confident as we pursue the best outcome for you.

Contact Tremont Sheldon P.C. Today

If you or a loved one experienced a dog bite or attack, you don’t have to handle it alone. Tremont Sheldon P.C. is ready to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at 203-212-9075 or complete our CLICK HERE for a confidential consultation. Let us help you move forward.

What should I do right after a dog bite?

Get medical help right away, even if the bite seems minor. Report the bite to animal control and take pictures of your injuries and the scene if you can. You should also get contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses. Doing these things early can help your case later on.

Can I sue if the dog that bit me never bit anyone else before?

Yes. In Connecticut, dog owners are responsible even if their dog has never bitten anyone before. The law doesn’t require you to prove that the dog was dangerous in the past. It’s enough to show the dog injured you.

What kind of compensation can I receive?

You can get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future medical care. If your injuries affect your ability to work or enjoy life, that can also be part of your compensation. Our attorneys will help you understand exactly what you’re entitled to.

How long do I have to file a claim after a dog bite in Connecticut?

Usually, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim in Connecticut. There are circumstances that can make this time period shorter or longer. It’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protects your rights, making your case stronger.

What if I was partly at fault for the dog bite?

You might still be able to get compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation could be reduced, depending on how responsible you were for the incident.

Should I talk to the dog owner’s insurance company?

It’s best to let your lawyer handle communication with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters often try to limit your compensation, and your attorney can protect your interests. If you do talk to the insurance company on your own, they may use your statements against you to lower your settlement.

Can I sue if I wasn’t bitten but was injured another way by a dog?

Yes, you can still sue if a dog causes injury without biting you, such as knocking you down or chasing you into traffic. Connecticut law covers all injuries caused by dogs. Even if you aren’t bitten directly, you have the right to pursue compensation if the dog’s actions caused your injuries or medical bills.