Dog Bite Laws: What Victims Need to Know

Dogs are often called man’s best friend, but a sudden bite or attack can cause devastating injuries. Even a minor dog bite can lead to infections, permanent scarring, or emotional trauma that lasts a lifetime.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Connecticut or Massachusetts, you have rights under state law. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our team helps dog bite victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.

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🔑 Key Takeaways

• Connecticut is a strict liability state — dog owners are automatically responsible if their pet injures someone, even if the dog has no history of aggression.

• Victims can recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

• Certain exceptions apply if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime.

• Reporting a dog bite to local authorities is crucial for building your claim and preventing future attacks.

• An experienced Connecticut dog bite lawyer can help prove fault and pursue maximum compensation.

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Understanding Connecticut’s Dog Bite Laws

Connecticut’s dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold negligent dog owners accountable.

Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause. This means you don’t have to prove negligence — only that the dog bit or attacked you and caused harm.

Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before or showed aggression, the owner can still be held responsible.

Exceptions to the Law

There are a few exceptions to this rule. The owner may not be liable if:

• The victim was trespassing at the time of the attack.

• The victim was provoking, teasing, or tormenting the dog.

• The victim was committing a crime during the incident.

Children under seven years old are automatically presumed not to have provoked a dog, offering them added legal protection.

Reporting a Dog Bite

If you are bitten, you must report the incident to local law enforcement or animal control. Reporting ensures that the dog’s vaccination status is checked, the owner is identified, and a record of the attack is created — which is essential for your legal case.

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Proving Liability in a Connecticut Dog Bite Case

Even though Connecticut law favors victims, you still need to prove ownership, causation, and damages. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our legal team investigates every case thoroughly to build strong evidence.

Step 1: Establishing Dog Ownership

The first step is identifying the dog’s owner or keeper. Liability applies not only to the owner but also to anyone who had control over the dog at the time of the attack.

Step 2: Gathering Evidence

Evidence is key to proving your case. You should collect:

• Photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene.

• Medical records documenting treatment and long-term care.

• Witness statements from anyone who saw the attack.

• Police or animal control reports verifying the incident.

Step 3: Avoiding Delays

Always report the bite immediately and seek medical attention — even for minor injuries. This creates a paper trail linking your injuries to the attack.

Step 4: Legal Representation

A Connecticut personal injury attorney can handle the complex details of your case, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.

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Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite injuries often cause both physical and emotional harm. Connecticut law allows victims to recover compensation for several categories of losses.

Medical Expenses

This includes emergency care, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future medical treatments for infection, scarring, or reconstructive surgery.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may claim lost income and future earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond physical pain, dog bites can cause anxiety, PTSD, and emotional distress. These are compensable under Connecticut law.

Property Damage

You may also be reimbursed for personal belongings damaged during the attack — like clothing, glasses, or phones.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, if the dog owner’s conduct was especially reckless (for example, allowing a known dangerous dog to roam free), the court may award punitive damages to punish the behavior and deter future negligence.

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Why You Need a Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bite laws are complex, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or blame victims. A seasoned Connecticut dog bite attorney will:

• Investigate your claim and gather supporting evidence.

• Negotiate directly with insurance companies.

• Coordinate with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries.

• File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we handle dog bite claims on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

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Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Connecticut or Massachusetts, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our legal team has decades of experience representing victims of animal attacks and holding negligent owners accountable.

📞 Call 203-397-1283 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form to schedule your consultation today.

We’ll help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.