While dogs are often described as “man’s best friend,” a bite or attack may lead to serious injury or death. Even minor bites can result in infections that require hospitalization or surgery.
Unfortunately, many dog bite cases start with the owner claiming their dog would never bite anyone.
If you are injured in a dog bite situation, our experienced personal injury lawyers in Connecticut can help. Our team will investigate the case and use the state’s laws to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What Are Connecticut’s Dog Bite Laws?
Connecticut has specific laws for dog bites. These laws aim to protect people if a dog attacks or injures them. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know.
Connecticut’s Strict Liability Law
Under this law, a dog’s owner or keeper is responsible if the dog causes harm to a person or damages property. This is true even if the dog has never shown aggression before. The key point is that the victim was not trespassing, teasing, or provoking the dog.
Exceptions to the Rule
However, there are exceptions. If someone was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime, the owner might not be liable. Also, if the victim teased the dog, the owner’s responsibility might be less.
Reporting a Dog Bite
If a dog bites you in Connecticut, you should report it. You can report the incident to local law enforcement or animal control. Reporting is important because it helps prevent future incidents.
Why You Need Legal Assistance
Dog bite laws can be complex. Navigating through them requires understanding and experience. Getting legal help can make a big difference if a dog injures you. A lawyer can guide you through the process, from reporting the bite to seeking compensation for your injuries.
Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases
To win a dog bite case in Connecticut, you must show that the dog’s owner is at fault. This involves proving specific key points.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our Connecticut dog bite injury attorney, can help.
Understand the Law’s Requirements
First, you need to know that the dog’s owner or keeper automatically shoulders the blame for injuries or damage caused by their pet. This holds unless the victim acted wrongly, like trespassing or teasing the dog.
Gather Your Evidence
Your next step is to collect strong evidence. Photos of your injuries, medical reports, and witness statements support your case. Evidence that clearly shows you were not at fault is crucial.
Report the Incident
Like the law on dog bites, you should report any attack to the authorities immediately. This official report plays a part in proving liability.
Get Witness Statements
If anyone saw the dog bite happen, their account could be beneficial. Witness statements can add to your evidence, showing you did nothing to provoke the attack.
Seek Legal Advice
Understanding and proving liability can be tricky. A lawyer can help with this. They can handle the legal details and work to prove the dog owner’s responsibility.
Types of Compensation You May Recover in Dog Bite Injury Cases
After a dog bite, you might wonder about compensation. In Connecticut, you could get money for different types of harm caused by the attack.
Medical Expenses
First off, medical costs can pile up fast. This includes emergency room visits, medication, and any future medical care needed because of the bite.
Lost Wages
You can ask for lost wages if you miss work due to your injuries. This helps cover money you would have made if you weren’t hurt.
Pain and Suffering
Dog bites can cause a lot of pain and emotional distress. Connecticut law says you can get compensation for this physical and emotional pain.
Property Damage
Sometimes, a dog attack can ruin your things, like clothes or phones. You can be reimbursed for any property damaged during the incident.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if the dog’s owner was extremely careless, you might get punitive damages. These are extra money meant to punish the owner and prevent future negligence.
Getting fair compensation matters after a dog bite. It’s about covering costs and recognizing the pain and trouble the incident caused. A lawyer can determine what compensation applies to you and how to go after it. This way, you get support to heal and move on from the attack.
Contact Us for Information About Your Dog Bite Injury Claim
Do you need help recovering compensation for your dog bite injury? If so, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.