Fairfield Dog Bite Lawyer

Fairfield Dog Bite Attorney

Surviving an attack from a dog can leave you with life-altering physical and emotional trauma. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, contacting a Fairfield dog bite lawyer is crucial when filing a claim for damages.

When a dog owner doesn’t properly adhere to leash laws, doesn’t train their dog, or downplays aggressive dog behavior, it’s natural to be angry after an attack happens. You deserve to seek compensation for any pain and financial losses after suffering a dog attack.

Experienced Attorneys in Fairfield, CT

Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler is a Connecticut law firm that focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and product liability. Because of our strong roots in the Connecticut community, we’re driven to protect the rights of Fairfield residents.

Our legal team brings over 400 combined years of experience in complex personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Collectively, they have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients. Our firm’s attorneys have also earned recognition from top legal organizations, such as Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Around 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. We deeply understand the devastation that personal injury cases, such as those resulting from dog attacks, can have on survivors. Our team can secure the ideal outcome for your unique case.

We operate on a contingency fee basis instead of an hourly rate. This means you won’t pay any legal costs unless we win your case and secure a settlement. We can transparently explain our exact pricing during your first consultation.

Fairfield Dog Bite Laws and Exceptions

Fairfield ranks as the 11th largest city in Connecticut, with dog ownership rising each year. With a 2025 population of 64,139 residents, encountering pet owners is a common occurrence for many residents. Dog owners have a legal responsibility to make sure their dogs don’t hurt anyone. For those involved in an attack, seeking immediate medical attention at either Fairfield Urgent Care Center on 309 Stillson Road or at AFC Urgent Care on 1918 Black Rock Turnpike is recommended. If the attack is severe enough, call 911 right away.

Connecticut General Statutes § 22‑357 outline the state’s dog bite laws further. If a dog in Connecticut causes damage to a person’s body or property, the dog’s owner or keeper is responsible for paying for that damage.

Unlike many other states, Connecticut doesn’t adhere to the “one-bite rule.” This rule can make it harder for victims to seek compensation, as the dog owner is only held legally responsible if the dog has shown previous aggressive behavior or had a previous bite incident.

Therefore, Connecticut victims of dog bites can pursue compensation for their damages, regardless of the number of bite incidents or whether there was any previously displayed aggression from the dog. However, certain exceptions apply that can make seeking compensation invalid. These are:

• The victim was trespassing or breaking the law at the time of the incident.
• The victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time. However, if the victim is a child under seven years old, it is assumed they were not doing anything wrong or bothering the dog, and the dog owner must prove otherwise.

These types of dog bite cases are typically overseen at the Superior Court, located at 1061 Main Street in Bridgeport. It’s important to hire a Fairfield dog bite lawyer from Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler to fully understand what legal action can be taken in your case.

Why Choose Us?

Here at Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler, we deliver results in complex and challenging cases. Some of the settlements we’ve won were:

• A $525,000 settlement for a client who suffered a fractured ankle after being attacked by a charging dog
• A $4.5 million settlement for a 19-year-old undocumented worker who became paralyzed after falling from a roof
• A $2.45 million settlement in a contested construction site accident where our client was severely injured when a defendant’s employee unexpectedly moved heavy equipment during an inspection

Read More Case Results

When you work with our team, our compassionate legal advocates can represent your interests throughout every stage of your claim. Our attorneys can explain your options while providing realistic expectations for your case. A Fairfield dog bite attorney can work to secure the highest amount of compensation for your pain and suffering.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in Fairfield?

A: Average settlement amounts vary. The final outcome can depend on the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the case, and the amount of evidence provided to the court. Acting quickly to preserve and document evidence can influence your case’s outcome. During your consultation with our team, we can provide realistic estimates based on the facts you outline for us.

Q: What Do I Do After Surviving a Dog Attack?

A: After getting attacked by a dog in Fairfield, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and safety. Seek immediate medical attention, and take photos of all injuries. After reporting the incident to the animal control department at 211 Richard White Way, request copies of the incident report. Then, contact an animal attack attorney, as Connecticut law clearly states that you may seek compensation.

Q: What Type of Evidence Do I Need to Prove the Owner’s Negligence?

A: Your attorney can explain what type of evidence is needed, and they can launch their own investigation to gather it. Evidence may include vet or medical expert statements, witness testimony, and animal control reports. Understanding state laws is important, as it can strengthen your claim if any were broken during the incident.

Q: Does Fairfield Have Leash Laws?

A: Fairfield’s leash laws vary, depending on the setting. At Ash Creek Open Space Area, only leashed dogs are allowed, and they are not allowed in the picnic or play areas. Dogs must always be leashed if within 100 feet of parking lots or picnic areas, such as at Riverside Park. Dogs are only allowed on beaches from October 1 to March 31 and must be leashed, except at Jennings Beach, where off-leash dogs are permitted if they are under control.

Consult Trusted Fairfield Dog Bite Attorneys

If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Fairfield, contact Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler to discuss your case.