
While most dogs are great companions, there is always a risk of a dog bite. With severe injuries and emotional trauma, dog bites can be difficult to recover from. If you have been attacked, a Connecticut dog bite lawyer can help you file a claim against the dog owner and pursue compensation for your damages.
The attorneys at Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler have over 400 combined years of experience representing injury victims. With knowledge of dog bite laws and attention to detail in every case, we have secured over $500 million in compensation for our clients. We relentlessly advocate for our clients, helping them claim the compensation they deserve. If you are looking for guidance during a dog bite claim, we can assist you throughout this process.
Pet ownership is quite common, and 24% of Connecticut households own a dog, whether adopted from the Connecticut Humane Society or other rescues or breeders in the state. While most dogs never bite, when they do, it can cause immense damage. Common injuries in dog bite claims include:
In addition to physical injuries, property damage and lost wages are other common damages included in a dog bite claim. Damages such as these may lead to compensation to make up for the economic cost of resolving these damages. Emotional distress and other non-economic damages can also raise compensation.
Each year, over $1 billion in compensation is paid by insurance companies due to dog bites. Working with an experienced dog bite lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can advocate for your damages and fight to maximize your compensation.
Connecticut’s Dog Bite Statute outlines a strict liability rule for dog owners. Strict liability means the dog owner is liable for damage their dog causes, regardless of whether they were negligent or not. This system can make it easier for a dog bite victim to file a claim, since they don’t have to prove the owner’s negligence towards the dog.
While owners are generally found liable, there are situations where the strict liability rule does not apply. If a bite victim was trespassing on private property when the dog attacked, they may be at fault. A victim can also be at fault if they were provoking the dog, such as through teasing or physical abuse.
A Connecticut dog bite lawyer can help throughout each step of filing a claim. After a dog attack, a lawyer can explain Connecticut’s dog bite laws and statutes, ensuring you are aware of your legal options. They can gather evidence from the scene of the attack and throughout your recovery. A lawyer can analyze evidence to determine a strong argument to prove what occurred and what damages you suffered. Examples of evidence include:
While filing the dog bite claim, your lawyer can ensure all paperwork is accurate and filed within the two-year statute of limitations. If you hire a dog bite lawyer, you can reduce the risk of procedural errors during this process, preventing delays. Trying to understand the legal processes of filing a claim can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from a dog bite. Having a lawyer who can manage legal procedures can reduce your stress and ensure accuracy.
The amount of compensation you receive for a dog bite claim depends on the damages you have suffered and their severity. Your lawyer can ensure all damages you have suffered are included in your claim and can negotiate to increase compensation. Determining the severity of injuries and other damages is more complex. Typically, severe damage has a lasting impact on your future, such as leaving permanent medical needs or psychological disorders.
Yes, you can file a claim if the dog owner is a child, but the claim is filed against the parents or guardians, not the child. Even if the dog was with the child during the attack or the dog is considered to be the child’s pet, the parents are responsible for the damages. A Connecticut dog bite attorney can help you determine who can be held liable if the dog owner is a child or ownership is otherwise ambiguous.
If you have been bitten by a dog, there are several steps to ensure your safety and prepare for a claim. While at the scene of the accident, locate the dog’s owner and exchange contact information and the dog’s vaccination records. Receive medical attention for any injuries, take photos of visible injuries, and keep a copy of medical records. For severe injuries, contact the police for assistance. When you can, contact a lawyer for guidance on your next steps.
After a dog has attacked someone, an animal control officer quarantines the dog for 14 days. In some cases, the dog may be quarantined on their owner’s property, but typically quarantine occurs in a place such as a veterinary hospital or public pound. At the end of this quarantine, a decision is made about the dog’s future: whether the dog will be given back to the owner, have any restrictions on the dog, or be put down.
Even without a history of aggression or being provoked, dog attacks can happen at any time. If you have been left with injuries, property damage, lost wages, emotional trauma, or other damages as a result of a dog attack, filing a claim can help you recover. Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler have helped thousands of injury victims file claims, including against dog owners. Contact us today to learn how a Connecticut dog bite lawyer can help you fight for justice.
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