Norwalk Dog Bite Lawyer

Norwalk Dog Bite Attorney

Experiencing a dog attack can be incredibly traumatizing for survivors. A Norwalk dog bite lawyer can represent you throughout the legal process and pursue compensation for your pain and financial losses.

Victims can suffer a variety of life-altering experiences after an attack. These can include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Lost wages from missing work
• Extensive medical treatment
• Permanent scarring

Dog bite scars are often on visible areas of the body, and the physical reminder of the attack can be devastating for survivors.

Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Norwalk

Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler is a Connecticut law firm that focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation, product liability, and civil trial practice. Our team has a combined legal experience of 400 years.

Our firm has secured significant settlement amounts for injured clients, such as when we won a $525,000 settlement for a client who suffered a fractured ankle after being attacked by a charging dog. We have taken cases to trial in the Connecticut Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Our attorneys have obtained a combined millions of dollars for our clients.

Read More Case Results

We’re passionate about our local community and fighting for the rights of Connecticut residents. You deserve to seek justice after going through such a traumatic event. While a settlement can’t take away what happened, it can make your present and future a bit easier to handle. Contact Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler for skilled legal representation.

Dog Bite Laws in Connecticut

Norwalk is a coastal city in Fairfield County with a population of around 93,661 residents as of 2024. Many of these residents are dog owners. However, because of COVID-19, dogs bought during quarantine are commonly unsocialized.

The National Library of Medicine compared hospital data from one year before the lockdown and one year after. It found a 47% increase in reported dog bite cases across the United States. Unlike many other states, Connecticut law provides strong legal protections for victims of dog bites.

The dog’s owner is legally responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never acted aggressively before. Many other states only allow victims to seek compensation if the dog has bitten someone before. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357, if a dog causes damage to a person or property, the owner of the dog is responsible for those damages. However, certain exceptions exist, such as if:

• The wounded person was trespassing or breaking other laws when the attack occurred.
• The bitten party was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of the attack.

Updated Norwalk Dog Leash Laws in Public Parks

While Connecticut has specific state laws pertaining to dog owners, city laws can be confusing. On January 14, 2025, the Norwalk Common Council updated rules for the city’s parks. Because of Connecticut’s laws, dogs were technically never allowed in most parks, even on a leash. However, parks like Cranbury and Taylor Farm had exceptions for off-leash areas.

This confusion led many residents to be concerned for their safety and advocate for clarity in city laws. Now, at Oyster Shell Park, dogs must be leashed until they are inside the fenced dog park area. They are not allowed near playgrounds, as children are most vulnerable in dog attacks.

Because of how complex leash laws can be, it’s important to hire a dog bite lawyer and give detailed information after suffering a dog attack. Our team can explain what city and state laws were broken during the incident. We can then represent you in the Judicial District Superior Court at 123 Hoyt St. in Stamford.

Why Choose Us?

Here at Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler, our attorneys approach every case with the empathy it deserves. We see clients after they’ve experienced the worst moment of their lives and need a legal advocate to fight for them. We understand that all dog bite cases are unique, so we can customize our legal strategy to fit your needs.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis instead of an hourly rate. This means our clients don’t pay legal fees unless we secure them a settlement. Let a Norwalk dog bite attorney fight on your behalf so you can focus on recovery and your mental well-being.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?

In Connecticut, dog bites are considered personal injury incidents. In these cases, you typically have two years from the date of the attack to file your claim, as outlined in General Statutes § 52-584. However, no claim can be filed more than three years after the actual incident. Missing the deadline can result in your claim being dismissed, so it is important to act quickly.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in My Case?

You can pursue compensation for medical expenses, such as emergency treatment, surgery, medications, and ongoing therapy. If the injury caused you to miss work or lose future earning ability, you may recover lost wages. You can also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or physical disfigurement.

What Steps Do I Take After Surviving a Dog Attack?

Victims of animal attacks in Norwalk should seek immediate medical treatment at Norwalk Hospital, located at 34 Maple Street, or a nearby urgent care clinic. Be sure to take photos of your injuries and get copies of your medical report. Incidents should be reported to Norwalk Animal Control, located at 13 South Smith Street. Contact an animal attack attorney to discuss your case.

What Type of Evidence Do I Need to Win My Case?

Evidence in a dog bite case can include:

• Your medical records documenting your injuries
• Official incident reports
• Statements from witnesses who saw the attack

It may also involve records of any prior incidents involving the same dog, which can establish a pattern of behavior. An experienced attorney can gather evidence to strengthen your case.

Choose a Trusted Norwalk Law Firm

If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog in Norwalk, contact Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler. Our firm serves clients throughout Norwalk and the surrounding Fairfield County communities. Reach out today to speak with our legal team about your dog bite case.