When a serious dog bite accident occurs, it can have long-lasting effects. From the emotional toll of the accident to numerous medical treatments and reconstructive surgeries, dog bites can cause severe or even fatal injuries. If you’re a victim of a dog bite, it’s vital to hold the responsible parties accountable so you can help cover the costs of your out-of-pocket expenses and medical bills. But who is responsible when a dog attacks you? Below, our dog bite lawyer in Connecticut discusses when and how you may be eligible to receive compensation for dog bite injuries.
Connecticut Dog Bite Laws
As a strict liability state, Connecticut dog bite laws hold dog owners and/or keepers automatically responsible for injuries or property damage caused by their dog’s behavior, whether on or off their property. Dog bite accident victims don’t need to prove that the dog owner was negligent, didn’t follow local city ordinances, or knew the dog was dangerous. However, it’s important to follow all local dog restraint laws and ordinances to help prevent attacks from occurring. For example, the Town of Middlebury requires dogs to be on a leash no more than seven feet long on public property or when visiting someone else’s private residence. In Waterbury, dogs must be leashed on public sidewalks, paths, and in community parks that are not dog parks.
When Is a Dog Owner Responsible for Damages?
Under Connecticut’s dog bite strict liability laws, dog owners are responsible for all injuries and property damage caused by their dog, even if the dog was on a leash or had never displayed aggressive behavior before. C.G.S. § 22-357 states that dog owners and/or their keepers are fully responsible for damages caused by their dog’s behavior. This includes the dog’s legal owner or any other person legally responsible for the dog at the time of the accident. A keeper could be a sitter that watched the dog while the owner was out of town, a professional dog walker, or a kennel owner, etc. An owner is not responsible for damages if the victim was trespassing, committing a tort or the dog was abused, teased, or tormented (if the victim is under seven it is presumed, he/she was not trespassing, committing another tort, abusing, teasing, or tormenting).
When Can You Sue After a Dog Bite Injury?
You may be able to collect damages for your medical bills and expenses and pain and suffering related to your dog attack if:
- The dog caused significant physical injuries or property damage.
- The dog’s behavior directly caused the accident.
- You were lawfully present on public or private property at the time of the incident.
While dog bites are common, other forms of aggressive behavior can also cause injuries that would make you eligible for a claim. For example, you may file a claim if you are injured after a dog jumps on you, or you get into a bicycle accident after a dog darts into your immediate path. When you work with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Connecticut, we’ll help you determine whether you may be eligible to file a claim for damages related to your accident.
Types of Compensation Available
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances that led up to the accident. Common types of damages recovered for dog bite accidents include:
- Medical Bills and Expenses: This covers your immediate and long-term treatments, including hospital stays, ongoing therapy, and future cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries. It also factors in the mental challenge of coping with permanent disfigurement.
- Loss of Function: You may receive damages for the loss of the ability to use a bodily function, such as a lost finger or limb, because of the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Dog bite victims often experience symptoms of PTSD or develop phobias related to animals after dog bite accidents. Pain and suffering damages cover the cost of therapies for the emotional toll the incident has on your well-being now and in the future.
- Lost Wages and Household Services: You may be eligible for compensation for significant time off work due to accident treatments and surgeries. You could also receive compensation for household tasks you can no longer perform because of your injuries.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
If you just suffered a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately. The severity of your injuries may not be apparent for several hours or a few days as your adrenaline wears off. Keep detailed records of all diagnoses and treatment plans your doctor recommends, and strictly adhere to them. Once you have sought medical treatment, contact a dog bite lawyer in Connecticut, like our team at Moore, O’Brien & Foti. We will help you build a case and pursue all avenues of compensation to ensure you are compensated fairly for your medical and household expenses related to the accident.
Moore, O’Brien & Foti: Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in Connecticut
As experienced dog bite lawyers in Connecticut, our team at Moore, O’Brien & Foti is here to help you recover after a dog attack. If you have been injured in a dog bite accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, expenses, and pain and suffering related to your accident. We work with you and investigate all aspects of the case and pursue all avenues to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your injuries. Call us at 203-586-0022 or schedule a free online consultation to discuss your case.