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CT Dog Bite Lawyer
experienced connecticut dog bite lawyer
If you or a loved one have been bitten or seriously injured by someone else’s dog you should contact an experienced Connecticut dog bite lawyer immediately.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Of those, more than 800,000 require medical treatment for their injuries. Nevertheless, if you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog, Connecticut law is favorable to you.
connecticut has a strict liability dog bite statute
Connecticut’s dog bite statute (CGS § 22-357) makes a dog’s owner or keeper liable for injuries the dog causes to someone else’s person or property. This is a strict liability statute, therefore, it does not require the victim to prove negligence.
By law, a dog’s owner or keeper is liable for any damage caused by his or her dog to a person’s body or property, unless the damage was sustained while the person was committing a trespass or other tort or was teasing, abusing, or tormenting the dog. Importantly, the law assumes that anyone under the age of seven was not committing any of the above referenced actions (such as trespassing or teasing the dog) unless the defendant can prove otherwise.
Therefore, a dog owner’s liability isn’t simply limited to bites. The dog bite statute allows recovery for injuries to persons and property. For example, if your aunt comes to visit, and your dog is happy to see her and jumps up on her and knocks her down and injures her, you can be held liable for your aunt’s broken arm.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
As an experienced Connecticut dog bite lawyer, I have seen all types of animal attack related injuries including:
- Deep and severe lacerations and punctures.
- Fractured and crushed bones.
- Muscle and nerve damage.
- Infections.
- Cuts & Bruises.
- Scarring.
- Rabies.
- Anxiety.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
damages
Connecticut dog bit law doesn’t limit liability for damages. If a dog’s owner is held liable for an attack, the subsequent damages (monetary award) will be like those in any other personal injury case. Damages may include the following:
- Past medical bills.
- Future medical expenses.
- Past pain and suffering.
- Future pain and suffering.
- Permanent disability.
- Always ask if it is okay to pet someone else’s dog before reaching out to pet the dog.
- If approached by an unfamiliar dog, remain motionless.
- Immediately alert authorities know about any stray dogs or dogs that are behaving strangely.
- Do not panic or make loud noises that could agitate a dog.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the dog.
- Don’t run from a dog.
frequently asked questions - faq's
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit?
In Connecticut you generally have two (2) years from the date of the injury.
What happens to the dog?
Connecticut General Statute 22-358 allows an ACO (Animal Control Officer) to:
- quarantine the dog that has bitten or attacked someone off its owner’s property, or
- may quarantine the dog who bit someone on its owner’s property.
The dog may be quarantined for 14 days in a public pound, veterinary hospital, kennel, or other place approved by the dog commissioner. This quarantine is to help ensure the dog does not have rabies and to examine its demeanor.
Importantly, the Animal Control Officer must give the dog bite victim and the commissioner notice of the quarantine within 24 hours. Additionally, the commissioner and/or its designee must examine the dog on the 14th day of the quarantine to assess whether or not the quarantine should continue.
Finally, an ACO or Commissioner will make a final decision as to what happens to the dog next. Afterwards, notice of the order must be given to the victim within 24 hours. If a party is not happy with the order, they must request a follow up hearing within 14 days. After the hearing, the Commissioner can accept, change, or revoke the original order.
What happens if the owner claims I was trespassing?
It will depend on the facts, but some courts have interpreted the “trespass” language in the dog bite law to require more than an uninvited entry on the property. That is why it is important you speak with a lawyer about your case.
To speak with an experienced Connecticut dog bite lawyer, call or text us at (860) 595-3163 or send us an email today. Get a proven and dedicated CT Dog Bite Attorney on your side! Your consultation with me is Free, and since we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you.
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