What to Do After a Dog Bite in Connecticut
What to do after a dog bite in Connecticut can make all the difference in your health, your legal rights, and your recovery. Here’s exactly what to do—step by step. If you’re wondering what to do after a dog bite in Connecticut, you’re not alone.
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, emotional stress, and unexpected medical bills. Whether it happened in a neighbor’s yard, a public park, or on the street — what you do next matters.
This guide covers everything you need to know about what to do after a dog bite in Connecticut—from first aid to filing a claim.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Connecticut – 5 Legal Steps
Step 1: Get to Safety Immediately
Your first priority is getting away from the dog.
Whether the bite was small or severe, move to a safe location. Avoid further confrontation with the dog or its owner in the moment. Your adrenaline may be pumping, but staying calm can help you think clearly and begin the process of protecting yourself. We’ve helped many clients understand what to do after a dog bite in Connecticut, both medically and legally.
Step 2: Document Everything
One of the most important things you can do after a dog bite is gather evidence. Documentation is key if you decide to file a personal injury claim later.
Here’s what to record and collect:
- Photos of your injuries — Take clear, well-lit pictures of bite marks, scratches, or torn skin from different angles. (i’m thinking this should be a link to another webpage about dog bite injuries with related pictures)
- Photos of the dog — If it’s safe, snap a photo of the dog and where the bite happened.
- Save damaged items — Clothing, personal belongings, and anything else that was torn or bloodied can help show the impact of the attack.
- Write down the details — Record:
- The exact time and location of the incident
- A description of the dog
- Names and contact info for any witnesses
- The exact time and location of the incident
- Get the dog owner’s info — Ask for:
- Their full name and contact number
- The dog’s vaccination history, especially for rabies
Even if you’re not sure you’ll take legal action, this info is important for both your medical treatment and any future claims.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
Dog bites are not something to brush off. Even if it looks like a surface-level wound, a bite can cause infection, nerve damage, or permanent scarring.
Head to urgent care or the emergency room, especially if:
- The wound is deep, swollen, or bleeding
- You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5–10 years
- You don’t know whether the dog was vaccinated for rabies
- The bite was from a stray or unfamiliar dog
Getting professional medical care does more than just protect your health — it creates an official record of the injury, which is critical if you later file a personal injury claim.
Step 4: Report the Bite
In Connecticut, dog bites should be reported to animal control or your local health department. This creates a formal record of the incident, helps identify dangerous animals, and may even prevent future attacks.
It also strengthens your case if you choose to pursue compensation.
Step 5: Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (if the injury kept you from work)
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma (especially for children)
Dog owners in Connecticut are generally responsible for injuries caused by their pets — even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Why You Need Legal Help!
Here’s the thing: insurance companies aren’t always quick to do the right thing. They may try to downplay your injuries or offer a lowball settlement. That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes in.
A good attorney will:
- Handle all communication with the dog owner’s insurance company
- Help gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate on your behalf for full and fair compensation
- Guide you through the entire legal process — so you can focus on healing
Talk to a CT Dog Bite Attorney Today!
Why Knowing What to Do After a Dog Bite in Connecticut Matters
What if I was bitten by a friend’s or family member’s dog?
You still have rights. Most dog bite claims are covered by homeowner’s insurance, not personal funds — so don’t feel guilty about seeking help.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases — including dog bites — is 2 years from the date of the injury. But don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
What if the dog has no history of aggression?
That doesn’t necessarily matter. In most cases, dog owners are still legally responsible — even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
What happens to the dog after the attack?
Connecticut law allows animal control officers to quarantine the dog for 14 days to assess its health and behavior. The dog bite victim and commissioner must be notified within 2 hours, and both parties will be informed of the final decision within 24 hours of the evaluation
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