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New Haven Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

new haven dog bite injury

Dog owners have a duty to keep people reasonably safe from their pets. When a dog bite or attack occurs, the injuries can be severe, possibly leaving a victim with scars, disfigurement, and fighting off infection. In 2017, there were 77 dog attacks in Connecticut alone. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, our New Haven personal injury lawyers at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. can make sure the owner is held accountable. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with one of our New Haven dog bite injury lawyers.

Why Our Firm is the Right One for You In New Haven

  • Our top priority is meeting your goals, even if that means taking your case to trial.
  • We have more than 100 combined years of experience litigating cases in and out of the courtroom.
  • We are conveniently located to assist injured victims throughout Connecticut and offer our services on a contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid unless you do.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in New Haven and Their Risks

Victims commonly suffer the following injuries from a dog bite attack:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Bone fractures
  • Eye injuries
  • Scarring
  • Head and Neck Injuries
  • Face Injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Disfigurement
  • Tendon damage
  • Emotional and psychological distress

There is also a risk of the dog having an infection, which can then lead to conditions such as rabies, tetanus, MRSA, Capnocytophaga spp., and Pasteurella. The treatment for dog bite injuries will depend on the size, location, and severity of the injury. It is estimated that roughly 20 percent of dog bite injuries require professional medical attention. Severe dog bite injuries in New Haven can require hospitalization, stitches, antibiotics, or even reconstructive surgery in cases of disfigurement.

Understanding New Haven, Connecticut Dog Bite Laws

According to state law, owners are responsible for any damage their dogs cause to either a person or someone’s property, including another person’s pet. However, this is only true when the victim was legally on the owner’s property and also, was not teasing, abusing, or tormenting the dog prior to being bitten. If it is discovered that the victim taunted the pet or was trespassing, they are not eligible to file a dog bite injury claim.

Strict Liability

Connecticut enforces the rule of strict liability, which means a dog owner is assumed to be strictly liable for damage, even when there was no way to know their pet could be violent.

This means that victims do not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was vicious. Only the following must be proven:

  • The victim suffered a dog attack and was legally on the property or in a public location when the attack occurred.
  • The dog attack caused their injuries.
  • The victim suffered damages as a result of their injuries suffered.

In some cases, it may also need to be proven that the named defendant is the owner of the dog.

Why Hire a New Haven Dog Bite Injury Attorney After a Dog Bite?

Hiring a New Haven dog bite injury attorney might not be at the top of your priority list after a dog bite attack. However, during this stressful time, a lawyer can help you determine if you are owed compensation and how to go about obtaining it. Dog bites are typically covered under the dog owner’s homeowner insurance policy. Going up against an insurer on your own can end up leaving you with many unpaid medical bills and uncompensated lost income. With legal help, you are maximizing your chances of obtaining the financial recovery you need.

Contact Us Today

Victims only have two years to file a claim following a dog bite injury. Reach out to us by calling (203) 265-2035 or contacting us online, so we may discuss your legal options today.

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