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Even a seemingly friendly dog can cause serious harm in a matter of seconds. Victims may require stitches, surgery, rehabilitation, or treatment for infections and lasting scars. You shouldn’t be left with the burden of covering the cost of these injuries. If a dog injured you or your child, a Stratford dog bite lawyer can determine who may be responsible and help you protect your right to compensation.
The team at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. is here to help dog bite victims recover damages for their losses and help them move forward after an attack. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Our attorneys can be by your side throughout the process.
Connecticut follows a strict liability rule for injuries caused by dogs. Under Connecticut General Statutes §22-357, a dog’s owner or keeper can be held responsible for injuries or property damage, even if the dog had never attacked anyone before. The victim generally does not need to prove that the owner knew that the dog was dangerous or acted negligently.
However, the owner may avoid liability if the injured person was trespassing, committing another wrongful act, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog when the injury occurred. When the victim is younger than seven, the law presumes that the child was not trespassing or provoking the animal.
The defendant must present evidence to overcome that presumption. The statute applies to bites as well as other harm caused by a dog, such as injuries from being knocked down.
Across the U.S., more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. A dog bite victim may seek compensation for the financial and personal effects of the attack. The amount available depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the treatment required, and whether the victim experiences lasting complications. Recoverable damages may include:
Parents may also pursue compensation if a child has been injured, including the cost of medical treatment and counseling. Evidence such as medical records, photographs, wage statements, and professional opinions can help establish the extent of these losses. A Stratford dog bite attorney can calculate both current and anticipated damages before negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company.
Dog attacks can cause more than minor cuts or puncture wounds. A powerful bite may damage skin, muscles, nerves, tendons, or bones, while a person knocked to the ground may suffer additional injuries. Common dog bite injuries include:
Children may be especially vulnerable to injuries involving the face, head, and neck because of their smaller size. Even when a wound initially appears minor, bacteria from the dog’s mouth can cause an infection.
In 2025, insurers paid $1,862,000,000 for injuries caused by dogs. At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we understand the lasting effect dog bite injuries can have on victims and their families. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have the skill and local knowledge of the Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
By establishing the four elements of negligence- duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages- we help personal injury victims negotiate for fair settlements or represent them in the courtroom to pursue justice.
The cost of a lawyer for a dog bite case in Stratford varies depending on their experience, the complexity of the case, and the attorney’s fee structure. Many attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis for these types of cases, meaning you don’t pay anything unless they help you recover compensation. Be sure to discuss a lawyer’s costs when you first meet with them during an initial consultation.
Yes, it is worth filing a claim for a dog bite, no matter how minor or severe your injuries are. As an injury victim, you shouldn’t be left bearing the cost of recovery, time missed from work, and the emotional damage a dog attack can leave behind. What’s more, filing a claim may lead the owner to be more careful with their animal, preventing a similar accident from occurring again to someone else.
In Stratford, Connecticut, there is a three-year statute of limitations set by C.G.S. § 52-577 for filing a dog bite claim against an owner. However, if the claim is brought against a landlord or another negligent third party who is not the dog owner, that deadline can be reduced to two years. Similarly, different rules may apply for minor victims or claims against a government entity. Your attorney can explain which deadline applies to your case.
How much compensation you could get for a dog bite depends on the damages you’ve suffered and how the injury can impact your life. You should seek compensation that covers the extent of your financial losses as well as the emotional toll the injury takes on you. Your dog bite attorney can help you calculate the value of your claim and work with you to create a legal strategy to pursue a fair settlement.
When you hire a dog bite lawyer from Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., you get a trusted advocate who won’t back down against insurance companies. Our team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you need after a dog attack. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and learn more about our legal services.
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