Most Connecticut dog owners would never expect their furry friends to attack anyone. Unfortunately, pets are sometimes unpredictable. Even when dogs are kept in their homes, they are prone to escape if the doors are not securely shut or locked.
As a 93-year-old woman walked across a street in Branford, she was suddenly attacked by a pit bull that had escaped from its owner’s house. The woman suffered severe dog bite injuries. She walked with a cane, but fortunately, neighbors were able to use this cane to help her, pushing the dog away from the woman before she was injured even more severely.
Nevertheless, her leg was severely injured, and she was forced to undergo surgery. Especially for elderly women, medical operations come with risks of their own, but apparently she made it through the operation. It is unknown whether the dog that attacked the 93-year-old woman has a history of aggression toward people. There is no evidence that the 93-year-old woman did anything to provoke the dog to attack her.
It is quite possible that the victim, perhaps with the help of her loved ones, will decide to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. She may receive compensation, which may be used to help to cover the costs of her surgery and recovery as well as the emotional pain she suffered as a result of the attack.
Dog owners are responsible for not only caring for their pets but also for ensuring the safety of their neighbors. When a dog attacks someone, the victim has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner. Victims of these types of attacks may want to seek the help of an attorney as soon as possible.
Source: CBS Local, “Dog Attacks Woman In Branford,” April 14, 2014
