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It’s not unreasonable to assume that most Americans have nothing but love to give to dogs. They are considered man’s best friends for a reason. Dogs can be loyal, fun, and protective companions. Unfortunately, some dogs are the exact opposite. Dogs can be very dangerous when provoked. Sometimes, they may attack when unprovoked, as they are still animals at the end of the day. If a dog bites you, you could seek damages through a Cheshire dog bite lawyer.
The legal team at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. knows the kind of legal help you will need to ensure you are properly compensated by the owner of the dog that bit you. It can be intimidating to take a dog owner to court for damages. It might even make you feel a bit guilty. Regardless, you should hold the right person accountable for their actions, or in this case, their inactions. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you get what you deserve from the owner.
According to a study by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, a total of 36 animals tested positive for rabies throughout the state of Connecticut. It’s not uncommon for a dog to be bitten by a bat, a fox, or some other wild animal and contract rabies themselves. From there, it doesn’t take much to suffer an attack from a rabid dog and end up contracting rabies. You have to be immensely careful when you are around an unfamiliar dog. It could be rabid.
If you survive an attack by a dog, especially if it’s a dog you consider friendly, it can dangerously skew your thoughts on animals, particularly dogs. Such an attack can cause you serious emotional and mental trauma, and you may want to speak to someone about what you’ve gone through. Also, consider a local Cheshire mental health support group, such as NAMI Connecticut or Psychotherapy Group. Having someone to talk to can really help you get better.
In Connecticut, according to state law, it is the responsibility of the dog’s owner to reimburse the victim of the dog’s attack for any damage the animal causes. This includes medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. The only exception is if the dog attacked the person while they were trespassing on the owner’s private property or if the person was actively teasing, abusing, or tormenting the dog. The dog reasonably fought back.
Getting attacked by a dog can be a truly traumatic experience, especially if the dog is a large breed. You may have suffered severe, life-altering injuries that will require ongoing medical care. It’s important that you take immediate steps to clean out your wound and apply antibiotics before going to see a doctor for a more thorough cleaning, medication, and a treatment plan.
If you decide to pursue a legal case against the dog owner for their negligent actions, it is vital to your case that you ensure your case adheres to Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which include dog bite claims. For most cases, you will be allowed two years to establish grounds for your legal claim, build a strong case, gather all the necessary evidence you need, consult with a dog bite lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages.
If you cannot bring your case to fruition before two years have passed, it is likely that your case will not proceed from there. In fact, it will be thrown out completely, and your chance to seek damages for your dog bite case will pass by without any legal action taken in the slightest. Building a strong legal case can take more time than you might think. You should get started soon. The last thing you want is for your case to go nowhere because you waited too long to file.
A: It is hard to determine how much you could receive in compensation for your dog bite. Every dog bite case is different. Each dog bite case has its own specifics and circumstances that will influence the total amount you could receive in a settlement. Generally, those contributing factors include the severity of your injuries, the evidence you have of negligence, and your lawyer’s own skills at negotiations.
A: A dog bite does not have to be bad at all for you to take legal action. A minor bite might not lead to as hefty a settlement as a severe bite, but you can still pursue damages for emotional distress. It might not even be about money for you. It might be about holding someone accountable for causing you a traumatic experience, and that’s an understandable reaction to have to something like this.
A: To negotiate a dog bite settlement, you must first hire a Cheshire personal injury lawyer, preferably one who focuses on dog bite cases. Your lawyer can help you build a strong case using evidence such as your medical records, the dog’s previous behavior, if applicable, and any witness statements you can get. Once your case has been built, you can serve the dog’s owner and start negotiating a settlement.
A: You aren’t required to engage a lawyer for a dog bite case in Cheshire, but it is highly recommended that you do. A dog bite case will unfold similarly to a personal injury case, and it’s always good to have experienced legal representation by your side as you navigate such a case. Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. Having someone by your side who understands what’s at stake for you can’t hurt either.
At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we can help you figure out a plan to hold the right person accountable for your dog bite. Contact us to speak with a member of our legal team today.