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Dog attacks can happen unexpectedly, and if you were recently injured by someone else’s dog, it is natural to have questions regarding liability for your damages and what you can do to recover. An experienced New Haven dog bite lawyer is an invaluable asset in this situation who can help you prove liability for your injuries and hold the dog owner accountable for the damages you suffered.
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.
Victims commonly suffer the following injuries from a dog bite attack:
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.
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.
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:
In some cases, it may also need to be proven that the named defendant is the owner of the dog.
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.
A: You can prove liability for a dog bite in New Haven by showing that you were legally present at the location of the attack and that you did nothing to provoke the dog to attack. Connecticut’s strict liability rule applies to any dog attack regardless of whether the dog has any history of aggression in the past. Your New Haven dog bite lawyer can help build the framework of your personal injury case.
A: The total value of a dog bite claim in New Haven will depend on the scope and severity of the victim’s damages. Under the state’s personal injury statutes, it is possible for the victim of a dog attack to seek full repayment of their economic losses, such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. They can also seek compensation for pain and suffering, which can dramatically increase the total value of their case.
A: In a dog bite case, pain and suffering compensation can be calculated based on the severity of the attack and whether the victim suffers any long-term or permanent damage. The state does not place a limit on pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury cases, so this could form the bulk of a plaintiff’s total recovery. Your attorney can advise you as to how much you can expect to receive from a defendant if you are successful with your case.
A: After a dog has bitten someone in Connecticut, state law requires that it be quarantined for 14 days. This quarantine period is to ensure that the dog has required vaccinations and does not pose a health or safety risk to the public. After the dog has been examined, it may be returned to the owner, or the court may order the dog to be euthanized under certain conditions. The victim will be notified of this decision.
A: You should hire a New Haven dog bite lawyer because you are significantly more likely to succeed with your case and more likely to maximize your total compensation with an experienced attorney’s help. Your attorney can make sure you meet all the procedural deadlines for filing your case and uncover all forms of compensation you are eligible to claim from the owner of the dog that attacked you.
Victims only have two years to file a claim following a dog bite injury. The team at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., can provide the compassionate legal counsel you need to navigate your case efficiently and maximize your recovery. Reach out to us by calling (203) 265-2035 or contacting us online, so we may discuss your legal options today.