Dog Bite Attorney
A dog attack can be a traumatic, life-altering event that leaves victims with serious physical injuries, emotional scars, and mounting medical expenses. Our dog bite attorneys serving Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Stamford understand Connecticut’s specific dog bite laws and how to effectively protect your rights under General Statutes §22-357. We guide victims through every step of the legal process, from documenting injuries to pursuing fair compensation from negligent pet owners.
Connecticut’s strict liability laws for dog bites mean you may have a strong case against a negligent owner, even without proving they were careless or knew their dog was dangerous. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, we offer compassionate legal support while aggressively advocating for the compensation you need to recover.
A dog attack could result in agonizing injuries that require medical treatment and rehabilitation, which creates a pile of medical bills and a possible inability to return to work. This can leave the victim of the attack feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
However, in many cases, a pet owner is legally responsible for allowing these incidents to occur. Therefore, if you were injured after being bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog, you have legal options and might benefit from reaching out to a Norwalk, Bridgeport, & Stamford dog bite lawyer for assistance. A skilled personal injury attorney could assess the facts of your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If so, a legal professional could then work tirelessly to request compensation on your behalf.
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The Duty of Pet Owners
Cases involving dog attacks are subject to a number of legal nuances that may affect the outcome. These include strict liability and Connecticut’s specific dog bite statute, which could be explained in depth by a knowledgeable lawyer.
The main difference between negligence and strict liability is the issue of duty and a breach of duty. When a plaintiff files a negligence claim, they must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care by acting negligently, and that this breach caused their injuries.
Strict liability, on the other hand, removes the need to demonstrate a breach of duty, and instead only requires that a plaintiff show that the defendant committed a strict liability offense, which caused their injuries. Connecticut has enacted a dog bite statute under General Statutes of Connecticut §22-357. Violating this statute is a strict liability offense, which means an injured claimant might be able to hold a dog owner liable by utilizing this statute.
How shared fault affects your claim
Connecticut follows modified comparative fault under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h: when the victim and the defendant share fault, the court reduces recoverable compensation by the victim's percentage of fault, and a victim whose share of fault is more than 50 percent may not recover at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connecticut’s dog bite law under General Statutes §22-357?
Connecticut has enacted a dog bite statute under General Statutes of Connecticut §22-357. Violating this statute is a strict liability offense, which means an injured claimant might be able to hold a dog owner liable by utilizing this statute.
Do I have to prove negligence to win a dog bite case in Connecticut?
The main difference between negligence and strict liability is the issue of duty and a breach of duty. In a negligence claim, a plaintiff must prove the defendant breached their duty of care and that the breach caused the injuries. Strict liability removes the need to demonstrate a breach of duty and instead requires that a plaintiff show the defendant committed a strict liability offense that caused the injuries.
What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite injury claim in Connecticut?
Dog bites, which fall under personal injury, must be filed within two years of the date of injury, pursuant to General Statutes of Connecticut §52-584.
What damages can a dog bite victim seek after a dog attack?
A dog attack could result in injuries that require medical treatment and rehabilitation, creating medical bills and a possible inability to return to work. The page explains that victims may pursue a legal claim to request compensation for losses such as extensive medical bills and lost wages when a careless or reckless pet owner is responsible.
How can a dog bite attorney help after a dog attack in Norwalk, Bridgeport, or Stamford?
The dog bite attorneys serving Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Stamford guide victims through every step of the legal process, from documenting injuries to pursuing fair compensation from negligent pet owners. A skilled personal injury attorney could assess the facts of the case to determine if there is a valid claim and, if so, work to request compensation on the victim’s behalf, including taking the case to trial if no settlement can be reached prior to litigation.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Dog Attack in Norwalk, Bridgeport, & Stamford
One of the first steps to take when filing a dog bite injury claim is to determine the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations gives plaintiffs a certain amount of time to file legal claim action.
Dog bites, which fall under personal injury, must be filed within two years of the date of injury, pursuant to General Statutes of Connecticut §52-584. In most cases a claim may not be brought more than three years from the act or omission complained of, even if the injury is discovered later.
If no settlement could be reached between the parties prior to litigation, a dedicated Connecticut lawyer could take a dog bite case to trial.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney for Legal Assistance
Recovering from a severe dog attack could result in extensive medical bills and lost wages due to missed time at work. When a careless or reckless pet owner is responsible for these losses, you should not have to pay for them alone.
Instead, you could pursue a legal claim to request compensation with the help of a Norwalk, Bridgeport, & Stamford dog bite lawyer. Taking on a case alone could be frustrating and difficult, especially as you recover from your trauma. A tenacious and compassionate attorney could shoulder the weight of a legal claim and work to help you reach a favorable outcome. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your legal options.