Dog bites can be traumatizing. The severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the dog attack itself may impact your physical and emotional well-being long into the future. Connecticut law imposes significant responsibilities on dog owners, making them strictly liable for the harm caused by their pets.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Hartford, you likely have the legal right to pursue compensation for what you have gone through. In this article, we will take a closer look at Connecticut’s dog bite laws and how the statute protects you as an injury victim.
The better you understand the legal rules that apply to dog bite attacks, the faster Connecticut law can be put to work on your behalf.
Connecticut’s Dog Bite Laws Explained
Dog bite injuries have long been a public health concern. Sadly, around 4.5 million dog bites happen annually in the United States, with the victims often being children. In view of this, the State of Connecticut has enacted legislation in defense of bite victims.
Pet owners are strictly liable in dog bite cases. This means that a dog owner bears responsibility for injuries caused by his or her dog, regardless of fault or negligence. Simply put, if a dog bites you, the owner is liable for any physical injuries or property damage you suffer.
Under the strict liability rule, bite victims don’t have to prove the dog owner was irresponsible or that he or she knew the dog was dangerous to be entitled to fair compensation in an injury claim – unlike other personal injury cases. The dog bite liability laws aid victims in resolving injury claims in a fast and timely manner.
Exceptions to Connecticut’s Dog Bite Rule
While Connecticut’s strict liability statute holds dog owners responsible for most dog bite incidents, there are some exceptions to the rule.
The injured person was trespassing
Connecticut’s dog bite laws and strict liability rules do not apply if the injury victim was bitten by a dog while trespassing or committing a crime. While much will depend on the exact circumstances of the dog bite incident, if the individual was unlawfully on the dog owner’s property, the owner might not be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.
The injured person provoked the dog
In instances where it is determined the dog bite victim was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or otherwise provoking the animal, the owner may not be held responsible for the attack.
In such cases, dog owners may argue that the victim incited the attack, thus absolving the owner of liability. That said, the burden of proof lies with the dog owner to establish that your behavior directly caused the dog to bite.
Who May Be Accountable in a Dog Bite Claim
In most cases, dog bite victims pursue a claim against the dog’s owner after an injury. However, in some circumstances, other parties may be responsible.
In addition to the animal’s owner, you may be able to pursue legal action against:
- The keeper or handler: Anyone responsible for the care of an animal may be held accountable if the dog attacks someone
- The property owner: If the owner of the property has a dangerous animal on the premises, he or she may be held liable for injuries the animal causes
- The landlord: If a landlord is aware that a tenant owns a dangerous dog and the dog attacks someone, he or she may be found responsible for the victim’s losses
- The parents of a minor: If a dog owned by someone under the age of 18 attacks someone, the minor’s parents may be held accountable for the attack
Under Connecticut law, liability is not limited to only one party. For instance, both a dog’s owner and keeper could be held legally responsible for any harm caused by a bite.
An experienced dog bite lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your dog bite injury and ensure that all liable parties are held fully responsible for your damages. With the right lawyer on your side, you will be able to pursue fast and fair compensation for all you have gone through.
Potential Compensation in a Dog Bite Claim
The amount of financial compensation that you may be able to recover in a dog bite case will depend on the extent of your injuries, your likelihood of recovering, and whether you will be able to return to your job – among other factors. You may be able to recover damages for both economic and personal losses.
These may include:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced capacity to take part in normal activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Counseling and therapy
- Wrongful death
A well-practiced personal injury lawyer can help you attain restitution for these and other damages if you have been the victim of a serious dog bite. The sooner you have legal representation, the faster you can get your life back on track after the attack.
How the Connecticut Statute of Limitations Impacts Dog Bite Cases
After a dog bite injury in Hartford, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. Legal action involving harm caused by dogs is generally considered a personal injury case. Under Connecticut’s statute, personal injury victims have 2 years to file a claim from the date of the incident.
This may seem like plenty of time, but it can run out faster than you expect. If you fail to begin the legal process within the allowed timeframe, you forfeit your right to obtain fair compensation for your physical injuries and emotional suffering.
Thus, it is advantageous to consult a dog bite lawyer as fast as possible after the attack. A skilled personal injury attorney works to protect victims by ensuring dog bite laws are correctly applied and no important deadlines are missed.
The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the faster you can regain your quality of life after what occurred.
Reach Out to Gould Injury Law for Faster Results
A serious dog bite injury in Hartford can leave you in physical pain and emotionally rattled. This is not a time to go it alone. You need trustworthy, fast, reliable advice on what your legal recourse is and how to proceed with a dog bite claim.
The legal team at Gould Injury Law is ready to assist you during this stressful time. We have dedicated our careers to helping Connecticut residents who have suffered needless injuries get the justice they deserve. Further, we believe that holding an animal owner responsible when his or her dog causes harm can prevent future attacks – keeping families and communities safer in the long run.
When it comes to dog bite incidents, the legal system and personal injury claims process are not always straightforward. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
Don’t wait to get the compensation you need and deserve. Get it faster by reaching out to us for assistance or advice. Call Gould Injury Law today at 888-WIN-FAST or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team. Every Hartford dog bite victim deserves a voice.
