Science has shown that owning a dog can be good for your health. Dogs offer unconditional love, reduce feelings of loneliness, and lesson stress. Dog owners tend to walk more and stay physically active, leading to a significantly healthier lifestyle. However, dog ownership isn’t all fun and games. Dog owners in Connecticut have legal responsibilities that if violated, intentionally or unintentionally, can have serious legal ramifications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States and over a thousand people are treated in emergency departments for dog bite injuries every single day. Dog bites can range from minor nips that don’t break the skin to severe injuries requiring reconstructive surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Tragically, a dog attack can even lead to death.
The financial costs of dog bites and attacks is staggering. It is estimated that in 2020 homeowners insurers paid out $854 million dollars in liability claims related to an animal attack. An average hospital stay due to a dog bite is just under $20,000, and that doesn’t include the after care, rehabilitation, plastic surgeries etc.
The Gould Injury Law firm helps victims of personal injury dog bites. If you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog and were injured in any way, the New Haven personal injury lawyers at Gould Injury Law can help you recover damages. Injuries from dog bites can place a tremendous financial burden on individual victims and their families. In order to alleviate financial concerns, Gould Injury Law offers a free consultation to dog attack victims. During the free consultation, you, as a prospective client, can ask specific questions about your case and evaluate whether or not the attorneys at Gould Injury Law are the right fit to represent you. Your claim is too important to leave to chance. Call Gould Injury Law today. 888-WIN-FAST.
Connecticut Dog Bite Laws
Connecticut dog laws are enforced by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Animal Control Unit. This unit investigates dog bite injuries, property damage, dog nuisance complaints as well as animal cruelty complaints. Dog owners are encouraged to know the law and regulations regarding dog ownership in Connecticut. Ignorance of the law does not make an owner less liable for damages caused by their animal.
New Haven dog bite statutes operate under what is called “strict liability”. Strict liability states that a dog owner or keeper is liable for injuries or property damage caused by their animal. Strict liability does not require that the victim show proof that the dog owner was negligent, nor that the animal was known to be aggressive. Victims of a dog attack are well within their rights to pursue compensation from an owner.
Connecticut law also allows personal injury cases to be pursued under common law. Common law cases require proof that the dog was aggressive and that the owner or keeper knew or should have known the danger and prevented it. Under Connecticut common law a person other than a dog owner may be held responsible for damages, such as a landlord who fails to act to alleviate a known danger etc.
The exception to the New Haven dog bite strict liability statute states that if a person was bitten or attacked while trespassing, committing a crime, or teasing the dog, even if the dog causes serious personal injury, the owner may not be liable for damages. (Children under the age of seven are excluded from this exception.)
An attorney with experience in the practice area of dog attacks can help you or a loved one navigate the statute of limitations, filing requirements, and other legal roadblocks regarding your bit-by-dog claim.
Gould Injury Law is a legal firm serving New Haven, CT residents who have suffered personal injury in a variety of practice areas, including dog bites and attacks. The Connecticut dog bite attorneys with Gould Injury Law understand New Haven dog bite laws and can help victims of an animal attack seek compensation for their damages. Gould Injury Law is committed to holding an animal owner responsible for the damage their dog causes.
If you have been injured by a dog in Connecticut, Gould Injury Law can help you recover financial damages. Contact Gould Injury Law attorney for help today. 888-WIN-FAST.
Dog Bite Personal Injury
Victims who have been bitten or attacked by a dog are subject to serious injuries and emotional trauma. Dog attacks have long lasting medical, emotional and financial repercussions for the victim. A personal injury lawyer can represent a client who has suffered from dog bite or animal attack and help them recover damages to their person and property.
Common injuries from a dog attack include:
- Abrasions
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Crushing injuries
- Broken bones
- Avulsion, tearing skin and tissue from body
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Injuries from a dog’s bite may appear mild at first but can worsen over time. It is critical to get medical attention for any dog bite and report the incident to authorities. A proper and timely report can help your attorney when it comes time to prepare and file your personal injury claim.
Connecticut Dog Bite Lawyer Helps Victims
If you, your child, or another family member have been injured by a dog’s aggressive behavior, you need an attorney. Owners of dogs who bite may have their own lawyers or insurance adjusters to fight on their behalf. When you hire a dog bite law firm, your attorney will represent you and what’s in your best interest.
A dog bite lawyer can gather evidence to document the ways you were injured, compile medical bills and expenses to prove financial compensation needs, and get statements from specialists to show the extent of your pain and suffering. A lawyer can help determine the amount of your claim and ensure that you receive the maximum amount you deserve for compensation.
Common dog bite personal injury claims include:
- Hospital bills
- Ambulance fees
- Plastic surgery and other surgery expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Anguish
In the tragic case of a wrongful death caused by an animal attack, an attorney may also include damages for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the death
- Loss of income
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of companionship
- Mental Anguish
Along with the legal help an attorney can provide, a victim with an attorney gets the added emotional support of knowing they have someone on their side, fighting for them and taking their injuries seriously.
Gould Injury Law has the in-depth knowledge needed to successfully litigate your dog bite personal injury case. The compassionate and dedicated attorneys at Gould will listen carefully to the specifics of your case and recommend the best action to take to recover damages. In order to minimize the financial strain you are under, Gould Injury Law offers no obligation, free consultation to discuss your case. If you determine Gould
Is the right fit for you, they offer the added assurance of operating on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee basically means that you don’t pay unless you recover damages for your injuries. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling Gould Injury Law today. (888-)WIN-FAST.
Find Legal Help Fast With a Lawyer at Gould Injury Law
Following your injury, the financial stress, emotional pain, and mental anguish is a lot to handle on your own. You want to recover quickly, and we want this for you too. We feel that you should not have to continue to suffer after your accident. When you need a Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney, you need Gould Injury Law. Our workers’ compensation lawyers will use our experience to help you obtain the legal benefits you have worked so hard for. The strength and determination of our law firm will be behind your personal injury case. We will get you fast and satisfying results. Call our workers’ compensation attorneys at 888-WIN-FAST or fill out the online form for a free consultation and helpful legal advice.
