A dog bite is a traumatic experience that can cause severe personal injuries and result in psychological scars that last a lifetime. Physical injuries may include puncture wounds, infection, scarring, and, in the most severe cases, death. People who experience a dog bite often suffer psychological trauma and a lifelong fear of dogs.
If you were injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced dog bite lawyer can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
In Connecticut, dog owners are responsible for almost all injuries and property damage caused by their dogs. The only exceptions are if the victim was trespassing or the dog was provoked. Dog bite laws in Connecticut recognize three ways to hold a dog owner liable for dog bite injuries.
Dog bite laws in Connecticut impose strict liability on dog owners when their dog injures someone.
If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or, if the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, was under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.
Under the Connecticut dog bite statute, the dog bite victim does not need to prove the dog owner knew the animal had "dangerous tendencies," was of a particular breed, or had bitten someone before. As long as the victim was not tormenting the dog, the dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused.
A dog bite victim can also hold the dog owner liable by showing the dog owner was negligent. To prove negligence, the dog bite victim must show that the dog owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to take steps to restrain or control the animal.
Negligence per se arises when a dog owner violates a statute that requires dog owners to take steps to protect people from injuries caused by a dog. For example, a law requiring that dogs be on a leash creates a duty for the dog owner. If the dog was not on a leash and bit someone, the dog owner could be held liable for violating the leash law.
After a dog bite, the dog owner generally has two defenses available: (1) the victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog; or (2) the victim was trespassing.
“Teasing, tormenting, or abusing” a dog means actions that would provoke a dog to retaliate, such as hitting the dog, pulling its tail, or other conduct that would cause a dog to attack. However, small children may not understand that they are provoking the dog or might think the dog is playing with them. A child's actions are often minor compared to the ferocity of a dog attack.
Connecticut courts have determined that merely entering another person’s property does not constitute trespassing under the dog bite laws in Connecticut. The statute only bars recovery when the injured person commits a “trespass or tort” intending to cause harm to the property owner.
A dog bite can cause serious injuries, including:
If you were injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for:
If you were bitten by a dog, you need to protect yourself and minimize the severity of your injuries. You should:
Most dog bite injuries are covered by the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy. By documenting the incident and obtaining the contact information of the dog owner, you improve your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries.
Connecticut attorney Stephen Lebedevitch has extensive experience representing people who suffered dog bite injuries. He can evaluate your situation, gather evidence to prove your claim, and work to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.
To learn more about the dog bite laws in Connecticut, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.
