Ganim Injury Lawyers is a trusted personal injury law firm serving clients in Connecticut. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in representing clients who have suffered injuries due to dog bites and attacks. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, our legal team has a comprehensive understanding of state and federal laws and will develop a results-oriented strategy tailored to the unique details of your case. We thoroughly examine the evidence and meticulously file claims to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact Ganim Injury Lawyers today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Connecticut Dog Bite Lawyers.
Dog Bite Injury Laws
Connecticut has strict laws in place regarding dogs, and it’s essential to understand them to protect yourself and others from potential harm. Here are some essential points to remember:
- Connecticut is a strict liability state, meaning that dog owners are responsible for any injuries their pets cause, regardless of the animal’s previous behavior.
- It’s illegal to own or keep a dog deemed vicious, meaning any dog that has been declared a public health concern or caused injury to a person or animal.
- Dog owners must keep their pets leashed or fenced in when off their property. Violations can result in fines and even criminal charges.
- Any dog that bites a person must be reported to the local health department and tested for rabies.
It’s essential to protect yourself and your loved ones by being aware of Connecticut dog laws. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a dog bite or attack, contact a trusted Connecticut dog bite lawyer to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
- Lacerations, abrasions, cuts, punctures, and bruises
- Tissue loss or damage
- Permanent scarring
- Facial disfigurement, fractures, and nerve damage, particularly in young children
- Broken or crushed bones
- Nervous system and muscle damage
- Infections
- Rabies
Immediately after a dog attack, you should seek medical attention to assess the severity of the wounds and prevent future infections. You should also report the attack to a Bridgeport animal control officer.
In addition to physical injuries, many people often face anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress after being attacked by a dog. Their physical and emotional injuries may render them unable to return to work, leading to serious financial difficulties. A local dog attack lawyer can help recover damages to compensate for all of your injuries and losses, including medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, disability, disfigurement, and mental anguish.
Understanding “Strict Liability” for Dog Bites in Connecticut
Connecticut’s “Strict Liability” law means that dog owners are legally responsible for any injuries their pets cause to others. This applies to all kinds of dog bites and attacks. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner of the dog is automatically held responsible for the injuries, regardless of whether the dog had shown aggressive behavior in the past. The purpose of this law is to protect the public from the dangers of dogs and to hold the owners accountable for their pet’s actions. This law is essential because it ensures that dog owners take proper measures and precautions to prevent their pets from biting people.
Time Limits on Filing a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite or Attack
It is important to understand the legal time limits that apply to filing a lawsuit. In Connecticut, like most other states, there is a statute of limitations regarding personal injury claims. This means that if someone wants to bring legal action against another party for any type of injury, they must do so within a certain period of time.
In Connecticut, victims have a two-year time limit (known as the statute of limitations) to bring their lawsuit concerning an incident involving a dog bite. This two-year period begins running on the date of the incident itself and expires after two years, meaning that if you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you may be barred from bringing one in court. An important note: different states may have statutes of limitations with different lengths, so check your local laws before filing a lawsuit.
Types of Dog Bite Defense Claims
It’s important to understand relevant laws regarding dog bites and other animal-related incidents in order to pursue justice if needed. One key piece of legislation is Connecticut’s dog bite law which provides two specific defenses for an owner: provocation and trespassing (though other personal injury defenses may also apply).
Provocation Defense
The “provocation” defense is based on the Connecticut statute’s statement that an owner is not liable for dog-related injuries if the injured person was “teasing, tormenting, or abusing” the dog. Provocation can take many forms so a dog owner who raises a provocation defense will base their case on the particular details of their incident.
Trespassing Defense
The “trespassing” defense centers around the idea of homeowner liability for trespasser injuries being limited. A trespasser is typically defined as someone who enters private property without permission or without duty requiring them to be present.
One final note: Connecticut’s statute creates the presumption that children under age 7 weren’t trespassing or provoking when they were bitten by a dog. However, owners can still present evidence which challenges this presumption in court.
Reasons to Hire Ganim Injury Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Claim
If you were bitten by a dog in Connecticut, it is important to get legal help from experienced personal injury attorneys. Ganim Injury Lawyers are experienced in representing clients who have been injured due to the negligence of another, including dog bite victims. They understand Connecticut’s complex laws surrounding dog bites and can explain your rights as an injured person.
Ganim Injury Lawyers offer a free, personalized consultation for all clients. With our expertise and understanding of the law, we can strategically create a case tailored to your needs, fighting for your right to compensation and justice. Contact them today to learn more about how they can help with your dog bite claim.