Dogs possess the ability to cause serious injuries, just like any other animal. Dog bites routinely result in serious lacerations, blood loss, nerve damage, and infections. In the worst cases, these injuries can be fatal.
If you suffered injuries from a dog bite, you could recover compensation by filing a legal claim against the dog owner. These cases are often complex, and in many instances, they can require substantial investigation. A Connecticut dog bite lawyer could aid you in pursuing a claim for damages stemming from your bite injuries. To get started with your claim, call (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm as soon as possible.
Understanding Why Dog Attacks Happen
Dog attacks occur for many reasons. Certain factors, like their past experiences, will largely dictate how aggressive an animal is. For example, a dog that has experienced physical abuse is more likely to be aggressive than other animals. Prior attacks are also a common sign that a dog could bite again.
Some owners train their dogs to serve as guard dogs. These animals are often bred to be territorial or wary around other people. Extra care is necessary when in the presence of these animals, as an attack can occur without provocation.
If this was the case with your dog bite injury, then you might be entitled to compensation including, but not limited to:
- Emergency room bills
- Emergency transportation costs
- Hospital stays
- Surgery costs
- Prescription medication costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Disability and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
This list is not complete, and a lawyer will be able to give you a better idea of what you might be entitled to in a monetary award.
If you have suffered injuries due to a dog bite, you could be entitled to monetary compensation. To learn about your rights and to connect with a Connecticut dog bite lawyer, call a member of our team today. Call for a free consultation with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm right away.
What to Do Following a Dog Bite Injury
There are multiple steps you should take in the moments following a dog bite. These steps could not only increase your chances of making a full recovery, but they could also strengthen your potential injury claim as well.
Your first step should be to treat your injuries to the best of your ability. According to Mayo Clinic, you should immediately wash the wound with soap and water before applying a clean bandage. Seek guidance from a medical professional right away to improve your chances of a quick recovery. Visiting a doctor not only aids in your recovery, but it also creates documentation of your injuries. This documentation will be useful for future legal action.
If you are not in immediate need of emergency medical care, contact local law enforcement or animal control right away. If a dog bit you, there is a chance they could also attack someone else. What’s more, if the dog’s owner was not at the scene, you are more likely to identify them if the dog is taken in by animal control. If you or animal control cannot locate the owner, you might not be able to recover compensation.
If there were independent witnesses that were present when the attack occurred, take down their contact information before you leave the scene. The testimony of an independent witness is valuable at trial, and the moments after a dog bite could be your only opportunity to make contact with them. If you cannot do so yourself, have someone you trust take down their contact information.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 816-0755
Connecticut Dog Bite Laws
There are two approaches that states can take toward liability for a dog bite injury. These approaches are known as the negligence theory and the strict liability theory. The negligence theory is more favorable to the defendant, as it requires the plaintiff to show the owner’s negligence resulted in the dog attack. The strict liability standard allows a plaintiff to prevail on their claim if they can show that the defendant owned that dog that caused their injuries.
Connecticut follows the strict liability approach. According to Connecticut General Statutes §22-357, an injury victim could recover compensation from the dog’s owner if they can prove:
- They suffered bodily injuries or property damage from a dog attack,
- The plaintiff was not trespassing, and
- The plaintiff did not tease, torment, or abuse the dog.
It is important to note that this statute is not limited to dog bites. Any dog attacks, including injuries that occur from being knocked to the ground, fall under the statute. Outside of claiming provocation or trespassing, the dog owner has few defenses if the plaintiff can prove their dog was responsible for the injuries in questions.
You Could Recover Damages for Your Dog Bite Injuries
If you suffered injuries from a dog attack, you have legal recourse against the dog owner. Under state law, you are entitled to compensation even if the dog owner was unaware of the animal’s aggressive nature.
That does not mean a successful outcome in your case is guaranteed. You can have a Connecticut dog bite lawyer help you with your case while you are still recovering from your injuries. To learn more about how having legal counsel can help with your case, call a member of our team at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm right away.
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