Connecticut Dog Bite Attorney
Connecticut Dog Bite Attorney – Protecting Victims of Animal Attacks
A dog bite can be a terrifying and life-altering experience, leaving victims with severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected financial burdens. While dogs are often considered loving and loyal companions, they can sometimes act unpredictably, leading to aggressive behavior and attacks. Even a seemingly friendly dog can bite under the right circumstances, causing injuries that require immediate medical attention. The aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, with victims facing pain, trauma, and the challenge of handling expensive medical bills and lost income.
In Connecticut, dog owners have a legal responsibility to prevent their pets from harming others. When they fail to do so, they can and should be held accountable. Unlike in some states where a victim must prove that the dog owner was negligent, Connecticut follows a strict liability law, meaning that the owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggression. This law provides essential protection for victims, ensuring that they do not have to carry the financial and emotional burden of an attack alone.
Understanding the Dangers of Dog Bites – More Than Just a Wound
Many people underestimate the seriousness of a dog bite, assuming that it is nothing more than a minor wound that will heal with time. However, dog attacks can cause devastating injuries that require emergency medical attention, surgery, and long-term treatment. The severity of a bite depends on several factors, including the size and strength of the dog, the location of the bite, and the depth of the wound. In some cases, the consequences of a dog bite can last a lifetime, leaving victims with permanent scars, nerve damage, or psychological trauma.
Some of the most common injuries caused by dog bites include:
- Deep Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: A dog's sharp teeth can pierce the skin, muscle, and even bone, leading to deep wounds that are prone to infection. Many victims require stitches or reconstructive surgery to repair the damage.
- Nerve Damage and Mobility Issues: A strong bite can cause nerve damage, reducing sensation and function in the affected area. Severe bites to the hands, arms, or legs can limit mobility and require extensive physical therapy.
- Facial Injuries and Scarring: Many dog attacks target the face, especially in children, leading to disfigurement, scarring, and the need for plastic surgery. These injuries can be emotionally distressing, impacting a victim’s self-esteem and mental well-being.
- Infections and Disease Transmission: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to serious infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, or tetanus. In rare cases, dog bites can expose victims to rabies, requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD: Beyond the physical injuries, dog attacks often cause long-lasting psychological effects, including anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children are especially vulnerable to emotional trauma following a dog bite.
Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite – Understanding Connecticut’s Strict Liability Law
Connecticut follows a strict liability approach when it comes to dog bites, which means that dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries caused by their pets. Unlike other personal injury cases where victims must prove negligence, dog bite victims in Connecticut only need to show that they were bitten and suffered harm. The law applies regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the attack.
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357, dog owners are liable for damages if their dog causes injury to a person or their property. However, there are a few key conditions to be aware of:
- The victim must have been legally present at the location of the attack. If the bite occurred on public property or while the victim was lawfully on private property (such as a guest at someone’s home), the owner is liable. However, if the victim was trespassing, they may not be entitled to compensation.
- The victim must not have provoked the dog. If the owner can prove that the victim teased, harassed, or harmed the dog before the attack, they may not be held fully responsible for the injuries.
- Liability extends beyond just bites. While the law is commonly referred to as a "dog bite law," it also applies to injuries caused by a dog knocking someone over, scratching them, or otherwise causing harm.
Because Connecticut’s dog bite law does not require victims to prove negligence, many assume that obtaining compensation will be straightforward. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or argue that the victim was partially at fault. That’s why working with a Connecticut dog bite attorney is so important. I handle all aspects of the legal process, ensuring that victims receive full compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future rehabilitation they may require.

How a Connecticut Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You Seek Compensation
After a dog attack, victims often face physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and time off work may lead to lost wages. While Connecticut law protects dog bite victims, obtaining fair compensation is not always easy. Insurance companies may offer low settlements, try to shift blame, or downplay the severity of the injury. As an experienced personal injury and dog bite attorney, I fight for my clients’ rights and ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve under both dog bite laws and applicable workers compensation protections, when relevant.
A successful dog bite claim can provide compensation for:
Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, and any necessary follow-up care.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Victims deserve compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and psychological distress caused by the attack.
Rehabilitation and Therapy: Many dog bite victims require physical therapy, counseling, or reconstructive surgery to recover from their injuries fully.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scars can impact a victim’s confidence and quality of life, warranting additional compensation.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dog, don’t let an insurance company dictate what your claim is worth. I provide aggressive personal injury representation to ensure that negligent dog owners are held accountable. Taking legal action not only helps you recover but also encourages responsible pet ownership and helps prevent future attacks. In some cases, if the incident occurred at work or involved employment-related circumstances, workers compensation laws may also apply—and I can help navigate both avenues.
If you're ready to discuss your dog bite or personal injury case, contact me today for a consultation. Let’s work together to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us?
I Stay Personally Involved in Every Case
When I take on a case, I stay with it from beginning to end. I’m the one reviewing the records, having the conversations, and making sure every detail is accounted for. I believe it’s important to know exactly what my clients are going through, not just on paper, but in real life. That’s how I’m able to build strong cases and give people the kind of representation they can trust.
I Keep Communication Clear and Honest
I make it a point to be straightforward with every client. If there’s something important you need to know, I’ll tell you. If you have a question, I’ll answer it directly. I know how overwhelming the legal process can feel, so I do everything I can to make sure the information you get from me is practical, honest, and easy to understand.
I Approach Every Case with Care and Commitment
Every case I handle is different because every person’s experience is different. I take the time to understand what’s changed in your life and what you need to move forward. My goal isn’t just to get a result, it’s to make sure that result reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through.
Our Services
Personal Injury Lawyer
I specialize in a broad range of personal injury claims throughout Connecticut.
Workers' Compensation
There are several benefits you may be entitled to claim under workers' compensation.
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Waterford Office
49 Boston Post Road
Waterford, CT 06385
Norwich Office
55 Main Street, Suite 420
Norwich, CT 06360
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