If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to financial compensation from its owner. Though they can be invaluable companions, an aggressive dog can do a great deal of damage, especially to small children. Dog bites can also lead to severe infections, permanent scarring, and severe psychological trauma.
An experienced Avon dog bite lawyer knows what you have been through and is here to help. Our Avon personal injury lawyers are ready to walk you through your options and pursue the compensation you need and deserve for your losses.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Anyone attacked or bitten by a dog should seek medical attention right away. Dog bites can do extreme damage and lead to secondary complications as well. Even a small bite may nick an artery or cause a major infection. Serious injuries, and even those that appear minor, should be handled by trained medical professionals.
The bite should also be documented as best as possible. It is best to:
- Determine the owner of the dog and get their contact information
- Exchange insurance information if possible
- Take pictures of the injury as soon as possible
- Keep all medical records, bills, or other documents
- Acquire names and contact details for any witnesses
- Document any lost time at work or other costs incurred because of the dog bite
These and any other steps a person can take to collect evidence for their Avon dog bite attorney can be immensely helpful in building a case against a pet owner.
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Dog Bite Laws in Avon
General Statutes of Connecticut § 22-357 creates a strict liability standard for dog bite cases within the state. If a dog does any damage to a person or property, the owner is liable for the amount of that damage, regardless of any negligence. The injured party does not have to prove the owner acted recklessly or carelessly, simply that the owner’s dog caused them harm.
As a local attorney could explain further, this strict liability law is subject to certain defenses that may apply to a particular case. For example, if the person bitten was trespassing on property and was bitten by a dog, they are not permitted to rely on the strict liability statute for recovery. Dogs are permitted to protect their property or owners from attack or harm in many cases. A person is also not entitled to a strict liability finding if they abused or teased the dog.
Exceptions for Children Under Seven Years of Age
For any child under the age of seven at the time of the dog bite, they are presumed not to be trespassing, teasing the dog, or committing another tort. The burden to prove otherwise is then on the dog owner to show the young child did in fact commit one of those actions.
Discuss Your Case with an Avon Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bites are extremely serious. The damage they can do both physically and psychologically can be catastrophic. In severe cases, dog bite injuries may even be fatal.
You deserve fair compensation for your losses after an animal attack. Unfortunately, the insurers of pet owners are not always willing to pay you a fair amount. To seek the justice you deserve, work with an Avon dog bite lawyer. Our committed legal team is prepared to fight back against insurers to get you the payments you need. To learn more, give us a call today.
