Dogs are adorable and friendly, but they can also be unpredictable and dangerous. An encounter with an aggressive canine can seriously injure victims, and an attack can affect them for a long time. If you have suffered a dog bite injury, our Enfield personal injury lawyers will demand financial compensation from the liable party.
After you receive medical treatment, you can contact the Claggett, Sykes & Garza to explore your legal options. We can explain how our Enfield dog bite lawyers can help your case and answer your questions. Call us today for a free consultation.
Dog Bite Laws in Enfield
Connecticut law holds a dog’s owner or keeper responsible if the animal injures someone or damages property. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357, the state’s strict liability statute, dog bite victims do not have to prove:
- The liable party knew the dog was dangerous or previously aggressive.
- The liable party’s negligence led to the dog bite incident.
While the burden of proof is lower in dog bite injury cases, there are exceptions to the strict liability statute. These include if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a tort against the owner during an attack. Our Enfield dog bite injury attorneys understand the nuances of these cases. We can explain your rights and the compensation you could recover under Connecticut law.
Does State Law Cover Only Dog Bites?
You can hold the liable party accountable for aggressive dog behavior, even if the animal did not bite you. The broad statute also covers other dangerous behavior. A dog owner or handler can face liability if the dog knocks someone over, scratches them, or causes an accident that leads to injuries such as:
- Infection (e.g., rabies, tetanus)
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Fractured bones
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Our Enfield Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Will Fight for Your Recovery
You could demand damages for any loss related to the canine attack, economic (financial) and non-economic. These include losses such as:
- Medical expenses: These costs include emergency and ongoing medical treatment for your injury. They also cover hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rabies vaccinations, and rehabilitation or physical therapy if needed.
- Lost income: You could receive compensation for the time you took off from work due to the injury. You could also request payment for lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress that dog bite victims experience can cause anxiety, fear, and trauma.
- Psychological counseling: You may need to attend counseling or therapy to address the emotional trauma after suffering a dog bite.
- Scarring and disfigurement: You could receive compensation for the physical and emotional effects of the visible injuries suffered in the attack.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you cannot enjoy the daily activities and life pleasures due to the injuries from the dog bite attack, you can seek compensation for this loss.
- Property damage: If personal property, such as clothing, jewelry, or electronic devices, was damaged during the incident, compensation can cover your repair or replacement costs.
Damages in Fatal Dog Bite Injury Cases
If your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a dog bite incident, we are sorry for your loss. We want to help you during this difficult time. Our Enfield wrongful death lawyer can review your case to determine if we can sue the liable party for damages.
This compensation can help you with the sudden costs that accompany losing a loved one in a negligence accident. Common damages in these cases include medical expenses for care related to the decedent’s death, final arrangements costs, lost income, and other losses.
We can explain how wrongful death actions work under state law. Call the Claggett, Sykes & Garza today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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How Our Enfield Dog Bite Law Firm Can Help Your Case
Our attorneys will work to determine who owes you damages and collect compensation from them. First, we must investigate the incident to determine how the attack happened and who was responsible for it. We may find that multiple parties owe you awards.
Aside from the dog’s owner, other liable parties could include:
- Property owner or landlord: If the dog bite occurred on property owned by someone other than the dog’s owner, the property owner or landlord could be held responsible. The plaintiff would have to prove they knew of the dog’s presence and potential danger but failed to take adequate precautions.
- The dog’s keeper or handler: Someone in charge of the dog at the time of the attack, such as a dog walker or a pet sitter, could be liable if their negligence contributed to the incident.
- Parents of a minor: If a person under the age of 18 owns the dog, the minor’s parents or legal guardians could be held liable for injuries the canine caused.
- Employers: If the bite injury occurred while the dog was under the control of someone acting within the scope of their employment, the employer could be held liable.
- Residential or commercial tenants: Tenants with a dog on leased property might be liable if their failure to control or secure the dog leads to an injury, even if they do not own the dog.
If more than one party is responsible for your injuries, we will identify them and determine how much compensation they could owe you.
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We Will Take Care of Your Entire Case While You Get Help
You can focus on getting the care you need for your injury while we focus on everything else, including the insurance company. We can identify which insurance policy applies to your case and its policy’s limits. If we file your claim, we can present evidence to make your case.
This evidence can include medical records, a police report or incident report, witness testimony, and video footage. Once the insurance company receives the claim, it will investigate the incident. If it approves the claim, it will usually make a settlement offer to cover the victim’s losses.
This offer could start negotiations that we can handle for you. We will fight for a fair settlement that aims to meet your current and future needs.
What Happens if I Can’t Settle My Dog Bite Injury Case?
If our Enfield animal bite attorney cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiations with the insurance carrier, we could move forward with a lawsuit against the dog owner. We can advise you on your next steps.
There is a time limit on personal injury cases in Connecticut, so please contact us as soon as possible. You must file your lawsuit within two years from the incident date, per Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584. We can protect your right to sue within this window.
If it expires before you take action, you risk permanently losing your chance to recover damages. If you work with our legal team, we will file your case on time.
Call Us Today After a Dog Bite Injury – Free Consultation
Suffering a dog bite can cause serious injuries that cost time and money to treat. If someone else’s animal bit you, you can hold the person accountable, and the Claggett, Sykes & Garza can help.
Our Enfield canine injury lawyers are ready to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will pursue monetary recovery for you.
