Connecticut pet owners are held strictly liable for any injuries their animals cause, provided that the animals were not provoked. Dog bites are, by far, the most common type of animal attack in Connecticut. It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure that their dogs are properly restrained so as to ensure the safety of visitors and passers-by.
If you or your child has suffered a serious injury in a dog attack or an attack by any other type of animal, it is important that you have an experienced New Haven premises liability lawyer behind you from the start. These cases can be extremely complex, and having the right legal representation can help ensure that your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible. At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, our New Haven dog bite attorney represent dog bite victims throughout Connecticut in a wide variety of these complex cases.
Liability for Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, varying from minor scratches and cuts to more severe wounds, punctures, and even wrongful death. As stated from our wrongful death lawyers in New Haven, these incidents can cause physical harm and emotional trauma and may result in hefty financial burdens for the victims. Dog bite cases in New Haven typically involve legal considerations regarding the liability and responsibility of dog owners or other responsible parties.
Examples of New Haven Dog Bites
Examples of dog bites accidents our New Haven dog bite lawyer has seen include:
- A jogger being attacked by a loose dog while running in a park, resulting in deep lacerations and bruises.
- A postal worker being bitten by a dog while delivering mail to a residence, leading to puncture wounds and nerve damage.
- A child being bitten by a neighbor’s dog while playing in their backyard, resulting in facial lacerations and emotional trauma.
- A pedestrian being attacked by an aggressive dog while walking on a sidewalk, causing severe bites and requiring extensive medical treatment.
- A visitor being bitten by a dog at a business or public establishment due to inadequate supervision or control of the animal, resulting in serious injuries and potential liability for the property owner.
Laws Against New Haven Dog Bites
New Haven has specific laws and regulations in place to address dog bites and ensure the safety of its residents. The laws against dog bites in New Haven include:
- Connecticut General Statutes: The Connecticut General Statutes outline the laws related to dog ownership and liability for dog bites. Under these statutes, dog owners are held responsible for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggressiveness.
- New Haven Municipal Code: The city of New Haven has additional regulations specific to dog ownership and control. These regulations include leash laws, restrictions on certain breeds or sizes of dogs, and requirements for dog licenses and vaccinations.
- Strict Liability: Connecticut follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, which means that dog owners are generally held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of negligence on the part of the owner. This makes it easier for dog bite victims to seek compensation for their injuries.
- Negligence Claims: In addition to strict liability, victims of dog bites may also pursue negligence claims against dog owners if they can prove that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing the dog bite incident.
- One-Bite Rule: Connecticut does not have a specific “one-bite rule,” which is a legal principle that grants immunity to dog owners for the first bite if they were unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. Instead, Connecticut imposes strict liability regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.
What is the Statute of Limitations for New Haven Dog Bite Claims?
In New Haven, Connecticut, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is generally governed by the state’s personal injury laws. The statute of limitations sets a specific time limit within which a legal action must be initiated. For dog bite claims in New Haven, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite injuries, is generally two years from the date of the incident. This means that the injured party has two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries and damages resulting from the dog bite.
Seeking Full And Fair Compensation For Your Injuries
Connecticut does not have a so-called “one-bite rule.” Owners cannot use a lack of knowledge about their dogs’ violent tendencies as a way to avoid responsibility for their victims’ injuries. We conduct a thorough investigation into these cases, taking pictures of the scenes and learning everything we can about the dogs’ histories.
It is also important to note that other types of injuries are covered under Connecticut’s dog bite law. A gregarious dog can knock a person down and cause serious head injuries even though it has no intention of causing any harm. We know the types of injuries that can happen during dog attacks, and our personal injury lawyers in New Haven understand the emotional trauma that victims can experience as a result. When you choose us as your attorneys, you can rely on us to do everything in our power to secure the full measure of compensation available for your case.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A New Haven Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bites can result in significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens due to medical expenses and lost wages. Our dedicated team of New Haven dog bite lawyers understand the laws and regulations surrounding dog bite incidents and is committed to fighting for the rights of dog bite victims. At the Law Office of Carl A. Secola, Jr., LLC, we will guide you through the legal process, investigate the incident, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
If you have been injured in any type of dog bite or other animal attack, contact our office to learn more about how we can help. We represent clients throughout the New Haven area and across Connecticut. Reach us by phone at 203-891-5265 or contact us today.