If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite in Bridgeport, Connecticut, it is important to know that you have legal options. A qualified dog bite lawyer from Trantolo & Trantolo can help you recover damages for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable.
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, and infections. In some cases, dog bites can even be fatal. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Once you have received treatment for your injuries, you should contact a qualified dog bite lawyer in Bridgeport to discuss your legal options.
Do You Need a Lawyer in Bridgeport, CT, If a Dog Bit You?
Hiring a lawyer can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation if you’ve been bitten by a dog in Bridgeport, CT. Connecticut’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets, but exceptions such as trespassing, provocation, and occupational risks can complicate claims. Additionally, comparative fault rules may reduce or even eliminate your compensation if the defense argues that your actions contributed to the attack.
Without a Bridgeport dog bite attorney on your side, you may struggle to manage these legal complexities or face resistance from the dog owner’s insurance company, which may try to undervalue your claim. Moreover, many dog bite cases involve homeowners’ insurance policies. Still, insurers often deny or minimize claims—especially if the dog has a history of aggression or belongs to a restricted breed.
An experienced dog bite lawyer will work with you to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our Bridgeport dog bite attorneys will also negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to. If necessary, your lawyer will take your case to trial to get you the justice you deserve.
Contact a dog bite lawyer in Bridgeport, Connecticut, today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal rights and options. With an experienced lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.
Who Can You Sue in a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Bridgeport, Connecticut?
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident in Bridgeport, Connecticut, you may have the right to seek compensation. Connecticut follows a strict liability law under General Statutes Section 22-357, meaning a dog’s owner or keeper is automatically responsible for injuries their dog causes—whether through a bite or another type of attack. Unlike in some states, victims do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. However, determining who exactly is liable in a dog bite claim can depend on several factors.
1. The Dog’s Owner
The primary party responsible in a dog bite case is the dog’s owner. If their dog causes injuries, they are liable for economic and non-economic costs, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown aggression. The law ensures that victims have a clear path to compensation without needing to prove the owner was at fault.
However, some situations may complicate liability. If the dog was under someone else’s control at the time of the attack, liability could extend beyond just the legal owner.
2. The Dog’s Keeper or Caretaker
Under Connecticut law, a keeper is someone who is responsible for the dog at the time of the incident, even if they are not the legal owner. This could include:
- A dog walker hired to care for the pet
- A friend or family member watching the dog temporarily
- A pet sitter or boarding facility
- A landlord who harbors a dangerous dog on their property
If a keeper was in charge of the dog when the attack occurred, they can also be held liable for damages. This means that if you were bitten while the dog was under someone else’s supervision, you may have a case against both the legal owner and the person caring for the dog.
3. Landlords and Property Owners
In certain situations, landlords and property owners can be held liable for a dog attack, especially if they knew of a dangerous dog living on their property and failed to take action. Liability might arise if:
- The landlord knew the tenant’s dog was aggressive but did nothing
- The dog had previously attacked someone on the property
- The landlord had control over whether the tenant could keep the dog
While landlords are not automatically responsible for tenant-owned dogs, they can be sued if their negligence contributed to the attack.
Exceptions to Liability in Bridgeport Dog Bite Cases
While Connecticut’s strict liability law strongly favors victims, there are a few exceptions:
- Trespassing – If the victim was illegally on that private property when bitten, they may not be eligible for compensation.
- Provocation – If the victim provoked the animal by hitting, teasing, or threatening it, the owner may have a valid defense.
- Occupational Risks – Some professionals, like veterinarians and dog groomers, assume some risk of injury as part of their job, making claims more challenging.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Bridgeport, CT, contact Trantolo & Trantolo for a free consultation.
What Compensation Can I Obtain in a Dog Bite Injury Case in Bridgeport?
A dog bite injury can have long-term, if not permanent, consequences. If you were attacked by a dog in Bridgeport, Connecticut, you can get compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we fight to ensure that victims recover the full amount they deserve, holding negligent owners and caretakers accountable for the harm caused.
Medical Expenses and Other Economic Losses
Dog bites cause severe injuries, requiring immediate and ongoing medical care. Compensation may cover:
- Emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and follow-up care
- Medications, wound treatment, and infection control
- Psychological counseling for trauma or PTSD
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earnings, especially if the incident leads to long-term disability
In severe cases, victims may require reconstructive surgery for scarring and disfigurement, as well as modifications to their homes if the injury leads to permanent mobility issues.
Pain, Emotional Trauma, and Other Non-Economic Losses
Beyond financial losses, dog bite victims often endure emotional distress and physical pain that impacts their daily lives. You may be eligible for compensation related to:
- Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fear of dogs or social withdrawal due to scarring or disfigurement
- Chronic pain and ongoing medical complications
- Loss of enjoyment of life if the injury affects daily activities or hobbies
At Trantolo & Trantolo, we understand the devastating impact of a dog bite injury. Our Bridgeport dog bite attorneys will assess the full extent of your losses, work with medical and financial experts, and maximize your compensation. We do not settle for less than our clients deserve.
Why Choose Trantolo & Trantolo Dog Bite Lawyers in Bridgeport to Handle Your Injury Case?
When you’ve suffered a dog bite injury in Bridgeport, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and track record to take on tough cases and win. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we have been fighting for injury victims since 1938, building a reputation for aggressive advocacy and personalized legal representation. Our Bridgeport dog bite attorneys know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable and fight insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.
We Investigate Every Case Thoroughly
Dog bite cases require strong evidence to prove liability and damages, and we do not leave anything to chance. Our legal team will:
- Identify the responsible party—whether it’s the dog’s owner, a caretaker, or even a landlord.
- Gather crucial evidence, including photos, witness statements, and any history of the dog’s aggression.
- Consult medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and long-term impact.
- Build a compelling case for full compensation, whether through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
We Take On Insurance Companies and Opposing Counsel
Insurance companies often deny or undervalue claims, especially when dealing with dog breeds deemed dangerous or dogs with a history of attacks. Our Bridgeport personal injury lawyers know the tactics insurers use and won’t let them push you into a lowball settlement. We handle all communications, negotiations, and legal filings so you can focus on your recovery.
We Will File a Lawsuit if Needed
While many cases settle outside of court, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach puts pressure on insurance companies to offer a fair settlement, knowing that we will not hesitate to take them to court if they refuse.
Filing a dog bite lawsuit can significantly increase the amount of compensation you recover, covering:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, PTSD, and emotional trauma
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and disability accommodations
We Handle All Communications—So You Don’t Have To
From dealing with insurance adjusters to responding to legal inquiries, we take care of everything. You don’t have to worry about calls, emails, or paperwork—we handle it all while keeping you informed every step of the way.
We Have Proven Results in Dog Bite Cases
Our firm has a long history of achieving substantial settlements for dog bite victims in Connecticut, holding negligent owners accountable and ensuring our clients receive the compensation needed for medical treatment, emotional distress, and long-term recovery. Our track record includes:
- $750,000 for a child attacked by a dog while riding his bike
- $422,018 for a client bitten by two dogs
- $300,000 for a child injured by an uncontrolled dog
- $290,000 for a client bitten while riding a horse
- $275,000 for a client who suffered facial injuries from a neighbor’s dog
We Work on a Contingency-Fee Basis
At Trantolo & Trantolo, we believe that every injury victim deserves high-quality legal representation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee —you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Trantolo & Trantolo has the resources, experience, and case results to take on any challenge and fight for maximum compensation.
Hire a Bridgeport Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Bridgeport, you may have the right to seek compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Trantolo & Trantolo’s experienced dog bite attorneys in Bridgeport will guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation and let our team provide the legal support you need to move forward. Don’t Fight Solo – Trantolo and Trantolo.
Bridgeport Dog Bite Injury Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Bridgeport, Connecticut, you likely have questions about your legal options. Our Bridgeport dog bite lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo have answered some of the most common questions people ask when searching for information about dog bite claims.
1. How long do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in Bridgeport, Connecticut?
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584, you generally have two years from the date of the attack/injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to take legal action within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation. However, gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies takes time, so it’s best to consult with a Bridgeport dog bite attorney from our personal injury firm as soon as possible.
2. Does homeowners’ insurance cover dog bite injuries in Bridgeport?
Yes, in many cases, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies cover dog bite injuries in Bridgeport and the state of Connecticut. If the dog’s owner has insurance, their liability coverage may pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggression, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our dog bite lawyers in Bridgeport can review the insurance policy and fight for the compensation you deserve.
3. How much money can I get if I get bit by a dog in Bridgeport?
The average dog bite settlement in Connecticut can vary, depending on:
- The severity of the injury (scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage)
- Medical expenses (hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
- Lost income (if the injury prevents you from working)
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering
At Trantolo & Trantolo, we have secured significant settlements for dog bite victims, ensuring they receive the full compensation they deserve.
4. Does Connecticut have a “one free bite” rule?
No, Connecticut follows a strict liability law under General Statutes § 22-357, meaning dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has bitten someone before. Unlike states with a “one free bite” rule, Connecticut law does not require victims to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. As long as the victim was not trespassing or provoking the dog, the owner is liable for damages.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC
Address: 265 Congress St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States
Phone: 844-999-9999
Opening Hours: 24 Hours / 7 Days A Week