Leash and control laws are designed to prevent dog bite incidents by providing behavioral guidelines for pet owners. Connecticut dog bite laws hold the dog’s owner or keeper liable for attacks on people or property, with very few exceptions.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a dog attack, a Manchester personal injury lawyer with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can help you recover medical costs, lost income, and other damages. Our personal injury lawyers have been helping victims recover fair compensation for more than 85 years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite in Manchester, CT?
Per Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357, the keeper or owner of a dog is liable for injuries their dog causes. The Town of Manchester requires all dogs to be licensed and tagged. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-364 says that dogs must be under the control of the owner or keeper at all times. A violation of these laws could establish fault for a dog bite claim, even without proof of negligence.
Unlike some state laws, Connecticut’s strict liability for dog bites does not necessarily require a history of aggression. Even without prior vicious or dangerous behavior, the dog’s attack is still the owner’s responsibility, and the owner is liable for the resulting damages.
In some cases, a dog sitter or other third party can be liable for a dog bite in Manchester. In this case, the victim would need to prove that the at-fault party’s negligence caused the dog bite and related injuries.
Exceptions to Dog Bite Liability in Connecticut
Connecticut law establishes a few exceptions for liability in dog bite attacks. The owner or keeper of a dog may not be liable if:
- The victim was trespassing or engaging in other damaging or illegal activity.
- The victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog that attacked them.
Incidents involving minors or law enforcement dogs may be subject to different legal requirements. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s attorneys are well-versed in state and local laws about dog attacks. We can guide you through the legal process and pursue compensation from those responsible.
How Serious is a Dog Bite Injury?
Dog bites can be very harmful to victims, as the damage caused by a dog bite can be extensive, resulting in lifelong physical and mental damage. Puncture wounds, cuts, and crushing injuries can lead to serious life-threatening complications, including infection, sepsis, broken bones, and loss of limb. Surgical intervention and other expensive medical care may be necessary to help the victim recover.
Even with prompt medical treatment, victims may be scarred or disfigured for life. A full medical recovery could still leave the victim with permanent disability or impairment.
Dog bites can also cause serious mental trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may be afraid to go places or engage in activities they once enjoyed. Their ability to work and quality of life may suffer as a result.
How Much Can I Recover Through a Manchester Dog Attack Injury Claim?
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s lawyers work to recover the maximum possible compensation for your dog attack injuries. We firmly believe the owner should be held accountable for their careless or reckless actions, and we will pursue every possible avenue to secure a reasonable settlement for all your losses, including:
- Current and future medical costs related to your dog bite
- Lost work and diminished future income
- Loss of enjoyment and diminished quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering and psychological distress
We are committed to helping you get fair compensation for your injuries. Rest assured that our team will NOT settle for less than you deserve.
How Does Working With a Lawyer Help My Case?
While you receive medical treatment and undergo recovery after a dog attack, a personal injury attorney with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC is already working to build your claim. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal assistance throughout your case.
Personalized Attention
When you hire Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, you are immediately assigned a dedicated legal team to handle your case. They are available to answer your questions and provide regular updates, so you always know your claim’s status.
Focused Representation
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we limit the number of cases we accept, so every client receives the time and energy they deserve. When you partner with us, you can expect our attorneys to approach every case with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to justice. We aim to reduce your stress by handling every aspect of your case, including:
- Fielding all communication about your dog bite case
- Obtaining witness statements, police reports, and other evidence
- Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the dog owner and their insurer
- Negotiating a fair settlement for your dog bite damages
- Representing your case at trial, if necessary
Satisfactory Results
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has been fighting for your rights for more than 85 years, and during that time, we have established a track record of success. Since our founding in 1938, we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients, including dog attack victims. Some of our notable dog bite settlements include:
- $800,000 settlement for a client who suffered dog bite injuries on the job
- $750,000 settlement for a child who needed surgery after a dog attacked him
- $500,000 settlement for a client who sustained severe wounds on their lower leg due to a dog bite
- $422,018 settlement for a client who suffered severe injuries in an attack by two pit bulls
- $300,000 settlement for a child who required surgery after an uncontrolled dog bit their thigh
Our attorneys in Manchester have the resources, reputation, and experience to handle even the most complex or challenging claims. Let us use our extensive knowledge to seek the compensation you deserve.
Does Connecticut Have a Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against a dog owner for a dog bite is generally three years, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52.577. The sooner you contact the dog bite attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, the sooner we can get to work on your case.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer in Manchester?
When you hire Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC to handle your dog bite claim, you pay nothing upfront for our legal assistance. We handle every aspect of your case, from your first case review through the final settlement or verdict. Our personal injury team takes all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not receive payment until we win a settlement or award in your favor. If we don’t win your case, you do not owe us anything.
What Do I Do After a Dog Attack in Manchester, CT?
It is normal to be frightened and overwhelmed after a dog bite. Take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:
- Render first aid treatment and seek emergency medical assistance.
- Call animal control at (860) 645-5516 or the police at 911 to report the attack to the local authorities.
- You or someone you trust should try to document the attack, including photos of the animal, the location of the attack, and the dog’s home, if possible.
- Write down as much as you can remember about the attack, including the dog’s breed, color, size, and a description of the owner or keeper, if possible.
- Take down the contact information of the dog owner or keeper as well as any witnesses who observed the attack.
- Call a lawyer from Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC as soon as possible.
Our legal team can help you obtain witness statements and copies of any relevant reports to support your case. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we will thoroughly investigate the incident and begin building your case. Timing is critical in a dog bite case, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our office right away.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dog Bite Attorney in Manchester Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a dog attack, a dog bite lawyer with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can help you seek the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and more. Contact our office today to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team. Our Manchester dog bite attorneys are ready to fight for you.