Connecticut has established dog bite laws designed to ensure dogs are under the control of an owner or keeper at all times. Even dogs without a history of erratic or dangerous behavior can lash out unexpectedly. Victims of such attacks can sustain serious, long-term consequences, including scarring, loss of mobility, and psychological distress.
If a dog bit you, the West Haven personal injury lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC are available to discuss your legal options during a free consultation. We have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims in Connecticut and Long Island over the past 85 years. Let us use our experience and resources to help you seek justice and fair compensation for your dog bite injuries. Contact our office for your free, no-obligation case review with a West Haven dog bite attorney.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in West Haven, CT
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-364 requires dogs to be under control at all times, and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357 holds the dog’s owner or keeper responsible for injuries caused by the animal.
Connecticut’s strict liability differs from other states in that dog owners can be sued even if their dog has no history of aggressive behavior. They are liable for their dog’s behavior and resulting damages, even if the animal has never acted dangerously before.
Some Exceptions to Dog Bite Laws
While owners are typically liable for their dog’s behavior, they may not be held responsible if the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or otherwise acting illegally. Additionally, the law excludes owners from liability if the bitten person was tormenting, abusing, or teasing the animal.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s lawyers can explain which dog bite laws apply to your claim and help you navigate the legal process.
Injuries and Complications Associated With Dog Bites
Dog bite victims often suffer physical and psychological effects for years after the initial incident. Injuries and conditions that can arise from a dog attack include:
- Scratches, cuts, and puncture wounds
- Crushing injuries
- Loss of finger(s) or limb
- Facial injury
- Eye damage
- Infection and sepsis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Prompt attention is crucial following an animal attack. Untreated injuries can easily become dangerously infected. Victims of dog bites sometimes suffer from permanent disfigurement and scarring that affect their quality of life.
If you suffered these and other injuries due to a dog bite, you could secure compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and other damages through a personal injury claim. The lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Losses You Could Pursue Following a Dog Bite in West Haven
When you are injured in a dog attack, you have a legal right to pursue compensation for the financial, physical, and psychological hardship you suffered as a result. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC is committed to helping injury victims get the maximum possible compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic losses are the financial damages you sustained because of the dog attack. These damages are usually quantifiable using bills, invoices, receipts, estimates, and other financial documentation. Examples of economic damages include:
- Lost income, such as wages, salary, and benefits
- Diminished future income if you suffer permanent impairment
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and assistive equipment
- Future medical costs if your dog bite injury requires ongoing care
- Pain and suffering, both physical and psychological
Non-Economic Damages
It is common for dog bite injuries to cause mental and emotional trauma in addition to physical pain and discomfort. Although these effects can be difficult to quantify, they can have a substantial impact on your happiness and quality of life. You deserve compensation for these non-economic damages just as you do for your economic losses.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s attorneys in West Haven will gather documentation to build a compelling claim for both economic and non-economic losses. We have spent over 85 years fighting for justice and recovered millions for our clients, so let us put our experience to work on your behalf.
West Haven Lawyers With a Record for Successful Dog Bite Litigation
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has the knowledge, resources, and reputation to take on even the most challenging dog bite claims. We have been defending the legal rights of injury victims since 1938. During that time, we have established a tradition of successful representation, winning millions of dollars in settlements and awards on behalf of our clients.
Some of our dog bite settlements include:
- $800,000 settlement for a client who suffered serious injuries in a dog bite that occurred while he was working
- $750,000 settlement for a child who was bitten by a dog on the arm and head while riding his bicycle
- $500,000 settlement for a client who was bitten by a dog and suffered severe lacerations to the lower leg as a result
- $422,018 settlement for a client who sustained severe injuries when bitten by two pit bulls
When we take a dog bite case, our team is united in one goal: getting the best possible results for your claim.
The Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC Difference
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC we aim to handle every part of your legal claim, from the initial consultation through filing, negotiations, and trial, if necessary. While you focus on recovering your health after a dog bite, we are actively investigating your case, gathering documentation, and building an effective case for fair compensation.
Treating Clients Like Family
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC started as a family law firm, and we continue to treat all our clients as though they are part of the family. When you hire us, you can expect personalized legal support and attentive advocacy throughout the legal process.
Each of our clients is assigned a dedicated team that is available 24/7 to provide updates, answer questions, and address concerns. As a Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC client, you will receive constant communication about your case status, so you never have to wonder where your claim stands.
Serving Injury Victims With Compassion
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, our focus is on the client experience. Our clients appreciate our dedication to open communication and unwavering support during their difficult times.
“I want to thank Trantolo & Trantolo tremendously for their outstanding service. Their team showed incredible support and absolute professionalism, making a tough process much easier. I highly recommend their service.” – J.N., Shelton, CT
“Trantolo & Trantolo was a great choice. They did what they said they would do, and when I called, someone always called back to answer my questions. I would recommend them to anyone who needs representation.” – J.M. Wethersfield, CT
Visit our testimonials page to see more feedback from our satisfied clients.
Getting You the Medical Treatment You Need
Our firm will help you get a letter of protection (LOP) to ensure you receive the medical treatment you need while your case proceeds. The letter of protection lets the doctor continue treating your dog bites without upfront payment, with the expectation that they will receive payment from the final settlement or verdict.
Cost of Hiring an Attorney in West Haven
We know that dog bite injuries can present serious financial challenges for you and your loved ones. We aim to reduce your financial distress by providing free legal consultations and representation on a contingency fee basis. One of our attorneys will review your case for free and provide legal advice about your next steps. You are under no obligation to hire us after your free consultation – we are here to help.
If you decide to work with us, we will inform the insurance company and opposing counsel to contact us for all legal correspondence. We will gather evidence, build a claim, negotiate a settlement, and take your case to trial at no upfront cost to you. Rather than taking a retainer or hourly fee, we receive payment from your final settlement or award when we win your case.
Timing is Critical When Filing a West Haven Dog Bite Lawsuit
In Connecticut, dog bite victims usually have three years to file a lawsuit against the animal’s owner or keeper. If you file outside this statute of limitations, you may be unable to recover damages. Our legal team works diligently to keep your case on track and ensure timely legal action.
Get a Free Case Evaluation With a West Haven Attorney
Contact our office as soon as possible to avoid missing crucial deadlines. We offer compassionate legal guidance while relentlessly pursuing those responsible for your injuries. From beginning to end, you can count on Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC to fight for the best possible outcome for your dog bite claim. Call for your free consultation today.