While many people want to believe that dogs are perfect all the time, dog bite injuries occur across the country every day. If you or a loved one was a victim of a dog bite injury in Connecticut, a Milford dog bite lawyer can discuss your options with you. Then, they can formulate a strategy for your next course of action. For serious injuries or unclear liability, we recommend speaking with an expert personal injury lawyer in Meriden who can review your case and help you figure out what to do next.
If you’re bitten by a dog, it’s important to understand your rights and learn about potential actions you can take for legal recourse. Our skilled team at Jacobs & Jacobs has been handling personal injury cases in Milford for years, and we’re ready to hear your story. In the meantime, it’s crucial you know at least some basic knowledge about dog bite law in Connecticut.
Under Connecticut law, it is illegal to let your dog roam freely, create a disturbance, growl at, or bite anyone. If a dog does bite someone, it must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. All dog bites must be reported to Milford Animal Control. They may request that the dog be restrained or killed, depending on the situation.
The Connecticut Strict Liability Law holds dog owners liable for any injuries caused by their dogs unless the bite victim was trespassing on the owner’s property. This means dog bite victims are allowed to file a claim against the owner if they want compensation for their suffering.
Every year, over 12,000 people on average across the country are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries. If you’re bitten by a dog in Connecticut, it’s important to understand what steps you must take next.
Following a bite, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away, even if you think you’re fine. Even a small bite can become a big problem if it is not cleaned and cared for properly. You can visit a doctor or urgent care near you to deal with any minor injuries from the dog bite. If you are seriously injured, you may want to head straight to the Milford Hospital.
The offending animal is also supposed to be put into quarantine. You can contact the Milford Animal Control to report the bite, and they can investigate further. It’s helpful to gather as much information as possible about the dog and the dog’s owner. That way, you can provide a detailed incident report.
At this point, you can determine whether you want to pursue legal actions against the dog owner. If the bite caused you significant injuries or costs, it may be in your interest to seek compensation. If you’re unsure how to proceed, a Milford dog bite lawyer can guide and represent you through the process.
Dog bites can range from minor scratches to potentially life-threatening wounds. For example, at the beginning of 2024, one tragic dog bite case in Milford resulted in the death of a two-week-old infant.
Our team at Jacobs & Jacobs is dedicated to helping clients obtain the proper compensation for their suffering. We’ve represented clients who have been the victim of all sorts of dog bite injuries, including:
It’s also possible for a person to contract rabies from a dog bite if the dog was ill. The Connecticut Department of Public Health State Public Health Laboratory tests animals if a person experiences a bite or saliva exposure from an animal. In 2023, a total of 36 animals tested positive for rabies in the state. While rabid animals aren’t the main concern of a dog bite injury, it’s still important to have the animal checked. Taking simple steps like avoiding unfamiliar dogs, watching for warning signs of aggression, and teaching children how to safely interact with pets can significantly reduce the risk of a dog bite injury.
Dog bite victims can recover compensation for several different types of damages, depending on the circumstances of the case. The most common damages people recover in dog bite cases include pain and suffering, general out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, and medical expenses. The value of the damages can vary, depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries and the impact on their lives.
In some dog bite injury cases, the victim may not know if they can file a claim or not. It can be challenging to determine if it’s worth investing in the legal process after a dog bite incident—especially if the bite only caused minor damages. Nevertheless, you can file a claim for minor dog bite incidents, even though it might be somewhat more challenging to prove.
Dog bites can be classified into distinct levels. A level one dog bite is the most common and least serious. It refers to a situation wherein a dog is acting aggressively and snapping but has made no contact with skin. The levels of bites increase in severity all the way to level six bites, which are fatal bite attacks or situations where the dog consumes the victim’s flesh.
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is two years from the date of the incident. During this time, it’s wise to seek legal counsel and strategize your next steps through the process. That way, you can build a strong case to seek the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
In the wake of a dog bite injury, it’s important to have the right support for your recovery. Our seasoned attorneys at Jacobs & Jacobs have experience in handling all types of injury claims, including dog bite injuries.
We have the skills and the proper resources to combat aggressive dog owners and their insurance companies. Whether we settle out of court or go to trial, our team is dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you’re owed. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our team today.