Dog & Animal Bites

Dog Bite Law

Legal Rights of a Dog Bite Victim
The law of Connecticut is very favorable for the victim of a dog bite. The controlling statute says essentially that the owner or keeper is liable for any damage to person or property, as long as the injured person was not trespassing, committing a tort, or provoking the dog at the time of the attack. If the victim was not a trespasser, not committing a tort, and not provoking the dog, there is no defense. “Trespass or tort” means more than mere entry; the statute bars recovery only where the bite victim is committing or intends to commit an injurious act.

Things to do if You’re Bitten
Identify the animal that bit you and the address of its owner because you may be entitled to compensation from the animal’s owner for medical bills, lost income and to help you overcome the pain and suffering from your injuries. After that, get medical attention! You will be in good company because 1,000 people arrive in emergency rooms each day of the year as a result of dog bites. If you are wounded on the face, insist on treatment by a plastic surgeon because emergency room doctors are great at keeping people alive but are not necessarily the best at making stitches and wounds look good. It is advisable not speak to an insurance representative or anyone else until you have spoken to an attorney.

Legal Representation
Even though the dog owner is technically liable, the damages usually are paid by a dog owner’s homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance or other applicable insurance. An insurance company is a for-profit business. Its goal is to return a profit for its owners. An insurance company does not pay money to people who "deserve" it. The overriding goal of the company is not accomplished by giving money to the deserving. A charity would do so, not an insurance company. Thus it is important to seek the advice of an attorney who has the experience in handling dog bite cases and dealing with insurance companies. A person who does not have an experienced lawyer has no way to hurt an insurance company. Therefore such a person will not get a good offer of settlement no matter how deserving they might be.

Call Carbutti Law Firm
It costs nothing to meet with one of our attorneys for a preliminary review of your case and you will never pay a fee unless we get money for you.