Bridgeport, Connecticut Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Lawyers for People Injured Due to Dog Bites in Bridgeport

A dog bite or attack can leave you shaken, injured, and uncertain about what to do next. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we know how stressful and overwhelming a situation like this can feel for both victims and their families. Our lawyers understand what you are going through, and we are here to support you through every part of your recovery while assisting with the legal process and advocating for full compensation.

Dog owners have a clear responsibility to keep their pets under control to prevent injuries to others. Unfortunately, many dog owners do not take this responsibility seriously, leading to a significant number of dog bites and related injuries every year.

If you or someone in your family has been injured because a dog owner was careless or negligent or otherwise failed to control their animal, you deserve fair compensation. Our attorneys work to hold these owners accountable. We will help you get the financial support necessary for your physical and mental recovery so that you can move forward with your life.

Connecticut Dog Bite Laws Explained

Connecticut laws protect victims of dog bites. Even if a dog has never shown aggression before, the owner or keeper can still be held fully accountable for any injuries caused. This is known as "strict liability," meaning victims do not have to prove negligence or show that a dog's past behavior indicated aggression to receive compensation.

According to Connecticut General Statutes (CGS § 22-357), dog owners are responsible when their dog injures someone, as long as the injured person was not trespassing and did not provoke or tease the animal. This applies very broadly, not just to bites, but also to situations where a dog knocks someone down or indirectly causes injuries.

For example, we once recovered compensation for a victim who was extremely afraid of dogs. She had fallen and injured her wrists when a small dog, a Yorkshire Terrier, chased her into the street.

Connecticut also requires dogs to be properly restrained. Allowing a dog to roam freely or act aggressively toward others can result in legal liability. If multiple dogs owned by different people cause an injury together, Connecticut law allows all involved owners to be held equally responsible, simplifying the process of securing compensation.

Following an attack, dogs are usually quarantined for 14 days as a public safety measure to check for diseases such as rabies.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident

If you or someone you love suffers a dog bite injury, taking the following steps promptly can make a significant difference during your case:

• Get medical help immediately, even if injuries appear minor. Small cuts can get infected due to the nature of animal bites.
• Gather details about the dog and its owner and document the scene and your injuries with photographs, if possible.
• Notify local authorities, including animal control or police, to officially document the incident.
• Save any damaged clothing, maintain medical records, and track all related expenses.
• If you feel an emotional impact, consider professional counseling. This can be especially important when children are the victims of dog attacks.
• Contact our attorneys to discuss your case and learn about your rights as soon as possible.

Compensation You Can Receive After a Dog Bite Injury

Victims of dog bites may be able to recover various types of compensation, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses. At our law firm, we will work to maximize the value of your claim by gathering evidence to support these types of damages and making sure that insurance companies have the full picture of how your life was affected by your injuries.

Common Misconceptions About Connecticut Dog Bite Cases

When dealing with dog bite incidents, people often misunderstand how these cases work. In some cases, these misconceptions can prevent victims from seeking legal help and taking steps to obtain financial compensation. Below are some of the most common misconceptions surrounding dog bite injuries:

• Only Large or Aggressive Dog Breeds Cause Serious Injuries: Many people believe severe dog bite injuries come exclusively from large or traditionally aggressive breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers. However, the truth is that any dog, regardless of its breed or size, can inflict serious injuries under the right circumstances. Even small breeds, such as terriers or Chihuahuas, can cause significant harm, particularly if the victim is a child, elderly, or already vulnerable.
• You Cannot File a Dog Bite Claim if a Dog Never Bit Anyone Before: Some people may think that a person cannot take legal action if a dog has no history of aggression or biting. Under Connecticut's strict liability law, a dog's past behavior does not matter. Owners may be held responsible for injuries their dogs cause, even if it is the first time the dog has bitten or injured someone.
• If You Were Partially at Fault for a Dog Bite Injury, You Cannot Recover Damages: Some victims mistakenly believe they will be unable to seek compensation if they partially contributed to the incident, such as by unintentionally provoking a dog. Connecticut applies a comparative negligence standard, meaning a victim may still recover damages even if they were partially at fault, although their compensation could be reduced proportionately.
• Dog Bite Claims Are Only About Physical Injuries: Victims often underestimate the scope of compensation available. Dog bite claims can include emotional trauma, anxiety, PTSD, psychological counseling, lost wages, future medical care, and ongoing rehabilitation. Recognizing this broader scope of damages can help ensure that a victim will be able to receive comprehensive compensation.
• You Will Only Have a Personal Injury Claim if You Were Bitten by a Dog: This is not the case. Injuries can also occur if a person was knocked over or chased or if injuries occurred in other situations. Being bitten is not the only reason for a case against an owner for injuries inflicted by a dog.

Clearing up these misconceptions can help victims and their families better understand their rights and feel more confident about taking the next steps after a dog bite or injury.

Higher-Risk Areas in Connecticut for Dog Bite Incidents

Some areas in Connecticut have an increased risk of dog bites, including densely populated neighborhoods and areas where dogs frequently roam off-leash. Cities like Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford, and New Haven experience higher rates of dog bite incidents due to increased human-dog interactions. Suburban towns like Fairfield and Westport also experience dog bites, especially in parks.

Always be cautious around unfamiliar dogs, especially in parks or neighborhoods that are known for loose dogs. Teach your children to ask for permission before approaching or touching a dog.

Addressing Emotional Trauma After a Dog Bite

The emotional impact of dog attacks can be profound, and these incidents can lead to anxiety, fear, and PTSD. Our team recognizes these emotional consequences, and we take steps to ensure that these issues are accounted for when working to recover compensation for injury victims.

We also collaborate with mental health experts to provide comprehensive support for emotional healing. We believe that your physical and mental recovery is the most important goal. We have dealt with many injuries caused by dogs, and we can help you too.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Dog Bite

Speaking with insurance companies can be very stressful after you have been injured. Many people think an insurance company will quickly provide fair compensation to cover medical bills and other costs, but that is often not the case. Usually, insurance companies will try their hardest to pay as little as possible, even when the victim has a legitimate claim.

Representatives of insurance companies will often act friendly and helpful at first. However, it is important to remember that their main goal is to protect the insurance company's profits. They may ask detailed questions or encourage you to describe your injuries or recovery casually. They might use what you say against you later, arguing that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that the dog bite was not entirely the owner's fault.

Another common tactic insurance companies use is offering a quick settlement. While it might seem helpful to get money right away, these initial offers are typically far less than what your injuries are worth. If you accept the first offer, you will usually lose your chance to obtain additional compensation later, even if your injuries get worse or you need more medical treatment.

Here are some simple guidelines for dealing with insurance companies after a dog bite:

• Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without first talking to a personal injury lawyer.
• Avoid signing any paperwork from the insurance company until your attorney reviews it.
• Keep track of all communication, including emails, letters, and phone calls, noting who you spoke with and when.
• Consider letting an attorney handle all communication with insurance companies so you do not have to deal with these interactions.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we can manage conversations and negotiations with insurance companies for you. Our attorneys will clearly explain your injuries, the medical costs, lost wages, emotional effects, and any future treatment you may need. We will make sure the insurance company sees the full extent of how the dog bite has affected your life.

If the insurance company does not cooperate and offer fair compensation, our attorneys are always ready to bring your case to trial.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters in Dog Bite Cases

Getting a lawyer involved right after a dog bite can significantly strengthen your case and help you protect your rights. When you involve our attorneys early, we can help gather important evidence, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and make sure documents like medical records and police reports are preserved. We can also ensure that other evidence of your injuries is documented. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence or weaker witness accounts, which may negatively impact your claim.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our Bridgeport, CT dog bite lawyers will step in immediately to handle all aspects of your claim, letting you focus fully on recovering physically and emotionally. This early involvement often leads to better outcomes and higher compensation, giving you greater peace of mind and financial security during a difficult time.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Preventing dog bites begins with awareness. Always approach unfamiliar dogs cautiously, avoid direct eye contact, and do not disturb dogs that are eating or sleeping. Educate children to ask permission before petting dogs and supervise their interactions with animals carefully.

Effective Legal Representation for Dog Bite Victims

Compensation will not erase the pain or stress caused by a dog bite, but it can provide the support you need to help cover medical bills, therapy expenses, lost wages, and other expenses. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our attorneys will carefully collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and work closely with medical specialists to clearly document the full extent of your injuries.

We also prepare every case for trial. By preparing each case thoroughly, we will show insurance companies that we are serious, which often leads to better settlement offers. If the insurance company does not offer fair compensation, our attorneys are always ready to present your case at trial. The insurance companies know this. We are committed to making sure you receive every dollar you deserve, allowing you and your family to focus on healing without unnecessary financial worry.

Representation With Compassion and Clear Communication

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we treat every client with empathy, respect, and personalized attention. We understand how difficult dealing with a dog bite injury can be, and we're here to listen carefully and support you fully.

Keeping you informed is also important to us. Our attorneys will regularly communicate with you, ensuring that you always know what is happening with your case. If you have questions, we're here to answer them clearly and quickly, providing reassurance and guidance every step of the way. Our goal is to ease your stress and help you feel confident as we pursue the best outcome for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries

Can I Take Legal Action if the Dog That Bit Me Never Bit Anyone Else Before?

Yes. In Connecticut, dog owners are responsible even if their dog has never bitten anyone before. The law does not require you to prove that the dog was dangerous in the past. It is enough to show the dog injured you.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive for Dog Bite Injuries?

You can get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future medical care. If your injuries affect your ability to work or enjoy life, those issues can also be addressed by your compensation. Our attorneys will help you understand exactly what you are entitled to receive.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Dog Bite in Connecticut?

Usually, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim in Connecticut. There are circumstances that can make this time period shorter or longer. It is important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly will help to preserve evidence and protect your rights, making your case stronger.

After a Dog Bite, Should I Talk to the Dog Owner's Insurance Company?

It is best to let your lawyer handle communications with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters will often try to limit your compensation, and your attorney can protect your interests. If you do talk to the insurance company on your own, they may use your statements against you to try to lower your settlement.

Can I Take Legal Action if I Was Not Bitten but Was Injured Another Way by a Dog?

Yes, you can still take steps to recover compensation if a dog caused an injury without biting you, such as by knocking you down or chasing you into traffic. Connecticut law covers all injuries caused by dogs. Even if you were not bitten directly, you have the right to recover compensation if the dog's actions caused your injuries or medical bills.

Contact Our Bridgeport, CT Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one have experienced a dog bite or attack, you do not have to handle this situation alone. The team at Tremont Sheldon P.C. is ready to help you seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our Bridgeport dog bite attorneys at 203-335-5145 to arrange a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you move forward.