There are over 4.5 million people bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Although pet owners may consider their dogs friendly, any dog can attack.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite here in Hartford, Connecticut, you must know the local dog bite laws. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in this type of injury and why you should hire a lawyer.
What Do Dog Bite Laws Say About Liability?
According to Connecticut’s dog bite statute, the dog’s owner or keeper is liable for damages to a person’s property and any injuries caused.
However, there are exceptions for individuals that were doing the following:
- Trespassing on the dog owner’s property, OR
- Tormenting or abusing the dog
Minors under seven years old are presumed exempt from these exceptions unless a defendant can prove they committed such actions.
The victim in a dog bite lawsuit does not need to prove that the dog’s owner or keeper was behaving negligently or that they knew the dog was vicious. It’s a strict liability statute.
Dog bite victims can proceed with a common law negligence theory.
There are some circumstances where liability may fall on another party. For instance, a landlord that knows a tenant’s dog has a vicious temperament and does not take reasonable actions to prevent injury or damage.
The 14-Day Quarantine
Following a dog bite incident, the dog must undergo a 14-day quarantine. In some cases, the Department of Agriculture or an animal control officer may issue an order to have the dog restrained or killed.
If a dog bite victim kills the dog during the attack, they are immune from liability unless the attack happens on the owner’s premises.
If the damages were caused by two or more dogs with more than one owner or keeper, each individual is responsible for the entire amount of damages. However, they may sue the other owner for a portion of what they have to pay.
How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Dog bite laws can get complicated, which is why having a legal professional on your side is so crucial. A dog bite attorney understands Hartford’s laws inside and out. They know what steps to take to protect your rights and how to navigate the legal system.
For instance, many dog bite victims don’t understand how important it is to seek medical attention. Even a small bite can get infected and cause side effects or complications. Almost one-in-five dog bite victims require medical attention.
Your first step following a dog bite should be to contact a personal injury lawyer.
Take Dog Bites Seriously
If you’re a victim of a dog bite attack, don’t brush off the incident. You deserve compensation for any damages caused to you by this incident.
If you need a dog bite lawyer here in Hartford, Connecticut, contact us here at the Law Offices of Levin, Rojas, Camassar & Reck LLC. We know all about dog bite laws, and we’ll be happy to assess your case and discuss your options should you wish to pursue legal action.