At Bert McDowell Injury Law, our accomplished personal injury lawyers are well-versed in handling claims on behalf of dog bite victims. We have helped a great deal of victims obtain monetary awards for their physical and psychological injuries stemming from a dog bite. In the State of Connecticut, dog bite cases fall under strict liability. In other words, in Connecticut, the plaintiff does not have to prove that the dog owner (keeper of the dog) was negligent or knew the dog was aggressive.
Now, at Bert McDowell Injury Law, we love all dogs. There are many misconceptions about which dog breeds are more dangerous than others. However, all dogs have the capability of attacking someone. We are aware that there are some dogs that fail to receive the proper care and training from its owners. Consequently, this can affect a dog’s temperament.
Our Connecticut dog bite attorneys have represented clients who were attacked by some of the biggest, most ferocious dogs. However, we have also represented clients that were attacked by some of the smallest, “cutest” dogs. In either case, our priority is always the victim. We immediately investigate the incident, we contact animal control to obtain all current and past records on the specific dog, obtain the property owner’s insurance information, and we conduct witness interviews.
You Pay No Fees Until We Win Your Connecticut Dog Bite Case
There are some exceptions to dog bite cases:
- You must lawfully be on the dog owner’s property
- You must not have been teasing or tormenting the dog
We do not wait to conduct our investigations. There are instances when we our private investigator to find property owners or to search through mortgage records to determine applicable insurance. Due to our persistence, we typically uncover a great deal of evidence that we use to properly prosecute the claim. Bert McDowell is a Connecticut dog bite lawyer that goes the distance for his clients.
Things to Remember in a Connecticut Dog Bite Claim
- It does not matter if the dog never attacked someone in past.
- You must lawfully be on the property.
- You could not have provoked, teased, or tormented the dog.
- Immediately report the incident to the police and animal control.
- Get medical attention.
- Contact a dog bite attorney in Connecticut that will assist you during the entire process.
Connecticut Dog Bite Statute
C.G.S. 22-357 states: If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or, if the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for the amount of such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, was under seven years of age at the time such damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.
Schedule a Consultation with a Connecticut Dog Bite Attorney
If you were attacked by a dog and suffered significant injuries, you have a right to hold the responsible party accountable for your pain and suffering. A skilled Connecticut dog bite attorney at Bert McDowell Injury Law can help you pursue compensation for your losses. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.