Connecticut Dog Bite Attorney Dedicated To Getting You Full Compensation

If you were the victim of a dog bite, the dog’s owner should be liable for the full cost of your injuries. It does not matter if the dog “did not mean to” bite or if “they never do that.” The fact remains that you have suffered a serious injury, and you should not be the one holding the bill for it. You have the right to file a claim for the cost of your injury, and you have the right to an experienced dog bite lawyer to help you.

At Sheffy, DeNigris, Grey & Bedard, LLP, we have more than 30 years of experience representing our Southington community and the surrounding parts of Connecticut as they recover from dog bite injuries. We have the know-how to negotiate with insurers for compensation that covers your total cost of injury, and not just the initial portion. We only settle your case if it is the best action for you. We are trial-ready if that is necessary to get you full compensation.

Can I Get Compensation If I Was Bitten By A Dog?

If you were bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog, you are likely entitled to compensation. If your child was bitten or attacked by a dog, you are also likely entitled to compensation. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can pursue a dog bite claim or lawsuit to get the money you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other costs.

How Is Pain And Suffering Calculated In A Dog Bite Claim?

Perhaps one of the most significant and complex aspects of pursuing a dog bite claim is calculating compensation. Calculating economic damages like medical bills and lost wages is relatively straightforward, though it is important not to miss anything, including future medical costs and missed paychecks.

On the other hand, translating the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of a dog bite into a dollar value requires not only a solid grasp of Connecticut law, but knowledge of case law and how these situations have paid out in the past. Pain and suffering not only includes physical pain, but mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and things along those lines.

Most frequently, it is calculated by multiplying the economic damages by a number deemed appropriate based on the circumstances. In some cases, that might mean doubling the amount calculated for economic damages. In other cases, it may mean multiplying economic damages by a much higher number. This is where an experienced attorney truly shines, because they will understand the amounts that are typically sought in situations like yours and can work to make sure you get what you deserve.

What Is Connecticut’s Dog Bite Law?

Connecticut’s dog bite statute (CGS § 22-357) holds liable dog bite owners in the event the dog causes damage to another person. This is not limited to dog bites, but also covers dog attacks in which the victim is knocked down and suffers injuries as well as other scenarios. If the dog’s owner is a minor, their parents will be held liable.

There are some exceptions. If the victim was trespassing at the time of the dog attack, the dog’s owner may not be held liable. If the victim was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog prior to the attack, the dog’s owner may not be held liable. There are caveats to these exceptions, so victims of dog bites should always discuss the matter with a lawyer before assuming they do not have a claim. For example, the law states that children under seven are presumed not to have been trespassing, abusing, tormenting or teasing the dog unless the dog’s owner can prove otherwise.

Holding Insurers Accountable For Dog Bite Injuries In Connecticut

Typically, the dog owner’s homeowners, renters or commercial general liability insurance will cover the costs associated with your injury, which can be significant, both in the short and long term. It is crucial to retain a dog bite injury lawyer who is familiar with animal attacks and the long-term consequences of serious injuries.

Dog Attacks And Children

Unfortunately, many victims of dog attacks are young children. Their small stature makes them lower to the ground and closer to pets, and their awareness of their surroundings isn’t as strong as adults. Plus, not all kids have a pet at home, or even if they do, they may not understand why proper petting etiquette is essential. That doesn’t mean that seeking compensation for their injuries isn’t a good path to take before getting emergency medical help. Medical bills and necessary surgeries or procedures can add up even for a small child, so it’s vital to file for the injury damages your family deserves.

Leashed Vs. Unleashed Dogs In Dog Bite Claims

While many pet owners may take precautions to prevent their dog from attacking or biting strangers or loved ones, that doesn’t mean compensation isn’t available. If a leashed dog caused harm to you or someone close to you, then your case may look a little different. But you shouldn’t completely write off seeking justice for the damage the dog caused. On the other end of the spectrum, there may be instances where an unleashed animal on public or private property bites someone. So long as trespassing or taunting the animal didn’t directly cause the attack, filing an injury claim is a good idea. However, no matter the details of how the bite happened, it’s worth asking if taking legal action makes sense in your case.

Physical And Mental Injuries From Animal Attacks

There are a lot of visible and invisible injuries that can result from a dog bite or attack. You might immediately associate it with a rabies infection or a wound, which are both likely outcomes. But there are a lot of other physical injuries that can result from an animal attack, including:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Significant blood loss
• Scratches and bruises

Beyond what can be seen with the naked eye, there are mental injuries often directly caused by animal attacks, like:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• A new fear of dogs or other animals
• Anxiety when near or far from animals
• Trouble sleeping or even nightmares

This is just a sampling of the internal and external pain one may endure after an animal attack. Because the road to recovery can be painful, complicated and prolonged, you deserve all the help you can get – which is where our experienced attorneys come in. You can count on us to see your case through from start to end.

Reach Out Today For A Free Consultation With A Trusted Dog Bite Attorney

For a Connecticut dog bite lawyer who is ready to fight for you, call 844-367-0314 or email us here. The consultation is free and we handle all dog attack claims on a contingency basis. You don’t pay us unless we win for you, so call and speak with personal injury Tony Sheffy today.