If you’ve been the victim of a vicious dog bite, we want to be the first to say how sorry we are to hear this is the case and let you know that you may be entitled to financial compensation.
At Weber and Rubano, we’re experts in personal injury law that have been serving the New Haven community for over 60 years.
Choosing the expertise of our skilled New Haven dog bite lawyers is easy. Just request your free, no-obligation case review today.
Understanding Dog Bites in New Haven
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the United States, 4.5 million individuals are bitten by dogs each year. Children are the most common victims, with over half of those dog bite victims being under 18.
What are the Statutes Governing Dog Bites in Connecticut?
Connecticut law is very clear regarding liability in dog bite cases. Conn. Gen. Stat 22-357 states: “If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper […] shall be liable for the amount of such damage.”
That means that unless an individual was provoking the dog in question, anyone responsible for that animal could be held liable in a court of law for their injuries.
For most dog bite cases, the statute of limitations in Connecticut is two years, starting from the date of the incident or the day the injuries were discovered. Consult our New Haven dog bite lawyers for further guidance and a free consultation.
How to Determine Negligence in New Haven Dog Bite Cases?
Dog bite victims in New Haven don’t actually need to establish the owner or keeper was negligent or knew the dog might bite to file a lawsuit. Dog bite negligence in Connecticut is understood to be fairly strict, according to legal analysis by the Connecticut General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Research. The strict liability rule in this statute enables someone to hold people accountable as long as the victim is not trespassing or instigating the dog.
Additionally, there is legal precedent for bringing a dog bite case under common law, as there have been cases in which a landlord in a multi-family dwelling was found liable for a tenant’s bite-prone dog.
How Much Financial Compensation Could You Be Eligible for in a Dog Bite Case?
Estimating the exact dollar amount of damages you could be eligible for in a dog bite case is tough. Generally, though, dog bite victims in New Haven are eligible to receive financial damages to aid in managing their new lives post-dog bite.
An example of that would be economic damages, which are essentially financial damages that stem from lost wages, medical bills, and diminished future earning potential – mostly items with a direct bottom-line impact. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more akin to intangible damages but still affect the individual’s life, such as anxiety, pain, and emotional distress.
Choose Our New Haven Dog Bite Lawyers for Your Case
Our legal experienced New Haven dog bite attorneys at Weber & Rubano will stand by your side to fight for your justice. Rest assured, in your time of need, we never take any compensation in your case unless we get you a successful verdict or settlement. Contact us now for your free, no-obligation case review today.