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Dogs can be lovely companions for owners, and many of them are friendly to strangers. However, dogs are still animals, and unfortunately, many people have been bitten by dogs, whether they have had a history of aggression or not. Connecticut offers protections for victims of dog bites. When someone has been bitten by a dog, they may be able to recover compensation, and a Hartford dog bite lawyer can help them do so.
Louis Rubano and R.J. Weber III founded Weber & Rubano, LLC, with Hartford and the surrounding Connecticut communities in mind. Licensed to conduct civil and criminal trials throughout Connecticut, our firm’s attorneys and support staff have more than 75 years of legal experience.
Whether your case involves dog bites and personal injury, wrongful death, or medical malpractice, the Hartford personal injury attorneys at Weber & Rubano, LLC, can work with you to provide clear, cost-effective, and aggressive representation so Hartford residents have a trusted and dedicated advocate in their corner.
Hartford is no stranger to dog bite incidents. In 2023, the city reported a high number of dog-related injuries, leading to increased scrutiny and improvements in local animal control policies. These statistics highlight the need for dog owners to be aware of local leash laws and regulations.
Since 2023, West Hartford has received over 100 calls about roaming dogs, with 64 involving bites to humans or other dogs by unleashed dogs. The average settlement for a dog bite claim is $64,555.
Dog keepers and owners are strictly liable under Connecticut law for injuries caused by their pets. This implies that regardless of whether the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous, they are still liable for any damages that result from a dog biting someone. However, there are some exceptions, including:
Connecticut also has a presumption that a child under seven years old could not have provoked the dog, with the burden of proof being on the defendant.
In Hartford, dog attacks and bites frequently take place in parks, on residential streets, or close to nearby establishments, resulting in significant injuries, including:
When filing a claim, it is important to know the extent of your injuries, making note of both the financial burden, such as through medical bills, and the emotional impact, such as your child having nightmares, being unable to sleep, or developing a heightened fear of animals. Your attorney can fight for compensation for these damages.
In the city of Hartford, Connecticut, dog owners who permit a dog to bite or attack a person can be held liable under Connecticut state law. Hartford Animal Control can seize the dog and order the owner to use restraint or take other measures to prevent the dog from repeating its behavior.
Dog owners who do not want to comply with an animal control order can schedule a pre-appeal hearing with Hartford Animal Control, followed by a court hearing in Hartford Superior Court to appeal the decision. Dog owners who disobey the orders may be guilty of a misdemeanor.
However, for owners who are extremely negligent, the penalties are much greater. If a vicious dog escapes from its owner’s property, gains freedom, and injures someone, the owner faces at least a $1,000 fine and a potential six-month jail sentence.
When you hire a dog bite lawyer, this increases your chances of your rights being protected and receiving full compensation for your injuries. It can be challenging to work through Connecticut’s strict liability laws, local ordinances, and Hartford’s own rules and procedures, such as those in the Hartford Superior Court.
A Hartford dog bite attorney can thoroughly investigate dog bite cases, collect evidence from Hartford hospitals, like Hartford Hospital or Saint Francis Hospital, and negotiate with insurance companies. Your attorney operates as both your legal professional and advocate, using their local Hartford knowledge to secure your highest settlement amount while allowing you to heal without stress.
If your dog bites someone in Connecticut, you will be held financially responsible for any injuries that occur as a result. Your local animal control office will probably investigate and order whatever action is needed to protect the public. A victim can file a personal injury claim to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs. In some cases, a claim can be filed at the Hartford Superior Court if a settlement cannot be reached.
The timeframe for reaching a dog bite settlement can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case. Cases where liability is clear-cut and both parties are motivated to settle quickly may reach a resolution in a matter of weeks. However, if there are disputes over the extent of injuries, property damage, or insurance coverage, the process can take longer.
The amount of a dog bite award depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Victims in Connecticut can recover damages from the dog owner or keeper and sometimes other liable parties. An attorney can calculate economic and non-economic damages to make sure that your claim accurately represents the losses you have incurred.
The settlement negotiation process for a dog bite claim requires you to document your injuries, gather medical records and bills, and provide evidence of liability under Connecticut law. Your lawyer typically handles all communications with the insurance company. The attorney advises you to accept a final settlement when they are confident that your financial and emotional losses will be properly compensated.
Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, but you do not have to handle the resulting financial burden alone. Weber & Rubano, LLC, can help. Contact us today for a consultation.