Dog bites are a public health concern throughout the United States. Dogs bite approximately 4.5 million people every year, and over 330,000 people are treated in emergency departments each year for dog bite injuries. Untreated dog bites can lead to serious infections, even when the bite itself seems minor.
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite or attack, recovering physically and emotionally from your injuries requires all your time and attention. At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, our Litchfield dog bite lawyer will be on your side to fight for your financial recovery during this difficult time. Our experienced personal injury attorneys offer free in-person and virtual consultations to injured individuals in Litchfield and surrounding areas.
The severity of a dog bite can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each incident, including the age and health of the victim, the breed of dog, the length of the attack, and the location of the bite. Not all dogs have the same bite force, so some bites cause more damage than others. Despite these factors, the typical injuries associated with dog bites include:
Children under 12 years old account for nearly half of dog bite victims, and people over 70 years old represent 20 percent of people killed by dog bites. Educating children on the safest ways to approach and interact with dogs may reduce the likelihood of attacks, but dog owners and keepers have legal responsibilities in Connecticut. A dog bite lawyer in Litchfield can provide guidance on Connecticut’s liability laws and help you hold the responsible party accountable for their dog’s actions.
Connecticut has a strict liability rule in place for dog bites. Typically, dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog had never been aggressive previously. Connecticut also has case law that allows people injured by a dog bite to hold owners or keepers responsible if they knew the dog had a propensity for vicious behavior.
There are exceptions to the state’s strict liability rule, including in situations where the dog bite victim was trespassing or if they provoked or abused the dog. Navigating cases that involve potential exceptions to holding the dog owner liable requires experienced legal representation.
It’s also crucial that you contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible because Connecticut imposes a strict statute of limitations on dog bite claims. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may only have two years from the date of the bite to take legal action. Our Litchfield dog bite attorneys will be able to help you determine your deadline for filing a complaint.
Dog bites impact the physical and emotional health of victims, and our Litchfield dog bite lawyer is dedicated to recovering fair compensation and holding the at-fault owner or keeper liable for their negligence. The lawyers at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have over a century of combined experience to reference when building a strong injury case for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
