Animal Injuries
Bitten by a dog? Injured by an animal? Dog bites are probably the most common claim for injuries caused by animals. These injuries happen more than they should, often to children. Dog bites can cause infection or permanent scarring. Some victims may have to undergo a painful series of vaccinations against rabies.
You may not need any evidence of prior bad behavior by the dog to seek compensation for a dog attack in Connecticut. Connecticut has a statute that imposes a form of strict liability upon the owner or keeper of the dog. The owner or keeper is responsible for injury caused by the dog regardless of whether or not there was any prior evidence that the dog had a tendency to bite. The owner or keeper is liable as long as the victim was not committing a trespass, or tort, and was not teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. The statute, Section 22-357, applies to a variety of injuries or damages inflicted by dogs and is not necessarily limited to biting.
However, Connecticut's strict liability statute for injuries caused by dogs may not apply in all situations. There may be times when a negligence claim is made also, or instead. Some negligence claims may require proof of the dangerous tendencies of the dog. Sometimes, a landlord may have been negligent in allowing a dangerous dog to roam his premises, even a dog owned by someone else. Depending upon the facts, we may be able to pursue a negligence claim in such situations.
Other Animal Injuries
If you have been bitten by a cat, horse, or other animal not covered by the statute, it may be possible to prove a negligence claim against the owner or keeper of the animal, depending upon the circumstances.
We have also handled claims arising from harm caused by domestic or farm animals, such as dogs, cows and horses, who may escape a fence and wander onto the road, causing a motor vehicle accident.
Call us at 800.344.5297 or contact us online to discuss your legal options regarding your dog bite or animal injury. No cost. No obligation.
