When you’re bitten or hurt by another person’s animal, it can definitely be worth filing a dog bite lawsuit in Connecticut. Under the law, dog bite liability falls strictly onto the animal’s owner, making them responsible for any injuries or property damage their pet causes. You can file a claim against their property insurance, securing compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
A Connecticut dog bite lawyer from Tehrani Law Group explores whether it’s worth suing for a dog bite and helps you understand your options.
Why You Should Consider Suing After a Dog Attack in Connecticut
Minor bites can quickly turn into dangerous medical conditions, leading to substantial costs for your recovery. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) warns that dog bites can cause the following injuries:
- Crushed or broken bones, especially in the hand or foot
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Infections that can spread throughout the body
- Nerve damage, leading to loss of function and sensation
- Skin loss
- Loss of limb, especially in small children
- Severe facial damage in young children and infants
- Chronic pain
- Death
Will Suing My Neighbor Ruin Our Relationship?
While it may make things awkward if you file a dog bite lawsuit in Connecticut, you’re not really suing the individual. Instead, their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance covers dog bites. If the insurance company doesn’t pay, it’s them you’re suing for dog bite injuries, not your neighbor.
Can I Sue If the Dog Bite Was Minor?
If an injury is small, you may question whether it is worth suing for a dog bite. In fact, even minor types of dog bites can quickly lead to infections that affect your entire body. There may also be nerve damage or permanent scarring. This can be especially detrimental if the victim is a small child.
What Is the Deadline to File a Dog Bite Claim in CT?
If you are suing for dog bite injuries, you have just two years to do so under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584. If you don’t file a dog bite lawsuit in Connecticut before the statute of limitations expires, the court could bar you from seeking compensation.
The Average Payout for Dog Attack-Related Injuries
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that the average insurance payout for dog-related injuries in 2025 was $65,450. All claims nationwide totaled over $1.86 billion, with Connecticut ranking 4th highest in the number of recorded claims that year.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
You should get immediate medical care for any dog bite and follow your doctor’s orders for continuing treatment. You should also report the incident to local police and the Connecticut Animal Control Unit within 24 hours. Their report will support your claim against the owner’s insurance.
When you file your Connecticut dog bite liability insurance claim, you can demand compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. You can also request payment for your pain and suffering losses, including scarring and disability.
The Strict Liability Advantage: Why CT Victims Have a Stronger Case
Under § 22-357, owners are strictly liable whenever their dogs injure another person, regardless of whether the dog has a history of biting. Some states have a “one-bite rule” that allows owners to escape responsibility, but that’s not true for Connecticut dog bite liability cases.
The law requires owners to restrain their animals at all times, whether inside a home, a kennel, or on a leash. Owners are liable no matter where the dog hurts someone, no matter if they knew the dog would bite or not. You don’t need to prove the owner was negligent to file a claim or lawsuit.
Our CT Dog Bite Lawyers Are Ready to Help You
To receive compensation for a dog bite injury in Connecticut, you’ll file a claim against the owner’s homeowner’s insurance. If the company refuses to pay, you can sue for a dog bite to get the financial relief you need. A Connecticut dog bite attorney at Tehrani Law Group can guide you through this process. For a free consultation, contact our law firm today.