East HartfordDog Bite Attorney

Dogs, while often cherished members of our families, can act unpredictably at times, especially when they feel threatened. Even dogs with gentle temperaments may react defensively, resulting in painful bites or attacks. Massachusetts law provides important protections for individuals injured by dog bites, allowing them to pursue financial compensation for their losses.If you are bitten or attached, a dog bite lawyer in East Hartford, CT can help you hold the responsible party liable for your injuries. The East Hartford personal injury attorneys at Tehrani Law Group are ready to fight for you. With our aggressive but approachable legal representation, we will do all we can to get you back up on your feet and hold negligent dog owners liable

Dog bites are a significant health concern to the public, with nearly 1,000 Americans requiring emergency care daily for serious injuries and over 12,000 hospitalized annually, according to nonprofit Dog Bite Studies. These statistics underscore the frequency and severity of dog bite incidents, highlighting the need for awareness and preventative measures. Dog bites, unfortunately, are a common occurrence, with millions reported annually in the United States. A significant percentage of victims require medical attention due to the potential for serious complications. 

In East Hartford, CT, and elsewhere, dog bites can result in a range of injuries, including:

• Puncture Wounds: Even seemingly minor punctures from a dog’s teeth require professional medical care due to the bacteria in a dog’s mouth, which can lead to serious infections if left untreated. Children, people with compromised immune systems, and the elderly are often at higher risk of infection.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Dog bites can cause deep cuts requiring stitches and potentially leading to scarring. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
• Fractures: The force of a dog bite, particularly from larger breeds, can cause broken bones, especially in vulnerable individuals like children and seniors. Arms and legs are particularly susceptible to fractures.
• Nerve Damage: The powerful bite of a dog can damage nerves which can cause pain, numbness, or loss of function.
• Facial Injuries and Disfigurement: Bites to the face can result in disfigurement and may require extensive reconstructive surgery.
• Infections: Bacterial infections from dog bites are a serious risk and can lead to significant health problems if not promptly addressed.
• Scarring: Dog bites often leave lasting scars, which can be both physically and emotionally distressing.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, dog attacks can cause psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a fear of dogs. Some victims may require ongoing psychological counseling to cope with these emotional scars.

No matter how you feel after a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately. Even small wounds can get infected, and other injuries could be present that you were not aware of. Seeking medical care can also be a vital record connecting your injuries with the incident that your dog bite lawyer can use to help establish your claim.

Children are especially prone to severe injuries caused by dog bites, and these incidents can have lasting physical and psychological consequences. Because of their size, children are often face to face with dogs, and bites to the face, head, and neck are more common than with adults. Children also are more likely to sustain serious injuries, including fractures, broken bones, damage to internal organs, bleeding, and infections. Emotional scars are common in childhood dog bite victims, including anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If your child was bitten by a dog or other animal, seek prompt medical attention for any wound, no matter how minor it appears. Children may require antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rabies shots, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Facial, hand, and foot injuries are especially prone to infection and should be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible.

Connecticut General Statute §22-357 forms the foundation of dog bite liability in the state, establishing a strict liability standard for dog owners. This means that a person injured by a dog bite does not have to prove the owner was negligent. Connecticut’s strict liability applies regardless of whether the dog has a record of aggressive behavior. While strict liability focuses solely on the fact of the bite, a third party might also be held responsible for a dog bite under Connecticut’s common law. However, unlike claims under §22-357, common law claims require proof of negligence by the defendant.

Some limited situations may occur where a dog owner may attempt to avoid responsibility. These defenses are often raised to prevent having to compensate the injured individual. Building a strong case of evidence with a dog bite attorney can help you correctly identify the responsible party in your dog case. 

Here are some common defenses raised by dog owners:

• Trespassing: A dog owner may not be liable if the injured party trespassed on their property. However, this defense does not apply if the trespasser is a child under seven years old. In these cases, the law assumes the child did not have criminal intent, and the owner may still be liable if they failed to restrain the dog or secure their property adequately.
• Provocation: Massachusetts law does not protect individuals who provoke a dog and are subsequently bitten. If the injured party teased, tormented, or abused the dog, they may be held partially or fully responsible for the incident. Similar to trespassing, this defense does not apply to children under seven.
• Lack of Custody: If the dog was under the care of a non-owner at the time of the bite (e.g., a dog walker, sitter, veterinarian, or groomer), the owner may not be held liable. If the owner was not present and unable to prevent the incident, they may not be held responsible.

Criminal Liability in Dog Bite Cases in East Hartford

Although most dog bite cases are handled under civil law, criminal charges can be filed in specific, more egregious circumstances. If a dog owner deliberately commands, encourages, or allows their dog to attack and bite someone, they may face criminal prosecution for actions such as assault, battery, or even aggravated assault, depending on the severity of the injuries inflicted. This is particularly true if there’s evidence suggesting premeditation or malicious intent on the owner’s part.

Beyond intentional attacks, the act of unleashing certain breeds or sizes of dogs on another person can also be considered a criminal offense. This could be classified as assault with a deadly weapon, as the dog itself is viewed as an instrument capable of causing serious bodily harm or death. Specific charges will depend on the details of the incident and the extent of the victim’s injuries. These criminal proceedings are separate from any civil lawsuit the victim might file to recover damages. Speak with the dog bite lawyers at Tehrani Law Group to determine if you may be able to pursue further charges.

Owner Responsibility Defined in Dog Bite Injury Claims

It is a common misconception that only bad dogs bite, but any dog can bite under the right circumstances. Dogs act with animal instincts–fear, pain, territoriality, protectiveness, or even just being startled can trigger a bite, regardless of breed or temperament. Often, these situations arise due to a lack of proper training, socialization, or responsible ownership. For example, a dog that has not been adequately socialized may react defensively to unfamiliar people or animals. A dog in pain may lash out if touched unexpectedly. A dog that feels threatened may bite to protect itself or its owner, even if unintentionally.

Leash laws and responsible dog ownership protect your dog as much as it protects others. A leash attempts to manage a dog’s interactions with the world and allows an owner to intervene if a situation starts to escalate. Negligent dog owners need to be held responsible for the safety and well-being of our communities. This encourages others in our community to provide their dogs with the care, training, and guidance they need to thrive while protecting those in our communities.

Dogs With Multiple Bite or Attack Records in East Hartford, CT

Connecticut law, while not explicitly addressing multiple bites in a single statute, incorporates common law principles and existing animal control regulations to address these situations. While the “one-bite rule” shields dog owners from liability for a first bite in many states, this protection is not granted in Connecticut. Our state imposes strict liability, meaning that any bite can be prosecuted with or without a history.

A dog’s prior bite history can impact the outcome of a subsequent incident by providing evidence of a negligent owner. If an owner knew their dog had bitten before and failed to take reasonable precautions, such as training or confinement, they could be liable for subsequent bites. A record of biting also increases the likelihood of a dog being classified as “dangerous” under Connecticut law, leading to stricter regulations, potential muzzling requirements, and even euthanasia in some cases. Animal control authorities may become more involved in investigating incidents and enforcing measures to protect public safety.

Multiple bite records significantly impact settlement negotiations and legal proceedings. While each case is unique, a history of biting strengthens the case against the owner. It increases the potential consequences for both the owner and the dog, including a higher risk of being deemed dangerous and facing liability.

How Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help Protect Your Rights

If you or someone you love was injured by a dog in East Hartford, CT, you may be entitled to compensation. A dog bite can lead to lasting trauma, requiring costly medical care, therapy, and treatments. Beyond medical expenses, you may also be able to recover damages for your suffering, as well as emotional distress. We can help you calculate the full extent of your losses, present and future, as well as the incalculable harm you have endured. 

When your attorney has calculated your losses and compiled a case of evidence to support you, they will send a demand letter for your personal injury claim. The insurance of the liable party will review your requests and likely attempt to negotiate with you in defense of their bottom line. Our lawyers will not back down in supporting you and providing you with fair compensation. Our case results, like our recent settlement of $300,000 for a dog bite injury, prove how we go above and beyond for our clients. 

Every situation is different and will vary in the amount you are able to collect, so be sure to speak with a personal injury lawyer from Tehrani Law Group today to learn more about the potential compensation we may be able to secure for you. Contact us today to discuss the incident and learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Is There a Deadline to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim in East Hartford? 

If you are pursuing compensation for a dog bite incident, you need to get started sooner rather than later. Connecticut law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the incident or risk forfeiting your right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost pay, and distress. 

Do not delay – gathering evidence, finding an attorney, consulting with them, and initiating legal proceedings can take time. Protect your rights and ensure you have the optimal chance of recovering the damages you deserve by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney quickly after a dog bite incident.

Understanding Your Needs: Dedicated Dog Bite Representation

A dog bite can be a traumatic experience, regardless of age. At Tehrani Law Group, we understand the nature of these incidents and the challenges they can present. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to dog bite victims in East Hartford, Connecticut. We believe that every case is unique, so we will take the time to understand your specific circumstances, tailoring our strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

At Tehrani Law Group, you are more than just a case file. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help you on your path to recovery. You do not pay anything unless we win.