ManchesterDog Bite Attorney

A dog attack can leave you with serious injuries, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma that lasts a lifetime. Your Manchester dog bite lawyer with Tehrani Law Group, P.C. is here to fight for the compensation you deserve while holding the negligent dog owner accountable. With over $5 million in damages recovered, our Manchester, CT personal injury attorneys are ready to take on your case, so call now for a free consultation.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Manchester?

Liability in a dog bite case depends on who owned or had control of the dog at the time of the attack. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means that owners cannot argue that they were unaware of their pet’s aggressive tendencies. The owner is responsible for damages even if the dog has never previously bitten anyone or has had a history of aggression. This means that if you were bitten without provoking the animal and were lawfully on the property where the attack occurred, the owner is responsible for your injuries.

In some cases, additional parties may be held accountable for a dog bite. If a landlord knew that a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action, they may share liability. Similarly, pet sitters, dog walkers, or others responsible for controlling the animal could also be held liable if their negligence contributed to the attack.

Dog bites happen for a variety of reasons, but many attacks could be prevented with responsible pet ownership. Some dogs become aggressive due to fear, while others react instinctively to perceived threats. The following are some of the most common causes of dog attacks:

• Lack of proper training – Dogs that do not receive consistent training may not respond well to commands or social situations. Without proper behavioral guidance, a dog may lash out aggressively when confronted with new people or environments. Responsible training helps establish boundaries and reduces the likelihood of unpredictable reactions.
• Failure to leash the dog – A loose dog may feel territorial and react aggressively when approached. Leash laws exist to prevent uncontrolled interactions that could lead to injuries. An owner who ignores these laws may be held responsible if their dog attacks someone.
• Territorial behavior – Some dogs instinctively guard their home, food, or owner, which can lead to aggressive reactions. A dog may perceive a visitor or passerby as a threat, even if no harm is intended. Owners must recognize and manage territorial aggression, especially in public spaces.
• Fear or anxiety – Loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar environments can cause a dog to react defensively. A frightened dog may bite if it feels cornered or overwhelmed. Early socialization and exposure to different settings can help reduce fear-based aggression.
• Past abuse or neglect – Dogs that have been mistreated may be more likely to bite, even without provocation. A history of abuse can make a dog unpredictable, increasing the risk of aggressive behavior. Owners who adopt rescue dogs must take extra precautions when introducing them to new people.
• Pain or illness – Dogs experiencing pain from an injury or medical condition may react aggressively when touched. Health issues such as arthritis, infections, or untreated wounds can make a normally calm dog more irritable. Regular veterinary care can help prevent pain-related aggression.
• Lack of supervision around children – Children often do not recognize warning signs that a dog is feeling stressed or defensive. Some dogs may react negatively if a child pulls their ears or tail or gets too close while they are eating. Supervising interactions and teaching children how to behave around dogs can help prevent serious injuries.
• Protective instincts – Some dogs instinctively guard their owners, property, or personal space. If a dog perceives someone as a threat, it may react with aggression to defend what it considers its territory. Training and controlled exposure to social situations can help redirect these instincts into non-aggressive behavior.
• Roughhousing or aggressive playing – Some dog breeds are naturally high-energy and are not able to control themselves. Dogs cannot always control their energy and may bite, thinking it’s normal play. If the owner played too rough with the dog while it was growing up, it may not have enough control over how aggressive it can be when playing with other individuals. 

Dog attacks can cause serious physical injuries and emotional distress, often requiring medical treatment and long-term care. When an attack happens due to an owner’s negligence, holding the responsible party accountable may help prevent future incidents. Proper training, supervision, and adherence to leash laws are essential in reducing the risk of dog bites.

Injuries to Children from Dog Bites

Children are at a higher risk of suffering severe injuries in dog attacks due to their small size and inability to defend themselves. Bites often occur on the face, neck, and hands, leading to permanent scarring or damage to muscles and nerves. A child who is attacked may require reconstructive surgery and ongoing psychological support to recover from the trauma.

The emotional effects of a dog bite can impact a child’s social development and ability to feel safe around animals. Some children develop lasting anxiety that interferes with daily activities, including fear of outdoor play and interactions with pets. Medical treatment for pediatric dog bite injuries often includes counseling to address the psychological effects of the attack.

Medical Treatment and Recovery After a Dog Bite

Immediate medical care is essential after a dog bite to prevent infection and assess the severity of the wound. Deep lacerations may require stitches, while crushed tissue or torn muscles could require surgery. In some cases, victims must undergo rabies vaccinations or tetanus shots if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.

Infections and Complications from Dog Bites

Dog bites introduce bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of infection if the wound is not properly cleaned and treated. Some of the most common infections associated with dog bites include cellulitis, abscesses, and sepsis. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus, and fever may indicate an infection that requires medical intervention.

In some cases, dog bites can transmit serious diseases, including rabies and tetanus. Rabies is a fatal viral infection if left untreated, making post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary if there is any uncertainty about the dog’s vaccination status. Tetanus can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, requiring a booster shot if the victim has not been recently immunized.

Owner Responsibility for Repeat Offenders

Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets do not pose a danger to others, especially if the dog has previously shown signs of aggression. If a dog has bitten someone before, the owner may be required to take additional precautions, such as using a muzzle in public or keeping the dog confined in a secure enclosure. Failure to follow these precautions can result in increased liability if another attack occurs.

Repeat offenders may be classified as dangerous under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-364, which prohibits owners from allowing a dog to roam freely if it has previously bitten or attacked someone. Violating this statute can result in fines, liability for damages, and, in some cases, the forced removal of the animal. Your Manchester dog bite attorney with Tehrani Law Group, P.C. will do everything possible to hold negligent dog owners accountable for repeated attacks and potentially help prevent future injuries.

Consequences for Owners of Aggressive Dogs

Owners of aggressive dogs may face legal and financial consequences if their pet injures someone. Civil liability can include covering the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Connecticut’s strict liability law holds owners responsible for damages even if they were unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies.

In some cases, criminal charges may apply if an owner’s negligence contributed to the attack. Allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely, ignoring prior warnings, or failing to secure a pet properly can result in penalties. The severity of the charges depends on the extent of the injuries and whether the owner violated any existing animal control regulations.

Beyond legal penalties, owning a dog with a history of aggression can lead to restrictions or forced removal of the animal. Some jurisdictions require owners to register their dogs as dangerous and comply with strict containment guidelines. Failure to meet these requirements can result in additional fines or legal actions to remove the dog from the owner’s custody.

How to Maximize Compensation After a Dog Bite

Filing an Insurance Claim Against the Dog Owner’s Policy

Most dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. Many insurance policies cover dog attacks, providing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. However, some policies exclude coverage for certain breeds, and insurers may attempt to deny or minimize payouts to reduce their financial liability.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If an insurance claim does not result in a fair settlement, you may pursue compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner. In Connecticut, dog bite cases fall under strict liability laws, meaning that the owner is responsible for damages even if they were unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, our dog bite attorneys in East Hartford, CT must prove that you were lawfully on the property where the attack occurred and did not provoke the dog.

The burden of proof in a dog bite lawsuit is based on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that you must demonstrate it is more likely than not that the owner is liable for your injuries. Under the legal statute, dog owners are held strictly liable for damages unless you were trespassing or provoking the animal. Strong evidence, including medical records, photographs of injuries, eyewitness accounts, and any prior reports of the dog’s aggression, can help build a compelling case and maximize your compensation.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

A dog bite can leave you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills. If you had to miss work, undergo surgery, or deal with lasting psychological effects, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The following types of damages may be available based on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, wound care, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working or required extended recovery time.
• Pain and suffering for the physical pain, nerve damage, and lasting discomfort caused by the attack.
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and the psychological impact of a severe dog bite.
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement that may require cosmetic procedures or affect self-confidence.
• Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your ability to work.
• Property damage for torn clothing, broken medical devices, or other personal belongings damaged in the attack.
• Punitive damages in cases where the dog owner acted recklessly or ignored previous warnings about their pet’s aggression, as permitted under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-240b.

Recovering compensation after a dog bite often involves negotiating with insurance companies and proving the full extent of your injuries. Medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert evaluations can help establish liability and strengthen your claim. If the dog owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack, you may be entitled to additional damages to hold them fully accountable.

A dog bite injury can lead to costly medical treatment, lost wages, and psychological distress, but you should not have to bear these burdens alone. Your Manchester dog bite lawyer with Tehrani Law Group, P.C. will build a powerful case to demand full compensation from the responsible party. Call our office or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about your opportunities for legal recourse.