Even the friendliest dog can bite in the right circumstances, causing substantial harm to children and the elderly. A Connecticut dog bite lawyer from Tehrani Law Group can help.
Let’s explain what the protocol is after a dog bite in Connecticut. We’ll also cover some important legal considerations when you’re hurt.
The 4 Essential Steps Following a Connecticut Dog Bite
Here is what to do after a dog bite:
- Get to Safety Immediately: Get as far away from the animal as possible inside a building, vehicle, or fenced area.
- Seek Emergency Medical Care: If the injuries are severe, call 911. If you can drive yourself or the victim to a hospital, get them to an ER for immediate treatment.
- Collect Evidence: If possible, take photos of the animal, the environment, your injuries, and anything else that shows what happened. Ask the owner for their contact and insurance details.
- Report the Bite: Contact the police or Animal Control Officer (ACO) in your town and describe the incident. Include the information you gathered about the owner and where the bite occurred.
As part of the protocol after a dog bite, you should get immediate treatment, as dogs can carry infection-causing bacteria in their mouths or diseases such as rabies. Keep copies of your medical records, photos of your injuries, and official reports. You can share these with your attorney when discussing dog bite legal steps in CT to help them build your case.
Who Do I Report a Dog Bite to in CT?
Contact your local police or the Connecticut Animal Control Unit. Include as much detail as possible when reporting a dog bite in Connecticut to create an accurate report that you can use if you file a legal claim.
Why the “Report” Step is Vital for Your Legal Claim
Reporting a dog bite in Connecticut within 24 hours is mandatory under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-358. This timeline allows authorities to secure the animal to prevent further harm. It also provides an official timeline and details of what happened to support a legal claim against the owner.
Dog Owners Are Held Strictly Liable for Bites and Attacks
Connecticut holds dog owners strictly liable under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357 for any injuries their animals cause to others. You don’t have to prove negligence, such as showing the owner knew the dog would bite or they failed to keep it properly restrained.
Reporting a dog bite in Connecticut gives you a strong foundation for filing a claim for medical bills and other losses through their homeowners’ insurance policy, even if the injury happened in a public area.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After a Dog Bite?
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584, you only have two years to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or other at-fault parties. Acting within this statute of limitations is a crucial part of what to do after a dog bite in CT, since you could lose your right to sue if you wait too long.
Should I Talk to the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company?
While you should report the incident to the insurance company, we recommend consulting with a dog bite injury attorney. A good lawyer can help you understand the legal steps to take in CT before recording a statement about the dog attack. This helps you avoid any mistakes that might jeopardize your claim.
Speak with a Connecticut Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today
If you don’t know what to do after a dog bite in CT, a Connecticut dog bite lawyer at Tehrani Law Group can answer your questions and discuss the steps you need to take next. We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure an appropriate settlement that pays your bills. For a free consultation, contact our law firm today.