Dog Bite

If you've suffered injury as a result of a dog bite, you need support in seeking legal compensation for your injuries. The experienced and dedicated legal team at BBB Attorneys is here to help.

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Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers for Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield & Litchfield County Clients

Dog Bite Injuries Should Be Taken Seriously. Call Our Team Today.

When a person is bitten by a dog, it is fair to assume that the dog owner is liable for the damage that their pet causes. However, this is not always the case. Whether a person bit by a dog can collect damages depends on why the person was interacting with the dog and how that interaction took place. BBB Attorneys works with clients who have been bitten by dogs to understand their rights, evaluate the legal aspects of their claim, and to fight for fair compensation. Contact our experienced dog bite injury attorneys today to begin your claim.


According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is typically liable for a dog bite injury?

    n dog bite cases, liability for the injury typically falls on the owner of the dog. However, the specific circumstances surrounding the incident will need to be evaluated to determine liability. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer will allow us to assess the details of your case and determine who may be held responsible for the dog bite injury.

  • Can I seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages resulting from the dog bite?

    If you have suffered a dog bite injury, you may be eligible to seek compensation for various damages. This can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related losses. The specific compensation available will depend on the circumstances of your case. 

  • Is there a specific time limit for filing a dog bite injury claim in Connecticut?

    In Connecticut, there is generally a specific time limit of two years, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a dog bite injury claim. 

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Attorneys and paralegals are available 24 hours a day to answer questions regarding your potential case.

(203) 562-0900 or fill out this form to reach an attorney.

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What Happens Next?

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Once you complete the form with your name and contact information, it will be sent to the professionals at BBB Attorneys via secure connection.

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Within 24 business hours, one of our staff members will review the information submitted and call you regarding your case.

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When a representative from BBB Attorneys calls, you can expect them to follow up with additional questions that will help determine whether or not your case is viable. If it is, we will explain next steps in filing a claim!

Dog Bite Laws in Connecticut

Some states have enacted what are known as “one bite rules.” These rules essentially give a pass to dog owners for the first instance that their dog is violent. In order for plaintiffs to collect damages in these states, they must demonstrate that the dog owner knew that their dog had violent tendencies. This is the “one bite” that the dog owner can get away with. Connecticut has no such rule. CT General Statute 203-433-0689 governs when dog owners are liable for damages caused by their pets. In short, a dog owner is liable for any personal or property damage caused by their pet. This creates a duty to protect other people from your dog. This duty is the first of the elements required for a negligence claim based on dog bites.

Location Liability

There are two exceptions to the rule of liability, however. The first exception has to do with where the dog bite encounter took place. If the bite happens in public, the dog owner is certainly liable. However, if the bite takes place on the dog owner’s property, a Connecticut dog bite attorney must examine why the bitten party was there. Just like in many other personal injury claims involving injury while on another’s property, trespassers have few protective rights. For example, if someone cuts through a another person’s yard while walking through the neighborhood, they would be considered a trespasser. Therefore, the property only has a duty to not intentionally harm the trespasser. If a dog chases the trespasser and bites his/her leg, they would have a difficult time claiming damages since they had no legal right to be on the property. However, if a mailman enters the yard to deliver a package, he absolutely has a legal right to be on the property and thus can sue for damages.

Provoked Dogs

The second exception is if the bitten person was provoking the dog. This is open to interpretation, but verbal abuse or physically hitting the dog would certainly qualify. If the bitten person is under the age of seven, it is assumed that the dog was not being provoked. One other thing to keep in mind is the statute of limitations. Simply put, this is a time limit for a person to file a case in court. Connecticut Statute 203-433-0689 gives plaintiffs two years to file a claim for physical injury.

Insurance and Dog Owner Cooperation

If the dog owner doesn't have insurance or refuses to cooperate in a dog bite injury case, it can complicate the process of seeking compensation. However, there are still potential avenues to pursue. Here are a few possible courses of action:

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Personal Assets: If the dog owner is personally liable for the injury, their personal assets could be targeted to cover the damages. This may involve pursuing a legal judgment and exploring options for enforcing the judgment against the owner's assets.

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Homeowner's Insurance: Even if the dog owner doesn't have specific dog liability insurance, their homeowner's insurance policy might provide coverage for dog bite incidents. It's worth investigating if their policy covers such incidents and exploring potential avenues for compensation through the insurance company.

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Other Potentially Liable Parties: Depending on the circumstances, there may be other parties who could share liability for the dog bite injury. For example, if the dog bite occurred on someone else's property or under the supervision of a third party, they might also bear responsibility.

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Legal Proceedings: If all other options are exhausted, pursuing a legal claim through the court system may be necessary. This could involve filing a lawsuit against the dog owner to seek compensation for your injuries. However, the success and potential recovery may vary depending on the owner's financial situation.

How BBB Attorneys Can Help You

If you, or a loved one, has been bitten by a dog while in public or as a guest in someone’s home, BBB Attorneys are available to help. Dog bites can be quite serious causing cuts, broken bones and infections. Insurance companies can often deflect the issue claiming that you were on the property illegally or that the dog was provoked. Do not be taken advantage of. Our attorneys will work to protect your rights and fight for the compensation that you deserve. Time is of the essence, so contact us today.

Contact us today by calling (203) 562-0900 to discuss your case with an attorney. We offer free consultations and have offices statewide in Startford, West Hartford, North Haven, New Haven, Cheshire, Southington, New Milford, Simsbury, Waterbury, and most of the state of Connecticut.

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