Sustaining a dog bite can leave victims suffering painful injuries, emotional and psychological trauma, and mounting medical debts. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Connecticut, understanding Connecticut dog bite laws is essential.
Whether you were attacked in Stamford or your child was bitten on a walk in Norwalk, the attorneys at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC are here to help hold the dog’s negligent owner liable for your damages.
Understanding Owner Liability in CT Dog Bite Accidents
The state of Connecticut follows a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. This means that all dog owners bear the full liability for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of any negligence or fault. The only exceptions to this rule are present if the victim of the attack was trespassing, teasing, or tormenting the dog at the time of the attack, unless that victim is a child.
Some states in the U.S. operate under a “one-bite rule”. Connecticut does not. Instead, the dog does not have to have any prior history of biting or attacking in order to be considered dangerous. Unless you are an adult who has trespassed or was teasing or tormenting the dog in question, the owner of the dog is liable for all economic and non-economic damages you sustained as a result of the attacking animal.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Connecticut
In the United States, 53% of households in 2025 owned a dog, and $1.9 million was spent on dog-related injuries for homeowners’ insurance. When it comes to holding an owner liable for their dog, it is important to understand the extent of your injuries. Common dog bite injuries include:
- Abrasions. These are superficial wounds that are typically not too serious and can usually be treated at home. However, you might want to get medical attention if the skin is broken to make certain you don’t come into contact with any possible infections.
- Lacerations. In some dog bite cases, the injuries can be deep and affect not just the victim’s skin, but also their muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. These injuries are more severe, and you need medical attention right away, as you could find yourself in need of stitches.
- Infections. In dog bite cases, infections are all too common. Many of these infections come from the bacteria growing in the dog’s mouth. It is important to seek medical attention right away if you are noticing any pain, swelling, redness, or pus in and around the site of your wound.
- Punctures. When a dog’s teeth pierce your skin, you can suffer serious puncture wounds. While these wounds can be smaller than lacerations, they can go deep and increase the risk of infection. It is crucial to seek medical attention in these cases, even if you are not bleeding profusely.
- Rabies. The worst infection you can get from a dog bite is rabies. While there are fewer than 10 rabies deaths reported a year in the U.S., a bite from a rabid dog can be fatal if not treated right away. If you are bitten by a dog, it is important that you get the dog’s vaccination record. Rabies symptoms can include confusion and aggression, muscle spasms, difficulty speaking, a sensitivity to bright lights, and paralysis.
About Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
With over 150 years of combined legal experience, the team at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC is here to serve you today. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones, especially in cases where a child has been injured. We take this time to get to know you and your situation, and we do everything in our power to seek the case outcome and results you deserve. You can trust our team to protect your rights to fair compensation and justice.
FAQs
How Much Compensation Can I Get in a Dog Bite Case in CT?
In a dog bite case in Connecticut, the amount of compensation you may be able to recover is highly dependent on the severity and extent of injuries suffered. In most cases, you can expect to recover some combination of medical bills, lost wages, future lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional and psychological damage, and punitive damages.
What Do I Do If a Dog Attacks My Child?
If a dog attacks your child, there are a number of actions you need to take. First, get your child to safety and call 911. Because of the height of most children, they are usually at face level with dogs, making the injuries they sustain more severe. It is also important that you get the dog owner’s contact information and the vaccination records of the attacking dog.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost to Hire?
To hire a dog bite lawyer in Connecticut, the costs can vary from lawyer to lawyer and from case to case. There are a number of factors that can affect the costs involved as well, including the duration and complexity of your case and the skill level, education, and experience of your lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers, however, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they won’t get paid unless your case is successful.
Is It Worth Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Yes, it is absolutely worth it to hire a dog bite lawyer. Your attorney is here to protect your rights to compensation, gather evidence on your behalf, and help you file your official claim. They can also help you avoid saying anything that might hurt the success of your claim, and then can seek a fair and full settlement on your behalf. If a settlement is not possible, they can take your claim to trial.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you are uncertain about what steps need to be taken after a dog bite in Connecticut and how to hold the dog’s owner responsible, you need to hire a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. The legal team at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC has the experience needed to handle even the most difficult and challenging of dog bite cases. We invite you to contact our firm today to learn more about our legal services and to schedule your free consultation.
