New Haven Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Dog bites can cause nasty injuries and mental trauma, and skilled legal help is necessary to handle these challenging cases. At Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC, we work hard to help you get the compensation you deserve after an animal attack in Connecticut.

Located in North Haven, our team at Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC has 150 years of combined experience and a reputation for good service. One of our lawyers, Kevin Walsh, has been selected for inclusion in Connecticut Super Lawyers for 15 years, with another lawyer, James Williams, also earning an AV Preeminent peer-review rating* through Martindale-Hubbell. We use our many resources to help injured people and their families, giving caring and substantial legal help.

Types Of Injuries From Dog Bites

Whenever a dog bite pierces the skin, there is a risk of various types of injuries, including: 

• Infection: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections that may require medical treatment. 
• Scarring: Bites can cause significant scarring, particularly on visible body parts like the face, arms or legs. 
• Psychological trauma: Victims, especially children, may suffer from psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need therapy to cope with the trauma. 

These injuries can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s physical and emotional well-being. 

Connecticut Dog Bite Laws

The Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) set the state’s primary laws and rules about dog bites. Here are the key points: 

• Strict liability statute (CGS § 22-357): Dog owners are responsible for any injuries their dogs cause, no matter how the dogs have behaved before. Victims don’t need to prove negligence. 
• Exceptions to liability: Owners won’t provide compensation if the victim was on their land without permission, breaking the law, or making the dog angry. The law assumes that children under age 7 weren’t trespassing or provoking the dog unless proven otherwise. 
• Quarantine and reporting: After a dog bite, you must report the incident to local animal control or the Department of Agriculture. Officials must keep the dog alone for 14 days to check for rabies. In severe cases, officials may order the dog to remain restrained or be put down. 
• Liability beyond owners: Liability can extend beyond the owner. For example, landlords may be at fault if they knew about a dangerous dog and did nothing. Anyone who keeps or cares for the dog may also be at fault. 
• Leash laws and control: Connecticut law requires dogs to be under control at all times. Local municipalities may have additional leash laws to ensure public safety. 

These laws protect victims and hold dog owners accountable for their pet’s actions. Understanding these laws can help victims seek compensation for their injuries. 

What Dog Breeds Cause The Most Injuries?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that dogs bite 4.7 million Americans yearly. Of these, 800,000 require medical attention, and an average of 16 fatalities result. A study examining documentation of dog attack fatalities over 20 years found the following breeds of dogs most likely to cause such incidents: 

• Pit bulls 
• Rottweilers 
• German shepherds 
• Husky-type dogs 
• Malamutes
• Doberman pinschers 

However, nearly any dog breed can bite or attack humans, including those known for their gentle nature, such as collies and cocker spaniels. 

What To Do After A Dog Bite

If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, it is vital to take the following steps: 

• See a doctor: Even if the bite looks small, it’s essential to see a doctor to stop the infection and record the injury correctly. 
• Report the incident: Inform local animal control or the police about the bite. This helps create an official record of the incident. 
• Gather information: Collect details about the dog and its owner, including contact information and vaccination records. 
• Document the injury: Take photographs and keep records of all medical treatments and expenses. 
• Consult an attorney: Contact a lawyer experienced in dog bite cases to discuss your options for seeking compensation. 

Following these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case. 

Why Choose Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC, For Your Dog Bite Injury?

There are several reasons to choose our firm for your dog bite injury case: 

• Decades of experience: Our team has 150 years of combined experience, with decades of experience handling dog bite injury cases. 
• Highly rated: Our attorneys have earned Super Lawyers and achieved AV Preeminent ratings. 
• Proven results: We have recovered millions for accident victims and have significant resources in helping injured people and their families. 

These factors set us apart and ensure you receive skilled and experienced representation. 

Contact Our New Haven Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Today

If you have suffered a dog bite injury or a family member lost his or her life in a dog attack, contact our premises liability law firm online or call us at 203-896-4631 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney. We are ready to aggressively pursue your claim for compensation and help you recover the damages you deserve. This includes covering medical expenses from emergency room visits, follow-up care, and any necessary plastic surgery. We also seek compensation for pain and suffering and other related costs.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.