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Bridgeport Dog Bite Attorney

Dog attacks can be devastating for victims, eyewitnesses, and loved ones. When a dog attacks, the outcome is often both physically and emotionally scarring. A dog attack can affect a victim’s daily life, relationships, mental health, and ability to work.  In cases where small children are involved, the results can be even more devastating.

At The Flood Law Firm, we understand how serious dog and animal attacks can be. Our attorneys genuinely care about dog attack victims in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and are passionate about the pursuit of justice. Whether a pet owner’s negligence contributed to a violent dog attack or not, we can help you hold the pet owner responsible and secure compensation through their insurance policy. Our attorneys are ready to speak with you about your dog bite case today. Call (860) 346-2695 at any time or contact us online to receive a free initial consultation.

What Sets Our Bridgeport Dog Bite Attorneys Apart?

  • We do what’s best for our clients. We provide nothing less than top-quality legal representation.
  • We actually talk with our clients. Our lawyers are passionate about open communication.
  • We have the resources other firms lack. We handle cases exclusively in this practice area.
  • We provide custom-tailored legal solutions and aggressive representation to obtain the best possible outcome for injured victims.
  • We don’t charge for our services unless we succeed in securing the client financial compensation.

Why You Need an Attorney For Dog Attacks

Typically, compensation for injuries sustained in a dog attack will come via a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.  In most cases, victims will not be suing their neighbors directly. Dealing with an insurance company after a dog attack can be difficult. Insurance companies are designed to minimize clients’ payouts to profit the company. Properly handling your insurance claim and obtaining fair compensation takes help from an attorney.

Hiring a Bridgeport personal injury lawyer to handle your case is often enough to compel them to treat you fairly. Your lawyer will understand the insurance process and how to make sure your best interests are protected. You can focus on your health and healing while your lawyer deals with the red tape of a case for you.

Connecticut Dog Bite Laws

One benefit of hiring a lawyer is having a professional navigate Connecticut’s dog bite laws for you. This could mean an easier and more successful legal process. In Connecticut, someone injured by a dog attack can collect damages, in most cases. Connecticut imposes strict liability on dog bite owners for injuries they cause others. This means that a pet owner will be liable for injuries a bite causes if the victim wasn’t trespassing or teasing or tormenting the dog at the time of the attack. This statute also applies to injuries caused by a dog’s other behaviors, such as a dog jumping on someone and knocking that person over.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Bridgeport?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Bridgeport or anywhere else, it’s essential to take prompt and appropriate actions to protect your health and ensure that you have the necessary information for any potential legal claims. Here are steps to consider:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Clean the wound with soap and water as soon as possible and seek medical attention to prevent infection. Even minor bites can lead to serious infections.
  • Document the Incident: Take photos of the bite wound and the location where the incident occurred. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information. Document the details of the dog’s appearance and behavior.
  • Identify the Dog and Owner: Try to identify the dog and the owner. Obtain the owner’s name, address, and contact information. If the dog has rabies, this information will be crucial for your medical treatment.
  • Report the Incident: Report the dog bite to the local animal control or police department. Provide them with as much information as possible about the incident, the dog, and the owner.
  • Get Information from the Owner: Ask the dog owner for information about the dog’s vaccinations. Rabies vaccinations are especially important. If the dog is not up-to-date on vaccinations, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis may be necessary.
  • Obtain Witness Statements: If there were witnesses to the dog bite, ask them to provide statements about what they saw. Witness statements can be valuable in legal proceedings.
  • Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the incident, such as torn clothing or items damaged during the attack. These can serve as supporting evidence in a legal claim.
  • Medical Documentation: Keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses related to the dog bite. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
  • Consult an Attorney: If you believe the dog owner is liable for your injuries, consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases. They can assess the circumstances, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
  • Be Cautious with Statements: Be careful about making statements to the dog owner’s insurance company or anyone else without legal advice. Anything you say could potentially be used against you.
  • Keep Records: Maintain records of all correspondence and interactions related to the incident. This includes communications with the dog owner, medical providers, and legal professionals.
  • Consider Therapy: If the dog bite has caused emotional distress, consider seeking therapy or counseling to address the psychological impact of the incident.

Taking these steps can help you navigate the aftermath of a dog bite, protect your health, and gather the necessary information if you decide to pursue legal action. Consulting with an attorney early in the process can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific situation.

What Compensation Is Available for a Dog Bite in Bridgeport?

A dog attack can cause serious and life-threatening injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, facial injuries, brain injuries, bone fractures, and organ injuries. A lawyer could help you recover maximum compensation from an insurance company, including:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Losses of income
  • Property damages
  • Legal and court costs
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Psychological distress
  • Punitive damages

Discuss the value of your dog bite injury case with our attorneys today. We have the resources and experience to get maximum compensation for our clients no matter what an insurance company says. Before you accept a quick settlement from a claims adjuster, contact us to talk about your options. We can discuss your dog bite injury case in detail at no cost or obligation to hire us.

How Long Do I Have to Sue a Dog Owner in Connecticut?

In most cases, you have a maximum of two years from the date of your dog attack to file a lawsuit against a dog owner or their insurer in Connecticut. This time limit is known as the state’s statute of limitations. Your time limit could be longer or shorter, however, depending on the situation. You may have to file a notice of intent to sue ahead of time, for example. This is why it’s important to speak to a lawyer in Bridgeport about your dog bite injury case as soon as possible.

Contact a Bridgeport, CT Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today

After receiving medical attention, contacting a lawyer is one of the most important things you can do after a dog attack in Bridgeport, CT. A dog bite injury lawyer from The Flood Law Firm can explain your rights, investigate the attack, and help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and losses from the responsible party. Talk to our attorneys today. Call (860) 346-2695 or request a free consultation at any time.

Bridgeport Office

1087 Broad Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
P: 475-273-4100