Dog bites in Connecticut happen far too often. Fortunately, Connecticut has a statute, which imposes strict liability on owners and keepers of dogs if the dog injures another person.
Here is the “dog bite statute” – Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 22-257:
“If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or, if the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at that the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, was under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof shall be upon the defendant in such action.”
So what does strict liability really mean?
If the injured party was not trespassing, not committing a wrongful act and not provoking, teasing or tormenting the dog the owner (or keeper) is on the hook for injuries and property damage. The owner or keeper has no defense.
For a victim under age 7, it is even easier to bring a claim since it is assumed that the child was not acting inappropriately.
A dog bite victim may be compensated for all losses associated with the attack including medical bills, lost wages, scarring and plastic surgery.
In most cases, damages are paid by homeowner’s insurance company not by the owner of the dog. However, if there is insufficient insurance coverage a monetary judgment can be secured against the dog owner.
I represent clients throughout Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Contact me by email or by calling my Fairfield office at (203) 259-5251 or in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 to schedule a consultation.