Dog Bite Lawyers – Dog Attack In Norwalk CT? Personal Injury?

Injured By A Dog Bite in Norwalk, CT?

You’re not alone. About 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, and more than 80,000 receive medical attention from dog bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dogs, also known as man’s best friend, can make for the perfect companion for a family. Although most dogs are well-behaved and friendly, there are some instances in which these dogs may lash out or display signs of aggressive behavior. If the dog causes a personal injury, its owner may be legally responsible for damages. In 2017, 77 USPS workers were attacked by canines in Connecticut – 11 attacks occurred in Hartford, five in Bridgeport, four in Danbury, and three in West Haven.

In 2019, a 95-year-old woman in Connecticut died from her massive injuries, including “flesh, muscle, and tendon loss to her extremities,” after she was mauled by a 3-year-old Pitbull. In September 2020, April Capone, the former Democratic mayor of East Haven who was running a campaign for Connecticut State Senate, was mauled by a dog while going door-to-door talking with voters. She received 10 stitches and sustained a broken bone in her left hand, according to the CT Post.

If you and/or a loved one has been injured because of a dog bite in Norwalk, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lemberg Law are equipped to get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that dog bites can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in serious impacts on your health and finances; which is why you may need help as soon as possible.

Pursuing compensation for a dog bite may prove to be a complicated and exhausting experience, but we can help you. For 13 years, Lemberg Law has made legal representation a pain-free and easily accessible process. We have successfully recovered more than $50 million in damages for more than 25,000 clients across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.

You may be compensated for damages or losses associated with the dog bite injury, which can include but are not limited to:

• Medical expense reimbursements
• Payment of lost wages
• Compensation for future medical costs
• Payment for future earnings
• Damages for pain and suffering

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause serious damages, mainly because they usually involve the body parts that are most accessible, including the arms, legs, head, and neck. Untreated lacerations can lead to infections; nearly 1 out of 5 bites becomes infected, according to the CDC. Rabies can be transmitted; bone, tissue, tendon, and nerve damage could ensue. Psychological trauma from the attack can also affect the victim’s mental health.

Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are more likely to be severely injured. Dog bites can leave victims with a variety of minor and life-threatening injuries, or a combination of injuries, such as:

• Puncture wounds
• Broken Bones
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Lacerations
• Eye injuries
• Nerve damage
• Face injuries

Even if your injuries are initially treated properly, you may still end up with long-term chronic pain, permanent disability, or disfigurement.

2019 U.S. Dog Fatalities By Dog Breed

Why Do Dogs Attack?

• The need to protect: The dog may be protecting a toy, food, its resting place, an owner, or the owner’s property. They also may bite if they are defending their house if they think you are intruding. Actions, such as moving into a dog’s space, can trigger a bite from a dog who may not be socialized.
•  Pain and fear: Pain and fear are two large motivators for dogs to bite. These are natural experiences for both people and animals. A child can do something to provoke or frighten the dog (ex. a child has hurt or startled the dog by stepping on it, poking it or pulling its fur, tail or ears).
•  High Prey Drive: Some breeds have a high prey drive, which could cause them to attack on natural impulse. The dog’s herding predatory behavior could be triggered if the person is running around or screaming near the dog.
•  Threatening puppies: Pregnant dogs that have just given birth may be defensive if a stranger approaches the mother or the litter.

How Can You Prevent Dog Bites?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dog owners and bystanders can take the following precautions to ensure of safety of those who interact with dogs:

1. Socialize your pet with people and other animals while it’s a puppy.
2. Conduct responsible pet ownership, including proper training, regular exercise, and neutering or spaying your pet.
3. Educate yourself and your child about how and whether to approach a dog.

Avoid risky situations. Do not pet a dog if:

• The dog is not with its owner
• The owner doesn’t give permission to pet the dog
• The dog is on the other side of a fence
• The dog is sleeping or eating
• The dog is sick or injured
• The dog is growling or barking
• The dog is resting with her puppies or seems overprotective of them
• The dog is seeking time alone

What is the “Strict Liability” Dog Bite Law in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the dog’s owner is liable for injuries the dog causes—even if the owner had no of knowing that the dog could injure someone. Connecticut’s General Statues Sec. 22-357 states that a dog’s owner is liable for injuries a dog causes if:

• The dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person,
• The injured person was not trespassing, and
• The injured person was not “teasing, tormenting, or abusing,” such dog.

Connecticut’s dog statue also states that if a child under seven was injured by a dog, it is presumed that the child wasn’t trespassing or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time. The burden of proof falls thus falls on defendant, or in most cases the dog owner, to present evidence to counter this assumption.

FAQs about Dog Bites

What do I do after being bitten by a dog?

First and foremost, you should seek medical attention. Dog bites can lead to infection or other serious complications, even if it may seem harmless at first. After you receive medical attention, gather the contact information of everyone involved, including the dog owner and any witnesses to the attack. Take photos of your injuries and the place where the incident took place, and record testimonies from witnesses.

Should I see a doctor after the dog attack, even if I do not think I’m seriously injured?

You should definitely visit a doctor after getting bitten by a dog or any type of animal. While you may feel like the injuries are minor or not there, you could have injuries that may become serious if not treated. Seeing a doctor will also create medical documents that can serve as evidence if you do decide to peruse legal action.

How much compensation am I entitled to for being injured in a dog bite attack?

Liability needs to be established to seek compensation. In most cases, the person at fault is the dog owner. How much you receive in damages depends on a variety of factors, such as the sum cost of your injuries and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.

How much time to do I have to file a dog bite personal injury claim in Norwalk?

Under Connecticut law, you must file an injury-related lawsuit, including dog bite injuries, within two years of the date of the attack. If someone suffers a wrongful death, the two-year limit starts on the date of the victim’s death from their injuries. You should reach out to an attorney sooner, rather than later, in order to have plenty of time to build a strong case. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the entire process.