Dog Bite Lawyer in Fairfield, CT

Being bitten by a dog can be one of the most traumatic and shocking experiences a person can go through.  You may be worried about scarring, infection, or worse.  At the Brill Law Group, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fairfield can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Should You Hire a Dog Bite Accident Lawyer in Fairfield?

You probably have many questions about your dog bite accident, we have answers.

In a nutshell:

• Connecticut law protects dog bite victims.
• Unlike most court cases where people fight tooth and nail (no pun intended) over who was at fault, in Connecticut, dog bite cases are simpler to prove.
• Personal injury lawyers typically charge a fee of 33.33% of your settlement proceeds when the case is over.
• The dog bite statute in Connecticut is called a “strict liability statute.” Under this law, a dog owner or keeper is liable for personal injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether they were negligent. This law is codified in Connecticut General Statutes Section 22-357.
• When looking for the right Fairfield dog bite lawyer, make sure the law firm is experienced in dog bite injury cases and communicates well with you.

Connecticut’s Dog Bite Statute

Under Connecticut law, owners or keepers of a dog are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog biting or attacking another person.  This is a powerful law for a Fairfield dog bite attorney to leverage in arguing for a personal injury settlement if you were bit by a dog.  There is one exception, however.

The “teasing, tormenting, or abusing” exception under Connecticut Law

The law will prohibit a financial recovery if a jury finds you provoked the dog by teasing, tormenting, or abusing it.  However, dog bite victims are not guilty of “teasing or tormenting” the dog if the victim is simply petting or playing with the dog in a friendly manner.

When a minor under seven suffers dog bite injuries, the law presumes that the minor was not tormenting, teasing, or abusing the dog. Thus, when a dog bites a minor, there is no exception for dog owners.

 

What you need to know about dog bite injuries in Fairfield.

The strict liability statute means that even if a person has the sweetest puppy in the world who has never hurt a flea, the owner is liable if the puppy bites a person even once. This isn’t a three-strikes rule; it’s “one bite and you’re out.”

 

Who pays for dog bite claims?

A crucial job of your Fairfield dog bite lawyer is to identify all insurance policies and other pots of money to recover from.

Homeowner’s Insurance

The most common pot of money to recover from is the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. Most homeowner’s policies have “liability insurance,” which covers the homeowner for negligence claims brought by injured parties. This includes dog bite injuries. If you were hurt in a dog bite incident, and the dog owner also owns a home, there is a good chance they have liability insurance coverage for a dog bite lawsuit.

What if my dog bites someone?

If you own a dog, you might be nervous about your liability in case your dog bites someone. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to insulate yourself other than to train your dog to never attack someone. Remember, even if you are a responsible pet owner and always leash your dog, the law does not care if you were careful or not. The standard is strict liability.

Common injuries from dog attacks

Dog bites can cause injuries that range from small bruises and abrasions to skin grafts, surgeries, scarring, and disfigurement. If the dog knocks you to the ground, you may suffer broken bones.

 

What is your dog bite claim worth?

Your dog bite case’s value depends on many factors. Like other personal injury cases, you will have a legal claim for medical expenses, lost income if you missed work, money for future medical bills, and pain and suffering emotional damages resulting from the attack.

An experienced Fairfield dog bite attorney will help you identify and prove your damages to the insurance company or in court.  If you suffered serious injuries, you have a right to seek out an experienced Fairfield dog bite lawyer who will negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

 

Fairfield Dog Bite Settlements Are Strictly Confidential

You may be worried about bringing a dog bite injury claim against a neighbor for fear of the community stigma.  This is completely normal.  No one wants to consider themselves “a suing type of person.”

But rest assured, with the right Fairfield dog bite attorney, the terms of your settlement will be absolutely 100% confidential regarding the amount and circumstances of the settlement.  A highly experienced Fairfield dog bite lawyer may be able to negotiate a favorable settlement without even filing a lawsuit.

 

How much are lawyers’ fees for a dog bite injury?

Fairfield dog bite law firms typically charge a contingency fee of 33.33% of your overall settlement proceeds. While the billboards and ads say “free consultation,” you will pay a fee to your lawyer once the case settles.  However, you should know that your final net proceeds from a dog bite settlement are tax-free.