New Haven Dog Bite Lawyers

Helping Victims of Dog Attacks Recover Compensation

Dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family and are one of the most popular pets in American households. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 68% of U.S. households owned some sort of pet in 2016, and among those pets were over 90 million dogs.

However, this also means that dog bites aren’t uncommon. Even the most docile dogs can snap under certain circumstances and cause serious injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bites each year.

If you or someone you love, like your child, has been injured by a dog, their owner may be held liable for damages. Our New Haven dog bite attorneys can assess your case and determine how much compensation you’re able to secure by filing a personal injury claim. At Action Law Group, we don’t just believe in justice – we fight to make it a reality for families like yours.

If you or your child has suffered from a dog bite, call our team at (203) 439-3143, or contact us online. Through a free consultation, we can learn more about your needs and you can learn about how our team of New Haven dog bite lawyers can help.

Common Injuries Sustained from Dog Bites

While many people associate dog bites with minor scratches and bruising that heal within days, the reality is that dog bites can in fact be serious and require extensive medical treatment. Of the 4.5 million dog bites that are reported every year, 825,000 of the bites are severe enough to require medical attention. Injuries can vary depending on the nature of the attack, such as how aggressive the dog is and where they bit you.

Common dog bite injuries include:

• Punctures, which occur when the dog’s teeth pierce your skin, heightening the risk of infection
• Infections, which can come from bacteria in the dog’s mouth as well as bacteria or germs on your skin
• Rabies, which is rarer but still contributes to 50,000 deaths per year
• Crushing injuries that occur in attacks involving large dogs, which can result in broken or fractured bones
• Scarring that may require skin grafts or laser therapy
• Nerve damage, which occurs when the bite is so deep that it extends into the nerves and can lead to loss of functional abilities and even paralysis
• Tetanus, which can occur from environmental factors that reach the open wound

In some extreme cases, dog bites can lead to death. This is why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel that your injuries aren’t that serious. Some dog bites can become infected over time and cause major damage to your health if you don’t seek help.

How Much Compensation Can You Get For a Dog Bite?

Depending on the details of your dog bite case, you can get anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 in compensation for your injuries. This includes damages such as:

• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering

Some dog owners attempt to avoid liability by claiming that the victim provoked the dog – having an attorney on your side can help to refute this argument if you didn’t play any role in causing the attack.

Who is Most Susceptible to Dog Bites?

Some of the most common victims of dog bites are children. There are several reasons for this, one of the most notable being that children are more likely to intrude on the territory of dogs and not understand when a dog is exhibiting signs of distress or aggression.

Dogs will commonly lash out and bite when they are territorial over their space, food, and toys, when they are anxious or scared, or when they’re in pain. While some adults have the common sense to understand when to leave dogs alone, kids don’t have this social knowledge. Additionally, kids tends to be louder and more energetic than adults, which can overstimulate dogs.

New Haven Dog Bite Lawyers FAQ

1. What should I do if I’ve been bitten by a dog in New Haven?
If you've been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Document the incident by taking photos of the injuries, gather information about the dog and its owner, and report the bite to local authorities. Afterward, contact a dog bite attorney to explore your legal options for compensation.

2. Can I file a claim if the dog that bit me didn’t have a history of aggression?
Yes, you can still file a claim. In Connecticut, dog owners are held strictly liable for bites, meaning that even if the dog has no prior history of aggression, the owner may still be responsible for injuries caused by their dog.

3. What compensation can I receive for a dog bite injury?
Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other expenses related to your injury. Depending on the severity of your injuries, dog bite settlements can range from $30,000 to $50,000 or more.

4. What types of injuries can result from a dog bite?
Common injuries from dog bites include puncture wounds, infections, rabies, broken bones, scarring, nerve damage, and tetanus. In severe cases, dog bites can lead to death or permanent disability.

5. Are children more likely to be bitten by dogs?
Yes, children are particularly susceptible to dog bites because they may not understand when a dog is showing signs of distress or aggression. Children are also more likely to approach dogs in unsafe ways, leading to higher rates of attacks.

6. Can a dog owner claim that I provoked their dog to avoid liability?
Yes, some dog owners may try to argue that you provoked the dog to avoid responsibility. However, having a skilled dog bite attorney can help refute these claims by proving that you did not contribute to the attack.

Contact the Attorneys at Action Law Group Today!

When dog bites occur, the injured individual can file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. Owners have a responsibility to keep others around them safe, both when they’re in public and in their own homes.

Owners are just as responsible for injuries that occur to guests in their backyards as they are for injuries that occur on daily walks around the neighborhood. Dog owners are often encouraged to socialize their dogs with other dogs, animals, and people, and to properly train them to avoid putting others in danger.

You don’t have to go through this time alone. Our New Haven dog bite attorneys at Action Law Group can stand by your side throughout your case when you call us for a free consultation at (203) 439-3143.