New Haven Dog Bite Lawyer

New Haven Dog Bite Attorney

Connecticut has strict laws regarding animal control in general and dog bites, specifically. These laws are straightforward; if dog owners do not obey them, they will likely be held liable for any damages their animal causes. They could even lose their dog if it bites someone. Dog bite victims in New Haven have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, consult a New Haven dog bite lawyer to discuss your case.

Sorrentino Legal understands the frustration of dog bite victims. It can be especially difficult if you are an animal lover and/or the dog’s owner is a close friend or relative. Our professional legal team can approach the situation with compassion. A skilled animal attack attorney can secure a settlement to compensate for the losses you’ve suffered. Our New Haven dog bite lawyers can explain the laws and your rights within them. If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite, contact Sorrentino Legal for dedicated legal support.

New Haven Dog Bite Laws

Connecticut laws regarding dogs are established in the 59-page 2024 Edition of Dog Law in Connecticut. In summary, dog owners have a strict liability to ensure the safety of others around their dogs. Strict liability means that there is no question regarding liability. The owner is always responsible for their dog, so they are liable for any injuries and damages it inflicts on others.

It is also required by law that, if a dog bite victim shows visible physical signs of a dog attack, they must report the attack by making a formal complaint with the animal control unit in the town or region where the dog lives.

Connecticut law also requires any dog that bites someone to be quarantined for 14 days. Quarantine must take place in an animal hospital, a public pound, or a place otherwise approved by the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture.

After the 14-day quarantine, the commissioner will examine the dog to determine if the quarantine should continue. The owner of the dog is responsible for paying all fees associated with quarantine.

Alternatively, a Department of Agriculture animal control officer may require a biting dog to be restrained or put down. If this decision is made, the victim must be notified, and anyone objecting to putting the dog down can request a hearing with the commissioner within 14 days. The commissioner may then revoke, affirm, or modify their order.

Finally, failure to comply with Connecticut dog bite laws can result in criminal charges. The first offense is classified as a Class D misdemeanor and is punishable by fines of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail.

Owner Liability

If a dog bites someone, the dog’s owner is liable for any damages the dog bite caused, including physical damage to the victim’s body or their property. The only exception is if the victim was trespassing, breaking another law, or abusing, teasing, or tormenting the dog. However, children under the age of seven are exempt from this exception, which is important because children ages five through nine are the most bitten group; senior citizens are the second most commonly bitten.

A victim is exempt from civil and criminal liability for a dog’s death if they kill the dog during an attack in which they are bitten.

Don’t wait –  if your dog has bitten someone, call Sorrentino Legal immediately to understand your legal obligations.

Protect Others and Your Dog

Despite the harsh laws that Connecticut imposes on dogs who bite and their owners, New Haven is a dog-friendly town with four dog parks for dog owners to enjoy with their canine friends.

Dog parks in New Haven include:

• Edgewood Park Dog Park
• Union Street Dog Park
• East Rock Dog Park
• Fort Hale Dog Park

Some dog parks in Connecticut are even leash-free, though this should be confirmed before visiting such areas. Other than these specified areas where dogs can go off their leash, state law requires dogs to remain on their leash when anywhere else.

FAQs

Contact Sorrentino Legal After a Dog Bite

When a dog bite occurs, it’s important to act fast and follow all the steps required by Connecticut dog bite laws, exactly as they are required to be carried out. Speaking with a dog bite lawyer can often help you gain perspective on your case. A skilled attorney can provide legal advice and assistance when it’s needed the most.

Contact a New Haven dog bite lawyer at Sorrentino Legal to discuss your claim. We can take your case, protect your rights, and obtain the compensation you deserve for your personal injury.