
Madison Dog Bite Attorney
Many homes in Connecticut have dogs as pets, but ultimately, dogs are still animals and can bite or attack when you least expect it. Unfortunately, children are particularly at risk of dog attacks and serious injuries. A Madison, CT, dog bite lawyer can help you if you have sustained injuries from a dog bite.
Choose a Knowledgeable Madison, CT, Personal Injury Lawyer From Balzano & Tropiano
Our skilled team of dog bite lawyers at Balzano & Tropiano has nearly 50 years of experience helping injured clients recover losses after being attacked by a dog. Connecticut has strict laws regarding personal injuries caused by dog bites, but battling liability insurance companies can still be complex and difficult to handle without legal aid. Speaking with a Madison, CT, Personal Injury Lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. If you have been bitten, we encourage you call us to discuss your options.
Dog Bites in Madison, CT
Connecticut has strict laws and imposes strict liability on animal owners for any property damage or injuries their pets cause. In this case, the animal’s prior behavior is irrelevant, as long as the dog was not provoked prior to the attack. Victims can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering with the help of a Madison dog bite attorney.
Under Connecticut law, owners are responsible for injuries, bite or non-bite, unless the victim was trespassing, teasing, abusing, or tormenting the dog. These exceptions do not apply if the victim is under the age of seven. The dog must be quarantined for 14 days, and all bites should be reported to Madison CT Animal Control. Victims have two years from the date of injury to file a claim.
What to Do if You or Your Loved One Is Bitten by a Dog
If you are bitten by a dog in Connecticut, it is important to follow these steps:
- Record the dog owner’s name and contact information.
- Request proof of rabies vaccination.
- Report the bite to the Madison CT Animal Control on Campus Dr. or the police department.
- Seek medical care to treat your wound.
- Hire a dog bite lawyer.
Dog Bites and Children: Connecticut Animal Attack Statistics
Most victims of dog bites are children under the age of 12, and most fatal dog bites involve children. Children can run, jump, and move in quick, unexpected ways that can trigger a dog to bite without provocation.
Since 2011, four children have died from dog attacks in Connecticut, and two occurred back-to-back in 2024. These wrongful deaths involved children who lived with the dogs at the time, and they sustained injuries to their heads or necks, resulting in death. According to a study done by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, the youngest children are most at risk of dog bites, with 61.7% of bites inflicted on the head and neck, and most often by a dog living in their house.
Dog bites can be devastating, even more so when they involve small children. Our knowledgeable team can help your family receive justice after this cataclysmic event and help your child’s medical needs be met moving forward.
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FAQs
There is no set average settlement that you may receive for a dog bite claim in Connecticut; every case is unique and can result in different settlement amounts. Factors that will impact how much you receive are the severity of injuries, medical costs, negligence on behalf of the dog owner, and insurance coverage limitations. Some cases can lead to higher settlements if the injury resulted in long-term disability, permanent disfigurement, scarring, or death.
In most cases, it is very worth pursuing a claim after a dog bite in Madison, CT, because of Connecticut’s strict liability laws. The state makes dog owners responsible for injuries regardless of the dog’s past behavior. You can recover compensation if you can prove the owner was negligent and knew the dog was dangerous. Compensation can be denied if the victim was trespassing, taunting, or abusing the dog when the bite occurred.
The most common defenses for a dog bite claim in Connecticut are trespassing and provoking the dog. Since the state has a strict liability rule, the only exceptions are if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the bite. If the victim was under the age of seven, this exception does not apply since they cannot understand the risk of their actions.
At least initially, hiring a dog bite lawyer may cost nothing. Most dog bite lawyers, including our team at Balzano & Tropiano, work on a contingency-fee basis. This means we charge no upfront costs to represent you and are only paid once you receive a settlement. This contingency fee is most commonly a percentage of the final compensation amount. If your case is not successful, you do not need to pay attorney fees.
Hire a Madison, CT Dog Bite Lawyer From Balzano & Tropiano Today
If you or your loved one has been injured by a dog bite in Madison, CT, our team of attorneys can help you receive the settlement you need to move forward. Dog bites can be devastating and lead to serious injury or death. It is important that you or your loved one is taken care of and can afford the medical care you need.
For decades, our compassionate team at Balzano & Tropiano has handled cases involving dog bites. We understand how complex these cases can be, and we can help negotiate with insurance companies. We know that you will likely have many questions following this devastating event, but we can discuss your legal options and how to move forward during an initial consultation. Contact us today to learn how our dog bite lawyers can help you recover.