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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC Victims who are unexpectedly bit and injured by a dog can suffer grave physical and emotional damages and can also suffer financial damages as well. For that reason, victims and their families should be aware of how the law protects them and the remedies that may be available to help them. Dog bite liability in Connecticut Connecticut dog bite liability law is described as strict liability. This means that the owner of a dog is responsible for the harm the dog caused regardless of if they know of the dog’s vicious propensities or were otherwise negligent. Dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites, attacks and injuries suffered by victims on property other than that of the dog owner. If the victim was trespassing at the time of the dog attack, or tormenting, teasing or abusing the dog at the time of the dog attack, the dog owner may not be liable for their damages. Dog bite liability law provides expansive protections for victims injured by a dangerous or aggressive dog. Even if the dog does not seem dangerous or aggressive, if it injures the victim, the dog owner may be liable for their damages. Dog attack victims can suffer physical injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and care. A claim for damages may help the victim recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional injuries. Being injured by a dog can leave physical and emotional trauma for the victim to deal with. Because of that, it is helpful for victims of dog attacks and their families to be familiar with the legal resources and protections available to help protect them.

On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC Dog ownership is an important responsibility. Ensuring the animal’s well-being both physically and emotionally is paramount. Yet, some owners are not as diligent as others who take their duties seriously, resulting in dogs running loose and potentially attacking people. Dog bite laws When it comes to dog bite laws in Connecticut, several regulations govern what happens should a canine attack someone. First and foremost, leashes are mandatory to prevent dogs from running freely around a neighborhood, an occurrence that is dangerous and illegal. Violations of the law will result in punitive measures against the owners. Loose dogs can terrify people, particularly small children. While many growl, others will attack and bite. The owner of the dog is liable for property damage or injuries. Should someone who feels threatened by a possible attack kill the dog, they will not face civil or criminal court consequences. Vicious dog laws are not about certain breeds more prone to attack. Those canines reside in that category when their owners’ have been convicted for not leashing the dog within the past year. Alleged “victims” who tease, torment, and abuse the dog will not lead to any action against the dog or owner. Consequences of attacks Following an attack, dogs are placed into mandatory quarantine in a public pound, veterinary hospital, or other location approved by the DOAg commissioner for 14 days. The “lockdown” is not about punishing the dog but ensuring that the animal does not have rabies and taking the opportunity to observe the dog’s demeanor before it is potentially released. However, certain circumstances could lengthen the time a dog is detained. Dog attacks go beyond physical injuries. Victims are left terrified of all breeds, with many developing a severe phobia of the animals. Holding owners accountable is essential to keep communities throughout Connecticut safe.

On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC People in Connecticut are no strangers to dog attacks. Almost five million people suffer from a dog bite every year according to the CDC, and out of those, nearly one million require medical care. When a dog that is usually tame lashes out and attacks someone, you may struggle with the motivation behind the sudden change in behavior. We here at the Adler Law Group, LLC strive to keep you in the know about things that may cause you danger. Discover a few of the reasons that may prompt a dog to attack without warning. Recognizing aggressive behavior Some canines are aggressive from the start, and others seem to get there without warning. Aggressive behavior in dogs is something that can come as the result of the environment, the way an owner raises the dog or something else entirely. Some of the signs of aggressive behavior in dogs include: Lunging Vicious barking Snarling Snapping Biting When the last incident occurs, the dog’s owner may wind up at fault. Reasons for aggression Some dog owners treat their pets like children, and as such, it may stand to reason that sudden aggressive behavior is alarming. A sudden change in mannerisms may signal a change in a dog’s biological makeup. Perhaps it is part of the aging process or something serious like a tumor or infection. Dogs may exhibit aggressive behavior temporarily if they believe their territory is in danger. They become frightened or frustrated and lash out at the threat. Encountering a dog’s aggression may result in an injury. Check out the resources on our website for further information dog bites.

On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC We have written a lot previously on this blog about the rights people have to seek and possibly be compensated for pain and suffering inflicted by another person’s pet dog, cat or other animal. That such means of recovery are available under the law is only right. The injuries that are caused by such attacks can require long-term medical treatment and result in serious physical disfigurement. There is also the possibility of psychological trauma to the victim. Any way you look at it, animal attacks can be devastating. If they happened because of negligence on the part of pet’s owner or keeper, they should expect to be held accountable. But what about those instances in which a beloved companion pet is left with a keeper and winds up attacked by another animal in the facility? Doesn’t the same notion of strict liability that holds owners and keepers in Connecticut legally responsible for any injury or damage done by animals in their charge apply? The answer is that it well might. It depends on the elements of the case and interpretations of the applicable laws. That’s why it’s always important to speak with an attorney who has a depth of experience in such cases. A case out of Rhode Island may serve as an example. A kennel owner in Providence is under the shadow of an order to close his boarding facility and he could also be required to pay a $15,000 fine. The penalties — the first under a new animal protection law in the state — stem from an incident in which one dog attacked another. The victim dog had to be put down. An investigation of the matter concluded that the animals hadn’t been under proper supervision and that the kennel’s license wasn’t valid because of a change in ownership. The current owner is appealing the closure order and he continues operating pending that appeal. If you’ve been the victim of an animal attack or lost a beloved companion animal due to the negligence by someone you entrusted with its care, you should make sure you know what your rights are for seeking recovery.