Dog bite? Attacked by an Animal? Get Help Now!
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in CT leave far more than just scars; victims are emotionally harmed as well as physically injured. Dog bites are the most common animal bites, and many Connecticut victims seek compensation for their injuries through the efforts of experienced Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorneys at the law firm of Bartlett & Grippe, LLC.
Our law firm handles many types of Personal Injury cases, including animal bites. Many cases involve dogs that have had a history of biting. There are ways to recover your injury expenses through legal procedures, including lawsuits. We look at all the facts, bring in expert witnesses, and talk with veterinarians and neighbors who may have knowledge of the incident. We do all we can to support our clients, so they reach their goal of justice.
Dog bites and other animal attacks are very painful and scary. If the animal is not caught and examined, the victim may need to undergo a series of painful rabies or other shots to avoid serious illness. Dogs should be restrained and not allowed to run free, especially if they have a history of biting. Our Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorneys understand the effects of animal bites and the expenses involved in treatments that might include surgery, reconstruction or amputation. We fight aggressively to get our clients the fair compensation they deserve.
We serve many communities across Connecticut. Our animal bite attorneys help local CT clients recover financially from treatment expenses and any rehabilitation needed. We represent children and adults in their legal pursuit of justice that results from dog bite and animal attack injuries.
When is a Pet Owner Potentially Liable for Injuries?
When a person is injured as a result of a dog bite or animal attack, they may be able to file a lawsuit. The plaintiff must prove the following elements to succeed in a dog bite or animal attack lawsuit:
- Causation: Connecticut law imposes strict liability for injuries that occur as a result of dog bites or other animal attacks. This means that a plaintiff must also prove that they have sustained an injury as a result of the dog bite or animal attack.
- Damages: The injury caused by the dog bite or animal attack must have caused either economic or non-economic damages. This means that property owners cannot be held liable unless the injured person incurred medical bills, lost wages, damage to their future earning capacity, or pain and suffering.
What compensation are you entitled to?
In personal injury cases, compensatory damages are awarded to compensate the injured person for the harm caused by dog bite or animal attack. Compensatory damages attempt to make the victim “whole” again and provide financial compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Also known as actual damages, economic losses that may be covered include:
- Medical expenses: These damages cover the cost of hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription drugs, assistive devices, and similar expenses. When an injury is severe or permanent, the personal injury victim may also be awarded compensation for future medical expenses.
- Lost wages: If you must take time away from work to recover from your injuries you may be able to collect compensation for lost wages.
- Loss of earning capacity: When a person is unable to earn the same amount of money as he or she did prior to their accident, they may be awarded compensation for a loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for pain and suffering typically compensate the victim for the physical pain caused by their injuries. These damages may also include compensation for emotional distress, which refers to the anxiety, depression, fear, frustration, and other mental sufferings that can develop as a result of an injury.
- Loss of Consortium: The spouse of the injured party may be able to recover compensation for the loss of marital benefits. Loss of companionship, sexual relations, affection, and comfort are among the compensable marital benefits. Loss of consortium damages is typically awarded in cases of life-changing or permanent injuries.
- Additional Damages May be Available: In the State of Connecticut, if an animal’s owner has knowledge of the animal’s dangerous propensities, or that the animal is prone to bite or attack, the owner may be held liable for punitive damages in addition to the damages available to compensate the victim for their injuries. The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe work hard to investigate the animal’s prior history, including researching veterinary records, town records and other resources to determine whether our clients may be entitled to additional compensation due to an animal owner’s recklessness.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by an animal and received physical, psychological or emotional injuries, our law firm offers the skilled legal representation you need. Contact our Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorneys at our Cheshire CT law offices for caring legal representation.