What happens when man’s best friend doesn’t live up to his friendly reputation? Here’s what you need to know about dog bite injuries in Connecticut.
Despite being almost universally loved, dogs are also a significant health hazard. According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 4.7 million dog bite injuries occur in the U.S. each year. About 800,000 of those bites require medical assistance. That means, in any given year, you have a 1-in-69 chance of suffering a dog bite so severe you require medical attention.
Why Dogs Bite
Dogs often bite because they are scared, stressed, startled, anxious or feel they need to protect their puppies or owners.
In other words, a dog bite is often a natural reaction beyond the animal’s control. While aggressive dogs exist — and present a serious problem — many dog bites are the result of human misbehavior or negligence.
While the idea of a “dangerous dog breed” is not supported by science, some breeds do bite more frequently than others. These frequent biters include:
- Bull terriers
- Bulldogs
- Chihuahuas
- German Shepherds
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Pekingese
Bite frequency isn’t always the danger, however. Bite force also varies considerably between dog breeds. Some of the dog breeds with the most forceful bites include:
- Cane Corsos
- English Mastiffs
- Kangal Shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Akitas
Connecticut Dog Bite Laws
In the state of Connecticut, dog owners are liable for injuries, deaths and/or property damage caused by their animals. There are two exceptions to this law: If the victim was trespassing, or if the victim was taunting, teasing or tormenting the animal.
Under state law, the owner does not have to be negligent or careless, or have any pre-existing knowledge that the animal was dangerous or aggressive, in order to be held liable.
However, there is a limit on how long a dog bite victim can wait before filing suit. Because of this requirement, it’s advisable to seek professional legal assistance if you’ve been injured by a dog bite.
Finding the Right Connecticut Dog Bite Attorney
At Brickley Law, we specialize in providing compassionate legal representation for those who have been injured through no fault of their own.
We have the necessary experience to litigate even the most complex personal injury cases, and we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our clients in terms of customer service.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or have suffered another form of personal injury, contact us today for a free consultation.