Was Your Child Bitten by a Dog?
As parents, we try and protect our children from everything possible. Unfortunately, dog bites are one of those things that can happen in spite of every precaution you take. After all, dogs are animals and can behave unpredictably. In addition, it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid dogs if you go out into public—they’re everywhere.
Fortunately, under Connecticut law, victims of dog bites can often recover compensation for their injuries. As a result, if a dog has bitten your child, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can.
Connecticut Dog Bite Law
Connecticut’s dog bite statute can be found at Connecticut General Statutes Section 22-357. It’s considered a victim-friendly statute because it does not follow the “one-bite rule” found in other states, under which an owner must have had reason to know that the dog had a propensity to bite. Under the Connecticut statute, a dog owner is liable for bodily injury or property damage caused by his or her dog, unless:
- The victim was trespassing
- The victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog
In addition, the law states that if the victim was under seven, there is a rebuttable presumption that the victim was not trespassing, teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog.
What to Do if a Dog Bit Your Child
Dogs have extremely powerful jaws. When they bite children, they can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, nerve damage, severe laceration, and even traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. As a result, as a parent, it’s critical that you do everything you can to make sure that your child receives proper medical attention and that his or her legal rights are adequately protected. Some of the things that you should do after a dog bites your child include the following:
- Seek medical care immediately. In many cases, early intervention can prevent infections and result in a better outcome.
- Be sure to exchange information with the dog’s owner or handler. This is important not only in order to be able to assert a claim, but also to be able to verify the dog’s vaccination history. If you cannot verify the dog’s vaccination history, your child will likely need to be vaccinated for rabies.
- Try to obtain contact information from anyone that may have witnessed the attack.
- Take pictures of your child’s injuries and obtain copies of his or her medical records
- Do not discuss the matter with the dog’s owner or his or her insurance company until you have had a chance to speak to a lawyer
- Contact an attorney as soon as you can
Contact Polito & Harrington Today to Speak With a New London Dog Bite Attorney
If a dog has bitten your child and caused injuries, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as you can. The lawyers of Polito & Harrington are experienced dog bite lawyers who know how to get victims to compensation they deserve under Connecticut law. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys, call Polito & Harrington today at (860) 447-3300 or send us an email through our online contact form.
