Dog Bite Attorneys in Hartford, CT

Dogs can be loving companions and treasured family members. But they can also be unpredictable, and some can be dangerous. Each year, about 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bite injuries, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. And of those, many are serious enough to require medical intervention by a physician or hospital.

Unfortunately, dog attacks can lead to injuries ranging from lacerations to broken bones and dental damage from dog-related falls, nerve damage from deep cuts, infections, and even death from mauling. While some breeds are more prone to attack, such as pit bulls, any dog can bite or attack without warning. 

When these incidents occur due to the negligence of dog owners, you have legal recourse through a personal injury claim. At Polinsky Law Group, we have over 40 years of experience handling such claims, serving clients in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven counties, and other areas of Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

Schedule a complimentary office or virtual consultation with a Hartford dog bite lawyer by contacting us online or at (860) 431-7199. We serve clients in Spanish, Italian, Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, and Portuguese.

How We Help Clients with Dog Bite Claims

A dog attack is a terrifying experience that often leaves more than just physical scars. Victims frequently face high medical costs for stitches, rabies treatments, and even reconstructive surgery, as well as long-term emotional trauma like PTSD. 

We understand that many dog bites involve the pets of friends, family members, or neighbors. This can make you feel conflicted about seeking compensation. 

However, it is important to remember:

• We target the insurance, not the individual. In the vast majority of cases, these claims are paid out by homeowners' or renters' insurance policies.
• Preserving relationships. Our firm handles negotiations professionally and directly with the insurance carrier, allowing you to get the medical care you need without creating unnecessary personal friction.

When you trust us with your case, our team moves quickly to protect your interests:

• Securing evidence. We gather medical records, witness statements, and local animal control reports to build a compelling case.
• Accounting for the future. For children, especially, dog bites can require future plastic surgeries as they grow. We work with medical experts to make any settlement cover both current bills and future needs.
• Navigating with insurers. Insurance adjusters may try to argue that you provoked the animal to avoid paying. We use our decades of experience to shut down these tactics and prove the owner’s liability.

We are adept at navigating the specific complexities of Connecticut’s dog bite laws, so you are not left carrying the financial burden of an owner's negligence.

Understanding Strict Liability in Connecticut

One of the most important things for victims to know is that Connecticut is a strict liability state (CGS § 22-357). This means that a dog’s owner or keeper is liable for injuries caused by the dog, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression. 

You do not have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. As long as you were not trespassing or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog, the owner is responsible.

Compensation Available in Dog Bite Claims

Under Connecticut law, owners are generally responsible for all damages caused by their pets. Our firm works to secure a settlement that covers the full scope of your recovery:

• Medical costs - Coverage for ER visits, stitches, rabies shots, and physical therapy
• Future surgeries - Many bites require long-term plastic surgery or scar revision, especially for children
• Lost income - Reimbursement for time missed at work and compensation for any permanent loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering - Compensation for the physical trauma endured
• Scarring and disfigurement - Legal recognition of the lifelong impact of permanent marks or tissue loss
• Emotional distress - Coverage for psychological care to treat PTSD, nightmares, or a newly developed phobia of animals
• Loss of enjoyment - Compensation if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once loved

Call Us Today

Insurance adjusters often push for quick, low settlements before the true extent of scarring or emotional trauma is fully known. Since 1985, our firm has protected victims from these tactics. We treat our clients like family, meticulously calculating every current and future expense to pursue the maximum compensation possible.

We work on a contingency fee basis - you pay no upfront attorney fees unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose; speak with a Hartford dog bite attorney for legal assistance today. 

Call (860) 431-7199 or send us an online message to request a complimentary consultation to get the help you need.