Norwalk Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites are common and can have severe consequences for the victim. It can be an incredibly scary experience, regardless of the level of your injuries, potentially leaving you afraid of being outside and of being bitten by a dog. If you were injured as a result of a dog bite in Norwalk, you may be entitled to financial compensation. It’s always a good idea to contact an experienced dog bite attorney, but it’s also important to understand the Connecticut dog bite laws.
Dogs Don’t Get One Free Bite
In the state of Connecticut, dog bite cases are governed by strict liability; there is no “one free bite” rule as there is in many other states. This means that essentially anytime someone is bitten by a dog, they are entitled to file a personal injury claim against the owner, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or exhibited a propensity to violent behavior in the past. The victim does not have to prove that the owner of the dog was negligent in order to be successful in this claim. No matter how many precautions the owner took to try to prevent a bite from happening, they can still be held liable.
If you experienced the dog bite while you were trespassing or because you were antagonizing or provoking the dog, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to file a successful claim.
Compensation
In Connecticut, most personal injury claims are settled out of court, meaning you and the defendant agree to a fair amount of compensation. If this doesn’t happen, your attorney will proceed and litigate your case in court. If you are successful, you will be awarded financial compensation at the conclusion of the trial, known as damages. The most common types of damages include medical expenses resulting from the dog bite, such as hospital visits, rehabilitation, medications, diagnostic imaging, and surgical procedures. Additionally, you are entitled to lost income and lost future income as a result of your injuries. It’s also possible to be awarded monetary compensation for emotional and physical pain and suffering.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Many people assume that dog bites typically aren’t that serious, and they can handle it on their own. While this can be true, it’s almost certain that you will lose out on financial compensation if you don’t consult with a professional. There are several reasons it will benefit you to hire an experienced dog bite attorney, including the following:
- An attorney has an in-depth understanding of the laws and how the legal system works. They will be able to present your case in a way that makes sense and gives you the best chance at recovering financial help.
- An experienced lawyer will have access to expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf regarding the injuries you suffered and the losses you incurred as a result.
- When you hire a lawyer, you have someone on your side that has experience negotiating settlements. It’s always quicker, less stressful, and less expensive to settle a case outside of court. This is more likely to happen if you have someone experienced assisting you.
- If you’re unable to settle the case, hiring a lawyer means you have someone with you every step of the way who will be able to litigate your case in court. They will investigate your case, speak with witnesses, collect evidence, contact expert witnesses, and present your case in a way that makes sense to a judge or jury.
Hire An Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bites are unfortunately quite common, and in many circumstances, they can cause severe and permanent injuries. If you were bitten by a dog and incurred financial harm as a result, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. If you have any questions or would like to discuss initiating a claim, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation.