New Canaan, CT
Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog attack can leave you shaken in ways that go far beyond the physical wounds. The pain of the bite, the fear of infection, the emotional trauma of what happened, and the uncertainty of what to do next can feel completely overwhelming. Whether you were attacked by a neighbor’s dog, bitten during a routine walk, or injured by an animal you had never met before, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable under Connecticut law.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our personal injury lawyers are experienced advocates for dog bite victims throughout Fairfield County and New Jersey. Attorney Michael J. Jones represents clients in New Canaan and the surrounding communities, bringing focused legal knowledge and a personalized approach to every case. When you come to us after a dog attack, we take the time to learn exactly what happened, what you have suffered, and what it will take to make you whole again.
Connecticut’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
One of the most important things to know after a dog bite in New Canaan is that Connecticut is a strict liability state when it comes to dog attacks. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357, a dog’s owner or keeper is liable for any damage the dog causes to another person or their property, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had ever shown aggressive behavior before. There is no “one free bite” rule in Connecticut. You do not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. The fact that the attack happened is generally enough to establish liability under the statute.
There are narrow exceptions to strict liability, including situations where the injured person was trespassing, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of the attack. However, these exceptions are interpreted narrowly by Connecticut courts, and most victims injured in a dog attack have a valid claim. In addition to the statutory strict liability claim, a victim may also pursue a claim under common law negligence in certain circumstances, such as when a landlord knew of a tenant’s dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to act.
The Scope of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are not minor incidents. They can cause deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, broken bones, permanent scarring, and serious infections. Children, who are statistically the most common victims of severe dog attacks, are especially vulnerable to injuries to the face, head, and neck. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dog bite-related fatalities in the United States averaged 43 deaths per year from 2011 to 2021, with the annual number rising sharply in recent years. Beyond the physical harm, many attack survivors experience lasting psychological effects, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and a fear of dogs that can significantly impact daily life. These non-physical damages are real and compensable under Connecticut law.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
Our attorneys work to identify and document the full scope of your losses after a dog bite or animal attack. Compensation may include the following:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, wound treatment, surgery, and any ongoing care
- Future medical costs for reconstructive procedures or long-term treatment
- Lost wages if your injuries kept you from working
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
- Costs of psychological counseling or therapy
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Our team documents each of these categories carefully, working with medical professionals when necessary to establish the full extent of your damages and the long-term impact of your injuries.
Liability Beyond the Dog Owner
While the dog’s owner is the most obvious responsible party, Connecticut law recognizes that liability can extend to others in certain circumstances. A keeper of a dog, meaning someone who exercises control over the animal even if they do not own it, can also be held liable. In cases involving rental properties, a landlord who knew of a tenant’s dangerous dog and failed to take reasonable steps to address the risk may also face liability under a premises negligence theory. Our attorneys examine every angle of your case to identify all potentially responsible parties and pursue maximum recovery on your behalf.
If you are dealing with serious or catastrophic injuries from the attack, such as a severe facial wound or a traumatic injury, the complexity and value of your claim increase significantly. Our legal team handles these high-stakes cases with the thoroughness and preparation they require.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in New Canaan
Seeking medical attention immediately after a dog attack protects both your health and your legal claim. Dog bites carry a serious risk of infection and, in rare cases, rabies, so prompt treatment is critical. You should also report the attack to local animal control, document your injuries with photographs, and gather the contact and insurance information of the dog’s owner if possible. Connecticut law requires a 14-day quarantine of any dog that bites a person, and the animal control officer will conduct an investigation following the report. Preserving this documentation and the official record of the incident can be important evidence in your case. Speaking with an attorney before communicating with the dog owner’s insurance company can help ensure your rights are protected from the start.
Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC: Your New Canaan, CT Dog Bite Lawyers
Attorney Michael J. Jones brings decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Connecticut and is ready to fight for you. He advocates for dog bite victims throughout Fairfield County, helping them navigate Connecticut’s strict liability laws and pursue the full compensation they deserve. Our team is Spanish-speaking and committed to treating every client with the attentiveness and care their situation demands.
If you or a family member was injured in a dog attack in New Canaan or the surrounding area, do not wait to get help. Contact us today to speak with our team about your case.
