If you were injured by a dog bite, you may have grounds to recover compensation for lost income, medical costs, and other damages from the dog’s owner. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s Norwich, CT personal injury attorneys offer free legal consultations and representation with no upfront legal fees.
If you need help getting compensation for your injuries, call our office today to discuss your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers in Norwich, CT provide compassionate, helpful advice to guide you through the legal process.
Who is Responsible for My Dog Bite Injuries?
When you are bitten by someone else’s dog in Connecticut, the owner is typically liable. That means they are responsible for paying for medical costs and other losses that arise from their dog’s attack under Conn. Stat. § 22-357. Other parties who are not the dog’s owner could be liable for the attack, depending on the circumstances.
Most dog owners have homeowner’s insurance to cover the unexpected cost of a pet-related injury. However, insurance companies are often stubborn and may refuse to pay a fair settlement for all your losses. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s attorneys are used to handling difficult insurance adjusters. We will negotiate with the insurance company to secure the best possible outcome for your dog bite claim.
Exceptions to Owner Responsibility
Dog bite laws in Connecticut generally hold the dog’s owner responsible for injuries, but the law does outline specific exceptions. If the dog bite victim was trespassing, abusing the dog, or engaging in illegal activity, the owner may not be liable for the resulting injuries.
Insurance companies sometimes try to shift the blame for a dog bite to the victim in order to avoid paying a fair settlement. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s lawyers are familiar with these methods and how to counter them. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?
A dog attack can cause severe damage with long-term and sometimes life-threatening consequences. Studies show that children are particularly susceptible to serious injury, as they are smaller and their faces are at eye level. However, any person can suffer significant life-altering injuries in a dog attack, including:
- Scratches, scrapes, and bruises
- Puncture wounds
- Crushing injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Infection and sepsis
- Rabies, tetanus, and other diseases
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Eye and face damage
Any dog bite injury should receive medical care as soon as possible. Untreated dog bites, even when they seem minor, can easily become infected or spread disease.
You do not have to face these challenges alone. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has been fighting for your rights since 1938, and we are here to help you get the best possible results for your dog bite claim.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bite injuries often require expensive medical care. You may need a tetanus or rabies shot, antibiotics, and stitches. Severe wounds may require surgical repairs, critical care, and hospitalization. While you recover, you could be losing income you need to pay your regular living expenses.
Our lawyers understand the stress you are under after a dog bite. We want to help you get compensation for all the losses you suffered. You can focus on your health while we work to reach a settlement for:
- Current and future medical treatment and supplies
- Medication, assistive equipment, and disability modifications
- Diminished current and future income
- Psychological and physical pain and suffering
It is common for dog bite victims to experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental distress as a result of the attack. You deserve compensation for all the ways the dog bite affects your quality of life. Let our lawyers fight for your full recovery.
We Have Recovered Millions for Dog Bite Victims
We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for dog attack victims, including:
- $800,000 settlement: Our client was working when a dog bit him, causing him to suffer serious injuries.
- $750,000 settlement: A dog attacked a child who was riding his bike. The dog dragged the child to the ground and bit him on the arm and head, which resulted in serious injuries that required surgery.
- $500,000 settlement: A dog bit our client on the lower leg, causing severe lacerations that required medical treatment.
While every case is unique, you can rest assured that Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC will seek the maximum possible settlement value for your dog bite injuries.
What Can Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC Do for My Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bite cases can be complicated, but Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can help you navigate the legal process. While you recover your health, we will work on gathering evidence and negotiating a fair settlement for your injuries.
Gathering Evidence
Generally, the dog’s owner or keeper is liable for any injuries caused by their dog. We seek documentation to show how your injuries happened and who is responsible. Our team may get copies of police reports, animal control records, and witness statements to support your case. In addition, we will compile medical records and other evidence to show how the dog attack affected your health and quality of life.
Negotiating a Settlement
Once we identify who’s responsible, we can file a claim with their homeowner’s insurance or other liability policy. We are accustomed to negotiating with insurers on complex claims, and we will not back down from a fight. Rest assured that our seasoned negotiators will use every resource at our disposal to get a fair settlement.
Taking the Case to Court
Sometimes, the insurance company will fight back against a settlement. They may believe their client is not responsible or imply that the victim somehow provoked the attack. Our dog bite attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and defend your rights before a judge and jury. We have extensive trial experience, and we will not hesitate to seek justice through the court.
What is the Deadline to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Connecticut?
Conn. Stat. § 52-577 typically gives dog bite victims three years from the date of the dog attack to file a lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you may have less time to begin legal proceedings. Keep your case on track by contacting Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC as soon as possible after the dog bite. We can begin the investigation and filing process while you are still receiving treatment so you don’t lose any time.
How is Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC Different From Any Other Law Firm?
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding legal assistance and compassionate support throughout your case. Our firm has received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of our outstanding quality, expertise, and legal excellence.
We make it a point to limit our caseload, so our clients receive the attention and focus they deserve. When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- Constant communication and 24/7 availability to answer your questions
- An assigned legal team focused on getting results for your case
- A free consultation and representation on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing for our services unless we win your case
- A letter of protection (LOP) to ensure you receive the medical care you need
Our attorneys have the resources and knowledge to represent your claim, no matter how complex it may be. Let us use our experience and reputation to get the compensation you need.
See Feedback From Our Satisfied Clients
Our client reviews reflect our commitment to justice and personalized representation.
- “Trantolo & Trantolo was a great choice. They did what they said they would do, and when I called, someone always called back to answer my questions. I would recommend them to anyone who needs representation.” – J.M., Wethersfield, CT
- “I want to thank Trantolo & Trantolo tremendously for their outstanding service. Their team showed incredible support and absolute professionalism, making a tough process much easier. I highly recommend their service.” – J.N., Shelton, CT
What Do I Do After a Dog Bite in Norwich, CT?
The aftermath of a dog bite can be disorienting, and it can be hard to know what to do after a dog bite. First, seek medical attention and call 911 if your injuries are severe or life-threatening. Once you receive treatment, take the following steps to support your claim for damages:
- Report the attack to the police department or Norwich Animal Control.
- Document the incident details, including photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and the dog.
- Obtain the dog owner’s name, address, and other contact details.
- Take down the dog’s information, including breed, color, size, and registration information, if available.
- Take the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer in Norwich as soon as possible.
Call for a Free Consultation With a Norwich Attorney Today
If you or a loved one were injured by a dog’s bite, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can help you navigate the legal process and recover compensation. We have been helping injury victims recover compensation for more than 85 years. Let us use our experience, resources, and reputation to help you get the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review with one of our Norwich lawyers.