If someone else’s dog bit you, you should not have to pay for medical treatment and other expenses related to the attack. A Shelton dog bite attorney with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can hold the dog’s owner financially responsible.
Our law firm was founded to protect people who cannot protect themselves. We represent victims, not insurance companies or large corporations. We refuse to settle for less than our clients deserve and will fight for you in and outside the courtroom. Contact us online or call now for a free consultation.
Our Shelton Lawyers Aggressively Advocate for the Injured
For over 85 years, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has been united in one goal: getting the best results for our clients. We have a winning track record and have recovered millions of dollars in damages for injury victims. We have the experience, resources, reputation, and tenacity to take on any case.
We want to take the stress of your claim off your shoulders so you can focus on your physical and mental recovery. When you work with our Shelton personal injury attorneys, you get a dedicated legal team assigned to you. We will do the following to build your case and secure the compensation you deserve:
- Investigate the attack and gather case evidence
- Identify financially liable parties
- Identify and pursue all of your damages
- Prepare and file insurance claims
- Track deadlines, communicate with involved parties, and handle other case tasks
- Tirelessly negotiate for a full and fair recovery
- File a lawsuit and represent you at trial if necessary
We Put Clients First
We know our clients put their trust in us to guide them through difficult times, and we take this responsibility seriously.
At every stage of your claim, our Shelton dog bite lawyers will stay in constant communication with you and provide frequent and timely updates. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. We can also assist you with getting a letter of protection (LOP) to obtain medical treatment if needed.
Our commitment to service has earned us an A+ rating from over 97 percent of our clients. It is also reflected in our client testimonials:
- “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. from Shelton, CT
- “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. from Wethersfield, CT
Our Shelton Dog Bite Attorneys Fight for Maximum Compensation
If a dog bit you or someone you love, our attorneys will fight for maximum compensation so you do not pay out of pocket for your injuries and damages.
In general, our Shelton dog bite lawyers can pursue the following losses:
- Medical expenses – Medical damages may include emergency treatment, hospitalizations, doctor visits, stitches and cosmetic surgeries, antibiotics and prescription drugs, physical therapy, mobility aids, and in-home nursing.
- Lost income – You can recover lost wages, earnings, and employment benefits from missed work. If you sustained a disabling injury that prevents you from returning to your job, you may qualify for compensation for your lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering – You can seek monetary damages for physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injury, including stress, fear, and trauma from the attack.
- Wrongful death – Our lawyers can seek compensation for fatal dog bite injuries, including medical bills and funeral and burial expenses.
Our Dog Bite Lawyers Have Won Significant Settlements and Verdicts
Our law firm has successfully represented numerous dog bite injury victims. Our dog bite case results include:
- An $800,000 settlement for a victim who sustained a dog bite injury during the course of their employment.
- A $750,000 settlement for a child who was attacked by a dog and dragged to the ground while riding their bike. The child suffered bite injuries to the arm and head that required surgery.
- A $500,000 settlement for a client who suffered severe lacerations to the lower leg due to a dog bite.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can help you seek justice if you suffered injuries in a dog attack. Contact us online or call for a free consultation to learn more about working with our team.
Connecticut Dog Owners Are “Strictly Liable” for Bite Injuries
According to CT Gen.Stat. § 22-357, dog owners and “keepers” are strictly liable for injuries and damages their animal causes. Strict liability means they are financially liable, regardless of whether or not they acted negligently or knew about their dog’s previous viciousness. In some states, strict liability only applies to bites. In Connecticut, it applies to “any damage to either the body or property of any person.”
There are some defenses against strict liability. A dog’s owner or keeper may not be strictly liable if:
- The victim was trespassing when bitten
- The victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog
These exceptions do not apply to minor victims under age 7.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
In some situations, non-owners, like landlords and business owners, can be held liable for dog bites.
In cases involving non-owners, victims must prove that the liable party had a legal responsibility for the safety of those on their property. There are many factors that come into play with dog bite cases, and our team will examine responsibility for dog bites carefully to pursue damages from the appropriate party.
Proof in a Shelton Dog Bite Case
To win a strict liability claim, you must prove that you suffered an injury that led to financial losses. You may also need to protect yourself from dog bite defenses, such as allegations that you provoked the animal to bite. Proof of the dog’s previous behaviors and negligence of the other party can also help your claim, especially if you are trying to hold someone other than the owner liable for the bite.
Our Shelton dog bite attorneys will collect evidence to support your case, which may include:
- Medical records
- Veterinary records
- Police reports or animal control reports
- Reports of previous bite incidents or testimony from prior victims
- Cell phone or surveillance video of the attack
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Proof of your losses, including bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and estimates of ongoing and future expenses
Dog Bites Can Cause Severe Injuries and Complications
Dog bites can cause severe physical injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Tendon and ligament damage
- Nerve damage
- Severe bleeding
- Eye and facial injuries
- Scarring
Bites can also become infected and can even lead to illnesses like rabies. Sadly, some dog bite injuries are fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of 43 victims pass away annually in the United States after being bitten or attacked struck by a dog.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You in Shelton, CT
If a dog attacks you in Shelton, CT, you should do the following:
- Treat the injury – Immediately following a dog attack, clean and bandage the wound to prevent infection. If your skin is torn, the wound is a deep puncture, or you see any signs of infection, see your doctor.
- Report the incident – Contact Shelton Animal Control to report the incident. Animal control officers have the authority to investigate and enforce laws, including leash laws and animal vaccination laws. Their report will be evidence for your claim.
- File insurance claims promptly – Homeowners and renters insurance policies usually cover bite injuries, even those that do not occur on the insured property. If insurance is available, file your claim as soon as possible.
- Contact a lawyer – You will want to speak with our Shelton dog bite lawyers about your claim. We can discuss your legal options and help you get started on your case.
Connecticut’s Dog Bite Statute of Limitations
The state statute of limitations only gives victims a few years to sue for damages. There may be some circumstances that can affect your filing deadlines, so the sooner your reach out to us, the better. You also have two years to sue for the wrongful death of a loved one under CT Gen. Stat. § 52-555.
If the deadline on your case expires, the court will likely refuse your suit. These limits will also affect insurance claims because if you cannot take legal action, you lose your bargaining power.
Contact Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC to Connect with a Shelton Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite cases can be overwhelming to deal with as you try to juggle your medical appointments, recovery, and the insurers. Don’t Fight Solo – Get Trantolo & Trantolo.
Our lawyers can take your dog bite case on contingency, so you do not pay attorney fees until we obtain compensation. Complete our online form or call today.