A dog bite can be an extremely traumatic experience that can cause physical and mental scars that last a lifetime. If you were attacked by someone else’s dog, you could recover compensation from the owner or keeper for your medical treatment, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Our Waterbury dog bite attorneys provide free legal consultations to discuss your claim and advise of your options. With more than 85 years of experience, our personal injury law firm has recovered millions for clients who were hurt by someone else’s negligence. We charge no fees or costs unless we win your case. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation case review.
We Take Your Dog Bite Claim Seriously
Many people dismiss dog bites as minor injuries, but Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC knows just how serious and life-altering a dog attack can be. Dog attack victims are often children who are prone to severe facial injury. However, anyone can suffer severe dog bite injuries and complications, which may include:
- Puncture wounds
- Soft tissue damage
- Bone fractures
- Nerve, tendon, and ligament damage
- Loss of mobility
- Infection and sepsis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of limb
These are just the physical injuries associated with a dog attack. The emotional and mental distress associated with a dog bite cannot be overstated. Victims may experience severe anxiety, depression, and phobias that prevent them from living a full life.
No matter how minor your injuries seem, you deserve personalized legal representation from attorneys who understand your situation. Our legal team is here to help you hold the right people accountable for the full extent of your losses.
Waterbury Dog Bite Victims Have a Right to Seek Damages
In Connecticut, the owner or keeper of a dog is responsible for any injuries or damages their dog causes. This means dog bite victims can seek financial compensation for the losses they sustained due to a dog bite. Compensatory damages may include:
- Economic damages: Monetary and actual losses, such as medical supplies, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and income loss.
- Non-economic damages: Subjective pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, and diminished quality of life because of your dog bite injuries.
How Much Can I Get for a Dog Bite Claim?
The severity of your dog bite injuries generally indicates the amount you can recover for damages. For example, if you become disabled because of your injuries, you can seek compensation for the earnings you would have made if the injury hadn’t occurred. Scarring, disfigurement, and other permanent impairments are also more likely to result in higher non-economic damages, due to their significant impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC provides client-focused representation focused on your specific needs and goals. Our dog bite lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of dog attack victims. We will use our extensive knowledge and resources to help get you the results you need to recover and rebuild your life.
Get Timely Legal Support from Attorneys Who Care
The hours and days after a dog attack can be a blur, but prompt legal attention is crucial if you want to recover compensation for your injuries. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has helped many dog attack victims through times of great distress. Let us guide you through this process from start to finish, so you have the best chance of a full financial recovery.
Meeting Legal Deadlines for Dog Bite Claims
Connecticut’s statute of limitations is typically three years for claims against a dog’s owner, but the time frame can be less depending on your case information. When you reach out to Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC soon after the dog bite incident, you give us time to identify the at-fault party, gather valuable evidence, and file a claim within the appropriate legal deadline.
Building a Strong Case
While you get medical care for your injuries, our legal team can get copies of the police report and begin taking statements from witnesses who saw the attack. We know how to preserve evidence and secure copies of any prior complaints related to the dog’s behavior. If there is a history of aggressive or vicious behavior, we can use animal control and police records as additional support for your claim.
Submitting a Claim
When we identify the dog owner or keeper responsible for your injuries, we determine whether they have an insurance policy that will cover your damages. Most dog bite claims go through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy or other applicable coverage.
Negotiating with Insurers
Even with a valid claim, insurance companies are often stubborn when it comes to paying a fair settlement. Our team has extensive experience negotiating with difficult insurance representatives, and we will not settle for less than you deserve. If necessary, we will take your case to trial to pursue the full value of your claim.
Dog Bite Laws and Ordinances in Waterbury, CT
Understanding the dog bite laws in your area can help you determine whether you have a legal claim for your injuries. The following laws and ordinances could affect your dog bite claim:
- CT Gen. Stat. § 22-364: Dog owners or keepers must maintain control of their animal at all times.
- CT Gen. Stat. § 22-357: The dog’s owner or keeper is responsible for any damages to a person’s body or property caused by their dog, unless the victim was tormenting or abusing the dog, trespassing, or committing a crime when the attack occurred.
- City of Waterbury Code of Ordinances § 92.28: Dog owners and keepers must exercise proper care and control of their dog when the animal is on public property or any property other than that of the owner or keeper.
- City of Waterbury Code of Ordinances § 92.29: Owners or keepers of guard or attack dogs or dogs designated vicious or dangerous must meet specific requirements for restraining and securing the animals.
Talk with a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
We understand that you have a lot going on right now. The Waterbury dog bite attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC are ready to get to work and guide you through these difficult times. Call for a free consultation with our firm now. Don’t Fight Solo.