What Is Considered a Serious Dog Bite?

Lawyers and medical professionals deem any bite to the head or neck as serious. Other severe circumstances include exposed muscle or bone, prolonged bleeding after five minutes of direct pressure, and extreme pain or loss of function. In these situations, call 911 and contact animal control to capture the dog. Dog bite victims risk contracting diseases including rabies, which can be fatal if left untreated.  

What Happens to the Dog?

If a dog bites someone away from its owner’s property, Connecticut law requires quarantine for 14 days at the owner’s expense. Here, the dog will undergo rabies testing and behavioral evaluation. The quarantine may be a public pound, pet hospital, or any other location the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture has approved. After quarantine, authorities may seize the dog. The owner could also face fines up to $250 and a maximum jail sentence of 30 days. Owners are liable for any damages their dogs cause.

Reasons to Hire a Lawyer

A lawyer will investigate the case thoroughly, including whether the dog has a history of biting or aggressive behavior. Having legal representation makes it easier to locate and interview the dog’s owner and witnesses, uncover evidence supporting your claim, and pursue compensation for personal injury and property damage.