If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated damages. To see if you should take legal action against the owner or handler, turn to a resourceful personal injury attorney. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about building a strong dog bite claim. 

When Are Pet Owners Liable for Injuries?

In the state of Connecticut, pet owners are held strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause. That means they’re financially responsible for the resulting damages, even if their dog never exhibited aggression in the past. In other words, they could face a lawsuit — and potentially lose — regardless of whether their own negligence played a role in the incident. 

What Do You Need to Prove to Win a Dog Bite Claim?

To win your dog bite claim, you must prove that you were not trespassing at the time of the incident. You must also prove that you didn't instigate the attack in any way (for instance, by teasing, tormenting, or abusing the animal). Finally, you must demonstrate how you incurred actual damages as a direct result of the bite. In the state of Connecticut, recoverable damages include hospital bills, lost income and benefits, home care, domestic help, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment in life, and pain and suffering. 

Keep in mind that the strength of the evidence you gather is only one component of building a successful claim. You also have to meet certain filing deadlines. The standard statute of limitations for personal injury suits is two years. If you attempt to go to trial after two years have passed, the judge will likely dismiss the case, and you won’t be able to recover anything at all. 

If you want to file a dog bite claim in Connecticut, turn to the Law Office Of T J Morelli-Wolfe PC. This compassionate personal injury lawyer is proud to help victims recover what’s rightfully theirs. Practicing out of Norwich, TJ has more than two decades of experience in the legal field. To learn more about his background, visit his website. To request a consultation, call (860) 859-9899.