While dogs may be known for their friendly demeanor, they can sometimes bite you and cause significant injury when they’re stressed. If you’ve been bitten, you have the option to contact a personal injury attorney and seek legal recourse. It’s not always easy to determine factors like liability and damages when an animal is involved, but there are legalities in place to help you narrow down the possibilities. Read the following guide to learn more about the specifics of navigating a personal injury case as a result of a dog bite.

Who Is Liable? 

The dog’s owner will be held responsible. In a civil lawsuit, the victim would need to prove that the dog owner was negligent. Examples of negligence include letting the dog off of its leash despite local laws, leaving a gate open for the animal to escape, or taking their pet out in public with the knowledge of past behavioral issues.

If the owner is asked to compensate you, they may be able to do this through their liability insurance, such as a homeowners policy. On the other hand, some states – such as Connecticut – have dog-bite statutes that deem the owner financially responsible for any damages.

What Can You Seek Compensation For?

You can seek compensation for any medical bills of the treatment for the dog bite. If you were out of work for a time, you could seek compensation for wages lost during that period.

You could even receive compensation for emotional distress if the attack and resulting injury negatively altered your life. A personal injury attorney can help you identify all of your options and determine what to seek.

If you need a personal injury attorney, contact the Law Office of Thomas L. Brayton III in Waterbury, CT. Attorney Brayton has been fighting on behalf of his clients for 30 years and is dedicated to helping them receive the compensation and justice they deserve. He was recognized as a 2019 Avvo® Top-Rated Lawyer. For more information on his services, visit him online or call (203) 591-8689.