Injuries related to dog bites can have a long-lasting impact on the victims of the attack, and in some cases, lead to death. A serious infection can come from even a "small" bite, requiring surgery or even hospitalization.

What happens when someone's dog attacks? Who is responsible? The answer to this question can vary from state to state, but in Connecticut, dog owners are liable for bites that their dog caused.

Connecticut has strict liability laws in place for dog owners. Victims can seek compensation from parties other than the dog's owner in some cases, according to state law. State regulations also restrict the amount of time a victim has to wait before suing and also governs the defenses owners can use in court. It is important for victims and owners to know how these policies affect them, especially if they are dog owners in CT.

Continue reading for more information, but if you have been bitten by a dog, call the CT dog bite lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. We can help you recover compensation for your injuries and hold the dog owner responsible for your losses.

Dog Bites Follow Strict Liability Laws in Connecticut

The dog-injury laws in Connecticut hold owners strictly liable for any injuries their pets may cause. Although these are commonly referred to as "dog bite laws", the statutes cover more than just bites. The strict liability rule in Connecticut applies to any injury or damage caused by a dog.

The term "strict liability" means that dog owners are held fully liable for their pets' actions. In Connecticut, victims can seek compensation for their injuries in a personal injury case without having to prove that the dog owner was negligent or knew their pet was dangerous.

Strict liability, however, does not apply in the following two cases (via Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357 (2024)):

• The victim was trespassing or;
• The victim was "teasing, tormenting, or abusing" the dog

Connecticut's "One-Bite" Rule and Other Parties Being Liable

In some cases, another party may be liable for a bite, aside from a dog's owner. The "one-bite" rule applies in Connecticut, which means that a victim may sue someone who isn't the owner. Liability is based on whether the person responsible for the animal knew (or should have known) that it was dangerous.

Situations where this would apply are:

• if a landlord is responsible when a tenant's dog bites someone in a common area of the building, or
• if a business owner can be held responsible when a customer's dog injures someone on the premises.

Under Connecticut law, non-owners can be liable in situations like the aforementioned, since landlords and business owners are legally responsible for the safety of those who come onto property they own or control.

Is There A Time Limit For Filing A Dog Bite Claim in Connecticut?

Statutes of limitations establish time limits for bringing forth personal injury claims in Connecticut. While some types of cases have varying time limits, dog bite victims in Connecticut have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is the case for most types of personal injury cases in the state. This is a strict deadline, and if you fail to file within the two year timeframe, it may result in the dismissal of your case.

It's extremely important to consult a lawyer to ensure you do not miss the statute of limitations time limit.

Our CT Dog Bite Lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law Are Here To Assist You

Have you been injured in a dog attack in Connecticut? The CT dog bite lawyers of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can assist you in recovering compensation for your losses.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation on your case.