One moment, your child is playing outside. The next, a neighbor’s dog has left its bite mark on your child. In that frightening moment, a question naturally follows: does Connecticut law hold the pet owner responsible? The answer may be yes, but you might need a better understanding of Connecticut dog bite laws for a clear picture.
Connecticut’s strict liability law and what it means for you
Connecticut’s dog bite statute imposes strict liability on a dog’s owner or keeper for damage the animal causes to any person. Under this standard, you generally do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous before the bite happened.
When the dog owner may not be held liable
The strict liability rule does carry exceptions. Connecticut law may shield an owner from liability if the injured person was trespassing, committing another tort or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog at the time of the bite. The strength of these defenses may depend heavily on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
The special protection the law gives young children
Here is where Connecticut law offers particularly important protection for parents. If your child was under seven years old at the time of the bite, the law presumes the child was not trespassing, committing a tort or provoking the dog. That presumption places the burden on the dog owner, who must prove that one of those exceptions applies.
How an attorney may help
A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars on a child. With the help of an attorney experienced in personal injury claims, you can gather relevant evidence and fight for fair compensation for your child.
