Dog bite cases make up a large portion of personal injury lawsuits in Connecticut. Not all dog owners understand what constitutes as negligence on their part, and therefore may be taken by surprise when they’re sued for damages.
What the law says
Under Connecticut law, a dog owner is liable for dog bites and other personal injuries caused by their dog unless the injured party was trespassing at the time of the attack. This means that if you’re attacked by a neighbor’s dog while walking on the sidewalk, the owner would be responsible for any injuries caused.
However, if you were trespassing on the neighbor’s property when the attack occurred, the owner may not be held liable. This is because Connecticut law considers it to be the responsibility of the trespasser to avoid dangerous situations.
Understanding trespassing
Trespassing is typically defined as entering another person’s property without their permission. It is important to note that even if a property is open to the public, such as a park, you are still considered a trespasser if you enter without permission. However, if you get invited onto the property, such as for a party, you may not be considered a trespasser.
Seeking compensation
The first step you should take after getting attacked by a dog is seek medical attention. Once you get treated, you can then begin to build your case against the owner.
To prove that the owner is liable, you will need to show that they were negligent in supervising their dog. This can be difficult to do if the attack occurred on public property. However, if the attack occurred on private property, it will be easier to show that the owner was negligent.
If someone’s dog bites you, you should take action to protect your rights. By understanding the law and gathering evidence, you can build a strong case against the negligent owner.