Danbury Dog Bite Lawyer

When a dog attacks, the physical and emotional scars can last a lifetime. In an instant, you are left dealing with a painful injury, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next—especially when the dog belongs to a neighbor or friend. 

For over 65 years, Ventura Law has helped residents navigate these sensitive and serious claims. Our Danbury dog bite lawyers understand the law, we understand your concerns, and we know how to secure the compensation you need to heal. 

With over 600 5-star reviews, our commitment is proven. Our Danbury personal injury lawyers offer legal support in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Understanding Connecticut’s Powerful “Strict Liability” Dog Bite Law

This is the most important thing you need to know: Connecticut is a “strict liability” state for dog bites.

What does this mean for you? It means that under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357 (link opens in new tab), the owner or keeper of the dog is automatically liable for the damages caused by their dog’s bite.

• You do not have to prove the owner was careless or negligent.
• You do not have to prove the dog had a history of aggression (there is no “one free bite” rule in Connecticut).

If a dog bit you and you were not trespassing or provoking it, the responsibility is placed squarely on the owner. This law provides a powerful foundation for your claim.

More Than Just Bites: Handling All Dog-Related Injuries

While “dog bite” is the common term, we know that injuries can be caused by other aggressive behaviors. Connecticut’s strict liability law applies to any damage done by a dog. Our firm has experience handling the full spectrum of dog attack claims, including:

• Puncture Wounds & Lacerations from direct bites.
• Knockdown Injuries, where a large dog jumps on and knocks over a person, causing fractures or head injuries.
• Mauling Attacks resulting in severe, widespread injuries.
• Scratches that lead to infection and scarring.

No matter how the dog caused your injury, the owner is responsible.

Worried About Suing a Neighbor? How These Claims Really Work.

This is the biggest concern for most dog bite victims. Let us put your mind at ease. In the vast majority of cases, a dog bite claim is not filed against your neighbor’s personal savings. It is a claim made against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

These policies have specific coverage for injuries caused by pets. The process is handled between our firm and their insurance company. Our goal is to secure the compensation you need from the insurer, allowing you to focus on healing without destroying a personal relationship. We are experienced in handling these delicate conversations with professionalism and care.

Our Track Record of Success in Dog Bite Claims

While every case is different, our goal is to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve. Here are examples from our official Past Verdicts & Settlements:

• $ 450,000 Settlement for a Child Bitten in the Face. A young client was bitten at a friend’s house, requiring extensive plastic surgery. We structured the settlement to cover all current and future medical procedures to minimize scarring.
• $ 300,000 Recovery for a Delivery Driver Bitten on the Leg. Our client was attacked while delivering a package. The bite caused a severe infection and nerve damage. We recovered the full amount of the homeowner’s insurance policy to compensate for his injuries and lost time from work.

(Disclaimer: These are illustrations of our work. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

Your actions in the moments after a bite can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Create Distance: Safely remove yourself from the area where the dog is.
2. Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the name and address of the dog’s owner.
3. Wash the Wound: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends immediately washing the wound with soap and warm water.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Go to an urgent care clinic or the ER. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection. This also creates a vital medical record.
5. Report the Bite: Report the incident to your local Animal Control officer. You can find resources and contact information through the main Connecticut Department of Agriculture Animal Control Division. This creates an official record of the attack.
6. Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible and continue to take photos throughout the healing process.

Compensation for Scars, Disfigurement, and Emotional Trauma

A dog bite is more than just a physical wound; it’s a permanent reminder of a traumatic event. Our dog bite lawyers in Danbury understand that the emotional and psychological impact is often the most severe damage. We fight for compensation that acknowledges this deep, human cost:

• Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: We work to ensure your settlement covers the cost of procedures to minimize the appearance of scars, especially for facial injuries.
• Psychological Counseling: We seek compensation for therapy to address PTSD, anxiety, and the development of a new, debilitating fear of dogs (cynophobia).
• Pain, Suffering, and Disfigurement: This is compensation for the daily reality of living with a permanent scar and the emotional distress it causes.

Meet Your Danbury Dog Bite Lawyers

When you call Ventura Law, you work with attorneys who understand the unique legal and emotional aspects of these sensitive cases.

Augie J. Ribeiro, Esq. | Senior Partner “There is no greater responsibility for a medical team than the safe delivery of a child. When they fail in that duty, we see it as our duty to secure the future for that child and their family.”

Valerie B. Calistro, Esq. | Partner “These cases require a deep understanding of both law and medicine. We work tirelessly with top medical experts to uncover the truth of what happened in the delivery room.”

Connecticut Dog Bite FAQs

Does Connecticut have a “one-bite rule”? 

No. This is a common misconception. Connecticut is a “strict liability” state, which is much stronger. It does not matter if the dog has never shown aggression before. The owner is still responsible from the very first bite.

What happens to the dog after I file a claim? 

Filing a civil claim for compensation is separate from any action taken by Animal Control. Your claim is against the owner’s insurance policy to cover your damages. While Animal Control may require the owner to take safety measures, your legal claim itself does not determine what happens to the dog.

What if the dog’s owner doesn’t have homeowner’s insurance?

This is a difficult situation, but you may still have options. It may be possible to file a claim against the owner’s personal assets, or if the bite occurred on a rental property, the landlord’s insurance could potentially be a source of recovery if they knew about a dangerous animal on their property. We can investigate all possibilities.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Connecticut?

You have a limited time to act. In Connecticut, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is critical to speak with an attorney long before this deadline expires.

Get the Help You Deserve. Your Consultation is Free.

You have been through a frightening and painful experience. You do not have to handle the legal and financial stress alone. Join the thousands of Connecticut residents who have trusted Ventura Law for over 65 years. 

Contact us now to speak with an experienced Danbury dog bite attorney who can explain your rights and handle the entire claims process for you. The consultation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation.