Dog bite cases in Connecticut can result in serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Whether the injury is minor or severe, the strength of your evidence can directly impact your settlement amount. In Connecticut, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard in most cases, meaning they are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs unless the victim was trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the animal. However, to secure fair compensation, you must present clear, well-organized evidence that supports your claim.
Connecticut’s Dog Bite Law and the Importance of Evidence
Connecticut’s dog bite statute (CGS § 22-357) allows victims to hold dog owners liable without having to prove negligence. Even with strict liability, insurance companies and defense attorneys often challenge the severity of injuries or the circumstances of the bite. Detailed documentation not only validates your claim but also helps counter any attempt to reduce your settlement.
Photograph and Video Evidence
Capture Injuries Immediately and Over Time
Photographs are one of the most persuasive forms of evidence in a dog bite claim. Take clear, high-resolution images of the injury as soon as possible after the incident. Continue documenting the healing process over days, weeks, and months to show the full scope of the damage, including scarring or disfigurement.
Document the Scene and the Dog
If safe to do so, take photos or videos of the dog, the location of the attack, and any visible hazards—such as a broken fence or open gate—that may have contributed to the incident. These details can help establish how the bite occurred and the dog’s accessibility to the public.
Medical Records and Treatment Notes
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim. Medical records create an objective, time-stamped record of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. This includes emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, surgical records, and physical therapy documentation.
Include Diagnostic Imaging and Expert Opinions
X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging can reveal the extent of underlying injuries, such as tendon damage or fractures, that are not visible externally. Expert medical opinions also carry significant weight when establishing long-term effects and potential future treatment needs.
Incident Reports and Witness Statements
Police or Animal Control Reports
If law enforcement or animal control responded to the incident, their reports can serve as official, unbiased documentation. These often include statements from the dog owner, witnesses, and responding officers, as well as details on the dog’s vaccination history and prior incidents.
Eyewitness Testimonies
Statements from people who saw the attack can corroborate your version of events. Witnesses may recall important details, such as whether the dog was leashed, if the owner attempted to control the animal, or if there was any provocation.
Proof of Financial Losses
Track Medical Bills and Receipts
Maintain organized records of all medical expenses related to the bite. This includes hospital bills, prescription receipts, over-the-counter medical supplies, and transportation costs to medical appointments.
Document Lost Income
If the injury prevented you from working, keep pay stubs, employer correspondence, and disability documentation to prove lost wages. In some cases, expert evaluations can project future earning losses if the injury results in permanent impairment.
Personal Injury Journal
Record Pain and Emotional Impact
A written journal can help establish the day-to-day impact of the injury. Document pain levels, mobility limitations, emotional distress, and changes to daily routines. This evidence is especially important when seeking non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Include Rehabilitation and Recovery Notes
Tracking your rehabilitation progress—such as physical therapy milestones or setbacks—can illustrate the long-term effects of the bite and the persistence required for recovery.
Preserving Physical Evidence
Clothing and Personal Items
Keep any clothing worn during the attack, especially if torn or bloodstained. These items can help establish the force and nature of the bite.
Dog Owner Communications
Save any correspondence with the dog owner or their insurance company, including emails, text messages, or handwritten notes. These can reveal admissions of fault or details about the dog’s prior behavior.
Working With a Dog Bite Attorney in Connecticut
An experienced dog bite lawyer can help ensure no critical piece of evidence is overlooked. Attorneys often work with investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your case. In many cases, legal professionals also handle communications with the insurance company, preventing you from making statements that could harm your claim.
Conclusion
In Connecticut, a strong dog bite settlement depends on thorough, well-preserved evidence. From medical records and photographs to witness statements and financial documentation, each piece helps create a compelling claim that accurately reflects the harm you suffered. By acting quickly and keeping detailed records, you increase your chances of securing fair compensation and holding the responsible party accountable.
Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away
Navigating Connecticut dog bite claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced dog bite lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.
Contact us now for a free legal review.