by East Hartford CT Dog Bite Lawyer Ryan McKeen
Dog bites can cause serious permanent injury or death. Even a “small” bite can lead to serious infection that results in surgery or hospitalization. Many of my dog bite cases begin with an owner saying “(insert dog’s name) would never bite anyone.
I have been bitten by a dog several times. Once I was ripped off my bike by a dog, I understand. It happens so fast. Fortunately, I was okay. Just a pair of ripped jeans. Other folks aren’t so lucky.
Anyone who owns or keeps a dog is held strictly liable under our law for any damage caused by the dog. Strict liability does not depend on intent or harm. A person is liable if something happens – in this case a dog bite – whether or not they did anything wrong.
East Hartford Connecticut Dog Bite Law
“If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, shall be liable for such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog.” Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357
Who Is A Keeper Of The Dog
A “keeper” of a dog means someone other than the owner who harbors or has possession of any dog. You can read more about Who is a dog’s keeper here.
Exceptions To Strict Liability Dog Bites
There are two exceptions “strict liability.” The first is that the person bitten by the dog was committing a “trespass or other tort.” A “tort” is a wrongful act.
“Committing a trespass or other tort” means more than merely entering on the property or in the area where the dog was, but rather entering to commit an injury or a wrongful act. This means such wrongful acts committed against the person or property of the owner or keeper or his family. For example if a dog bites a home invader there is no liability.
The second is “teasing, tormenting, or abusing” the dog. Teasing, tormenting or abusing a dog means engaging in actions that would naturally annoy or irritate a dog and provoke it to retaliation. You can read more about the tormenting defense here.
How Much Is My East Hartford Dog Bite Case Worth?
We have experience handling dog bites and have achieved significant settlements for our clients. Some of which we cannot report due to confidentiality. Here is a link to a recent verdict we obtained for a client who was the victim of a dog bite. Every case is different. But we work hard to maximize recovery for our clients.
Can I Sue My East Hartford Landlord For A Dog Bite?
The answer is “maybe”. Learn more about what rights you may have against your landlord if a dog bites you.
If you have any questions or would like a free consultation please contact Attorney Ryan McKeen at 860 471 8333. Our office is located at 437 Naubuc Avenue in Glastonbury, CT – right over the East Hartford line.