Dog Bites and Other Dog Injuries

Connecticut law provides that the owner or keeper of a dog is responsible for injuries and damages caused by a dog so long as the injured person was not teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog or trespassing at the time of the injury. Although the law is often referred to as the “dog bite” statute, the owner or keeper of a dog may be responsible for other injuries caused by a dog.

For example, we have recovered damages where friends and visiting relatives of dog owners have been knocked down by dogs in and around the house. We have even settled cases where a dog ran onto the highway causing a car to go out of control and injure our client. A dog owner can also be liable for damages due to a dog’s aggressive propensities.

Most homeowner insurance policies provide coverage for injuries caused by dogs. The policies often include medical payment benefits, as well as coverage for lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and permanent injuries.