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Connecticut dog bite lawyers · Established 1960
Care for You. Answers for Your Family.
A dog bite can leave more than a physical injury. We help adults and parents understand their options with calm, personal guidance — from the first call forward.
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Get Help From A Trusted Connecticut Dog Bite Attorney
Dog Bite Lawyer in Connecticut
A dog bite happens in an instant, but the permanent injuries and emotional suffering can last a lifetime. If you or your child were injured in an attack, a Connecticut dog bite lawyer at McCoy & McCoy can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. Under CT General Statute § 22-357, the state follows a “Strict Liability” rule. This means that the owner or “keeper” is held liable regardless of the dog’s history. Our dog bite injury lawyers understand the sensitive nature of these cases – especially when the dog belongs to a neighbor or acquaintance. We handle the heavy lifting with the insurance adjusters so you can focus on healing, and we can secure the maximum compensation for surgeries, therapy, and lost wages.
50+ Years Of Combined Experience In Personal Injury Law
The dog bite attorneys at McCoy & McCoy have over 50+ years of combined experience. We know how to build strong cases and win max. compensation for our clients.
Family Owned & Client Focused Dog Bite Law Firm
We handle everything at no cost to you unless we win. No fees, no pressure, no surprises.
What Do I Do After a Dog Bite?
- Seek medical treatment right away: Puncture wounds can easily become infected. Visit the ER at Hartford Hospital or Yale New Haven Hospital immediately; these records are vital evidence.
- Make an Official Report: Contact local Connecticut Animal Control. They will conduct a mandatory 10-day quarantine to check for rabies and create an official state record of the attack.
- Identify the Owner: Gather the owner’s name, address, and homeowners’ insurance information.
- Document Everything: Take high-quality pictures of your injuries, the dog, and the attack location.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer: A dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights, answer your questions, deal with the insurance company, and guide you through what comes next. At McCoy & McCoy, your initial case review is free and confidential, with no obligation.
Can I Sue For a Dog Bite?
Yes, you can sue for a dog bite in Connecticut. Connecticut law allows dog bite victims to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner or keeper. While the media often focuses on dangerous breeds and aggressive dogs, we know that any dog can cause life-changing harm. Unlike states that follow the “one bite rule,” Connecticut has a strict-liability law, meaning victims do not have to prove that the dog previously bit someone or showed aggressive behavior.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
The statute of limitations for dog bite claims in Connecticut is typically 2 years from the date of the attack. Acting quickly allows a CT dog bite lawyer to preserve evidence, gather medical documentation, and prepare a strong legal case against negligent pet owners.
What if the Dog That Bit Me Isn't Up To Date on its Rabies Shot?
In Connecticut, rabies is taken very seriously. Under C.G.S. §22-359(c), any dog that bites a person must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine, regardless of its vaccination status.
- The Quarantine: A local pound or vet observes the dog for clinical signs of rabies. In some cases, an Animal Control Officer (ACO) may allow home confinement if the dog is up to date on its shots.
- The Examination: On the 10th day, a veterinarian must examine the dog. If the dog is healthy, the quarantine is lifted.
- Medical Costs: If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or expired, you may be advised by a doctor to begin Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) immediately. These shots are expensive, but under Connecticut’s strict liability law, the dog owner is responsible for reimbursing you for these medical costs.
CT Dog Bite Laws
CT Statute: General Statutes § 22-357
Liability Rule: Strict Liability (No proof of prior aggression needed)
Statute of Limitations: Generally 2 years from the date of injury
Victim Protection: Enhanced protections for children under age 7
Dog Bite Liability
Under Connecticut law, dog owners are generally held strictly liable when their dog bites or attacks another person. This means victims may be able to recover compensation and economic damages even if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before. Dog bite incidents can happen anywhere — from neighborhoods in Hartford and New Haven to local parks, apartment complexes, sidewalks, and businesses throughout Connecticut.
The CT Dog Bite Lawyers At McCoy & McCoy Help Dog Bite Victims & Hold Negligent Dog Owners Accountable
When you hire McCoy & McCoy for your dog attack claim, you get a dedicated legal team focused on your recovery and personal injury case. We offer free legal consultations and operate through a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Our team of dog bite injury attorneys connects you with top medical professionals, including plastic surgeons and therapists, to support both your physical and emotional recovery after your dog bite incident. We examine ownership documentation, collect eyewitness statements, and build strong legal arguments based on the facts. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court, we’re prepared to advocate aggressively for the compensation you are owed.
Choosing The Right Animal Bite Lawyer For Your Dog Bite Claim
When researching Connecticut dog-bite lawyers, one of the most important factors to consider is an established track record of success. Experience is vital when handling the complexities of a dog bite injury case, as Connecticut’s strict liability laws require a precise legal approach to secure the full compensation you are owed.
Decades of Experience
The personal injury lawyers at McCoy & McCoy have represented dog-bite victims for over 50 years. We understand the complexities of dog-bite cases and will fight hard to secure the best possible outcome for you.
“The Insurance Insider” Edge
We don’t guess the insurance company’s strategy – we know it. Lead attorney, Brian Parrott, is a former insurance adjuster who understands exactly how they minimize payouts, giving our firm a unique advantage. We use their own strategies to push back and demand the maximum value for your claim.
Limited Caseload to Focus on You
As a family-owned law firm with decades of experience, we intentionally limit our caseload so that every client—especially those suffering from serious dog bite injuries—receives personalized, high-stakes advocacy. When you call us, you speak to an attorney, not a call center. Our reputation is built on three generations of trust in the Connecticut community.
Board Certified in Civil Trial Law
Frank McCoy is Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. When the opposing side sees a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer, their strategy shifts. They recognize that their usual lowball tactics will not work against a firm that is fully trial-ready.
Common Injuries and Long-Term Damages After A Dog Bite Incident
Victims of dog attacks may suffer severe injuries. Serious dog attack injuries require reconstructive surgery or lead to long-term psychological distress, particularly for children. These physical and psychological effects can significantly disrupt a person’s life, making experienced legal support essential for a full recovery.
- Puncture Wounds & Infections: Dog bites often carry dangerous bacteria. We ensure your claim covers immediate ER care and long-term antibiotic treatment.
- Tissue & Nerve Damage : Deep bites can cause permanent numbness or loss of mobility. We work with experts to value the life-long impact on your physical capabilities.
- Facial Injuries: Attacks to the face often require multiple plastic surgeries. We fight for compensation that covers future reconstructive procedures.
- Psychological PTSD: In many cases, the mental scars are real. Connecticut law allows for recovery for emotional distress and the fear of dogs following an attack.
- Permanent Scarring: Dog bites – especially those involving the face, neck, or hands – often leave “keloid” or “hypertrophic” scars that may require years of laser therapy or reconstructive plastic surgery.
- Broken Bones: The sheer force of a canine strike can cause devastating skeletal injuries. Large breeds can exert hundreds of pounds of pressure, leading to crush fractures in the hands or feet.
How to Clean a Dog Bite Wound
- Wash the Wound. Rinse the dog bite under clean, running water for several minutes. Then gently wash the area with mild soap and water.
- Control Bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze if the dog bite wound is bleeding.
- Apply An Antibiotic Ointment. If the wound is minor, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover it with a clean bandage. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
- Watch for Signs of Infection. An infection could look like increased redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, pus or drainage, fever or chills, or red streaks extending from the bite.
More About Dog Bite Claims
What is the "Knockdown Law?"
In Connecticut, you don’t actually have to be bitten to have a dog bite case. If a dog jumped on you or knocked you down, the owner is strictly liable for your medical bills and injuries.
Medical Expenses & Insurance Coverage After a Dog Bite
Dog bite injuries often require far more medical treatment than many people realize. Victims may face emergency room visits, stitches, reconstructive surgery, infection treatment, rabies shots, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. In serious cases, medical expenses can continue for months or even years after the attack. Under Connecticut law, dog owners may be held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, and dog bite victims may be entitled to recover compensation for both current and future medical expenses related to their injuries.
Dangerous Dog Breeds & Dog Bite Statistics in Connecticut
While certain dog breeds are more commonly associated with severe attacks due to size and bite force, many dogs can cause significant injuries under certain circumstances. Our Connecticut dog bite attorneys have handled claims involving pit bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Huskies, Mastiffs, and mixed breeds. Regardless of breed, Connecticut’s strict liability law may allow victims to recover compensation after a dog attack.
NO FEE GUARANTEE
Whether you’re ready to file a claim or just want answers, we’re here to help. There’s no risk and no obligation—we’ll explain your legal options and exactly how our legal fees work (you pay nothing unless we win) so you can get trusted advice from a team that puts you first.
No upfront costs. No hourly fees. You only pay us if we win your Personal Injury Lawsuit.
Looking for a Dog Bite Attorney Near Me?
Our New Haven dog bite injury law firm helps victims across the area pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages after a serious dog attack.
Our Hartford dog bite injury law firm represents people injured by dangerous dogs and holds negligent owners accountable while fighting for the full compensation clients deserve.
At our Torrington dog bite injury law firm, we help dog bite victims take legal action and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and lasting injuries.
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Case results
Millions Recovered for Injured Connecticut Families.
Serious preparation, brought to every case — whether it settles or goes to trial.
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.
A few questions you may have.
Is the first conversation free?
Yes. Your initial consultation is free. We can discuss what happened and whether we can help.
Can I call about a bite involving my child?
Yes. We can talk with you about what happened and the concerns you have for your family.
Can we meet outside an office?
Tell us what works for you. Our firm serves clients across Connecticut and can discuss a convenient way to meet.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Tell us what happened. We will listen, explain where you stand, and help you decide what to do next — at no cost and with no obligation. We are dog bite lawyers serving all of Connecticut that want to help you.
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