I Feel Bad Suing My Friend After a Dog Bite. What Should I Do?
Bitten by a friend's dog? Learn why most Connecticut dog bite claims are handled through insurance, not personal assets.
- June 17, 2026
- By McCoy & McCoy
One of the most common things we hear from dog bite victims is:
“I don’t want to sue my friend.”
Or:
“I don’t want to cause any problems for my neighbor.”
These feelings are completely understandable. In many dog bite cases, the person who owns the dog is someone you know. It may be a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker, or someone you’ve had a good relationship with for years.
However, many injured victims misunderstand how most dog bite claims are handled.
You're Usually Not Going After Your Friend's Personal Bank Account
When someone is injured by a dog, compensation is often paid through the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy. These policies exist specifically to provide financial protection when accidents happen.
In many cases, the insurance company—not the dog owner personally—is responsible for paying medical bills, lost wages, and other damages covered by the policy.
Just as people carry auto insurance in case of a car accident, homeowners insurance is designed to help protect both the property owner and the injured person when an unexpected injury occurs.
Medical Bills Can Add Up Quickly
Even what initially appears to be a minor dog bite can result in significant expenses.
Victims may require:
- Emergency room treatment
- Stitches or wound care
- Plastic surgery consultations
- Rabies or tetanus vaccinations
- Follow-up medical appointments
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling for trauma or anxiety
Many victims also miss time from work while recovering.
Without compensation, these costs can become a financial burden that the injured person never expected to face.
Filing a Claim Doesn't Mean the Friendship Has to End
Many people assume that pursuing compensation automatically creates conflict. In reality, many dog bite claims are resolved professionally through insurance companies without the need for a courtroom battle.
It’s often possible to maintain a cordial relationship while still protecting your legal rights.
Most reasonable dog owners understand that if someone is injured by their dog, medical expenses and other losses should be covered. After all, that’s one of the reasons they purchased insurance in the first place.
Connecticut Law Protects Dog Bite Victims
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357, dog owners are generally responsible when their dog bites or injures another person. Connecticut follows a strict liability rule for many dog bite cases, meaning an injured victim may not have to prove that the dog had previously bitten someone or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
This law helps ensure that innocent victims are not left paying for injuries they did not cause.
Waiting Too long To File a Claim Can Hurt Your Case
Because victims often feel uncomfortable pursuing a claim against someone they know, they sometimes wait months before seeking legal advice.
Unfortunately, delays can make it harder to gather evidence, document injuries, and deal with insurance companies.
Even if you’re unsure whether you want to pursue a claim, speaking with a Connecticut dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and options before making any decisions.
We Handle the Insurance Company While You Focus on Healing
At McCoy & McCoy, we understand that many dog bite victims are worried about damaging personal relationships. Our goal is not to create conflict. Our goal is to help injured victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the attack.
You can often pursue compensation through available insurance coverage while keeping the matter professional and respectful.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact our Connecticut dog bite lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your options and learn how we may be able to help.
Speak With a Connecticut Dog Bite Lawyer
If you were injured by a friend’s dog, you should not have to choose between protecting your health and protecting a personal relationship. Dog bite claims are often handled through insurance coverage, and pursuing compensation may help you recover the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the attack.
Every situation is different, and understanding your legal rights can help you make an informed decision about what to do next. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner you can understand your options and begin protecting your claim.
At McCoy & McCoy, our Connecticut dog bite lawyers have decades of experience helping injury victims throughout the state. We can explain how the claims process works, deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve while handling your case with professionalism and respect.
Whether you are looking for a Hartford dog bite lawyer, New Haven dog bite lawyer, Torrington dog bite lawyer, or legal representation anywhere else in Connecticut, our team is here to help. We proudly serve clients statewide and can meet with you at one of our offices or arrange a consultation that is convenient for you.
Contact McCoy & McCoy today for a free consultation and take the first step toward understanding your rights after a Connecticut dog bite injury.
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