Middletown Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Earning the well-deserved title of "man's best friend," canines contribute significantly to the companionship and enjoyment of many Americans. Regrettably, there are instances when dogs behave in a manner that inflicts serious injuries on unsuspecting individuals, leading to different types of liability for their owners.

Suppose you or a loved one has endured a severe dog bite and are dealing with the painful aftermath of a handler's negligence or an animal's uncontrolled aggression. 

In that case, the Middletown dog bite injury attorneys at The Flood Law Firm can investigate your case thoroughly and diligently pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Why Choose The Flood Law Firm’s Middletown Dog Bite Lawyers?

When you choose The Flood Law Firm, you enlist the services of legal professionals driven by passion and dedication to their clients. Armed with the essential resources, experience, and a formidable reputation, we stand out in our ability to deliver results.

Our acute awareness of what's at stake and a profound understanding of the challenges you face distinguish us. Over the decades, we've successfully navigated the intricate landscape of insurance industry tactics.

Despite the substantial growth of The Flood Law Firm since its inception, our foundational values endure. We remain steadfast in protecting individuals who have suffered harm through no fault of their own.

Confronting insurance companies and major corporations daily, we engage in a relentless battle for individuals. Every member of our team plays a pivotal role in ensuring our clients receive the compensation they rightfully deserve, facilitating the process of rebuilding their lives.

Our recent successes and results include:

• $780,000 jury trial verdict after the insurance company's offer of $20,000 was rejected before trial
• $759,000 jury trial verdict after the Insurance company's offer of $10,000 was rejected before trial
• $714.3,000 jury trial verdict, resulting in a net verdict after a jury trial of $506,106.65
• $550,000 jury trial verdict after the insurance company's offer of $5,000 was rejected before trial
• $400,000 jury trial verdict after the insurance company's offer of $225,000 was rejected during trial
• $375,000 jury trial verdict plus interest, for a total of $400,000 after the insurance company's offer of $50,000 was rejected before trial.
• $310,000 jury trial verdict after the insurance company's offer of $35,000 was rejected before trial
• $300,000 jury trial verdict after the insurance company's offer of $13,000 was rejected before trial
• $280,000 jury trial verdict after the insurance company's offer of $10,000 was rejected before trial
• $280,000 after the insurance company's offer of $5,000 was rejected before trial

Our Middletown office is conveniently located on Washington Street, near High Street. It is north of Wesleyan University and east of Veterans Memorial Park at: 

190 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457

How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

After sustaining significant injuries from a dog bite, determining the potential worth of your case is a common concern. The exact value depends on various factors specific to the incident and the resulting damages, including both economic and non-economic aspects.

Key factors influencing the value of a dog bite claim include:

• Medical Expenses: All related medical costs, such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and potential future medical expenses.
• Lost Income: Lost income if the injury causes work absence or affects earning capacity, covering both past and potential future earnings impacted by the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish, considering the severity, long-term effects, and psychological impact of the injury.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: The extent and visibility of permanent scarring or disfigurement can significantly influence the case's value, with visible scars often resulting in higher compensation.
• Permanent Impairment or Disability: Cases where the dog bite leads to permanent impairment or disability, affecting daily activities, work, or quality of life, can substantially increase the case's value.
• Negligence and Liability: The circumstances of the incident and the level of negligence on the part of the dog owner or responsible party play a crucial role. Proving the owner's awareness of aggressive tendencies or failure to take reasonable precautions can impact compensation.
• Available Insurance Coverage: The insurance coverage of the dog owner or property owner is a crucial factor. If they have homeowners' or renters' insurance covering dog bite injuries, it can serve as a reliable source of compensation.

Each dog bite case is unique, and the value hinges on its specific circumstances. 

Seek guidance from an experienced Middletown dog bite attorney for an accurate assessment. An attorney can evaluate details, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, or pursue legal action to secure fair compensation for your injuries and related damages.

Where Do Dog Bites and Attacks Occur in Middletown

Dog bites and attacks can happen anywhere dogs are. They can occur in a private residence, in a pet store, or even on any street.

However, in Middletown, they most commonly occur at:

• Cromwell Dog Park
• Berlin Dog Park
• Middlefield Dog Park
• Wadsworth Falls State Park
• Bergen House
• Gillette Castle State Park
• Lavender Pond Farm

Dog Bites and Attacks

Dog bites and other animal attacks can take many forms. However, one thing rings true for many—these incidents are almost always preventable — if the animal's owner had taken proper actions. While dog bite injuries can cause both physical and emotional trauma, a Middletown dog bite attorney from The Flood Law Firm can seek what you deserve for being a victim of a dog or animal attack.

Types of dog bites and animal attacks include:

• Pit bull terrier attacks
• Rottweiler attacks
• German Shepherd attacks
• American Bulldog attacks
• Chow attacks
• Great Dane
• Italian Mastiff attacks
• Doberman attacks
• Weimaraner attacks
• Mixed-breed attacks

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can vary in type and severity and include:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations and cuts
• Abrasions and scrapes
• Bruises and contusions
• Fractured or broken bones
• Dislocations
• Nerve damage
• Tissue and muscle damage
• Infections (e.g., cellulitis, rabies)
• Avulsion injuries (tearing of skin or tissue)
• Hematomas (collection of blood under the skin)
• Crush injuries
• Facial injuries (including damage to eyes, nose, and mouth)
• Scalp injuries
• Ear injuries (including torn earlobes)

What You Need to Know About Dog Bites in Middletown

Connecticut's legislation on dog bites is in Connecticut General Statutes section 22-357.

According to this statute, a dog owner is liable for injuries their dog caused if:

• The injury affects another person or their property
• The injured person was not trespassing
• The injured person was not engaging in "teasing, tormenting, or abusing" the dog

This statute covers various injuries caused by dogs, not just bites. For instance, if someone is knocked over and injured by a dog's jumping or other behavior, they can still pursue a legal case under Connecticut's dog-bite law, even if an actual bite did not occur.

Connecticut's dog-bite statute operates under the principle of strict liability, meaning that the dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether they were aware of the potential for harm. This holds true even if the owner believed their dog to be friendly. Strict liability is a common rule in most U.S. states.

Fighting the Insurance Company

Unfortunately, insurance companies are typically focused on their own interests, often employing strategies like denial, devaluation, and delay of claims. Recognizing their advantageous position against injured parties, they play hardball. However, the dynamics change significantly when individuals seek legal representation.

When pursuing compensation from an insurance company for dog bite damages, being proactive and prepared is crucial. The most effective approach involves having a knowledgeable dog bite attorney by your side. Your attorney will navigate the legal intricacies, manage negotiations with the insurance company, and safeguard your rights.

In cases where negotiation attempts prove futile, resorting to a lawsuit against the dog owner may become necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the litigation process, representing your interests in court. It's essential to note that while lawsuits can be time-consuming and costly, exploring settlement options is often preferable.

It's essential to bear in mind that insurance companies frequently aim to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney on your side levels the playing field. They will vigorously fight for your rights, working to secure fair compensation for your dog bite injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What to Do After Suffering a Dog Bite 

In the event of a dog bite, it's crucial to follow these steps to protect your legal rights:

Identify the Dog and Its Owner if Possible

If possible, obtain comprehensive information about the dog and its owner. Note the dog's breed, size, color, and distinctive features. Gather the owner's name, contact details, and pertinent information about the dog's vaccination history, particularly for rabies.

Document the Incident

Capture photographs of your injuries, including visible wounds, bruises, or swelling. If there were witnesses, collect their contact information. Their statements can serve as valuable support for your claim, and your dog bite attorney can later reach out to obtain their testimony.

Report the Incident

Inform local animal control or law enforcement about the dog bite incident. Provide a detailed account, including a description of the dog and its owner. This step is crucial for documenting the incident and preventing future attacks. Obtain copies of any reports filed by you or law enforcement.

Preserve Evidence

Retain all documentation related to your injury, such as medical records, bills, and receipts for treatments, medications, or therapy. Take photographs of your injuries and any relevant items, like torn or bloodied clothing or shoes.

This evidence will substantiate your injuries and damages, supporting your claim. Bring your evidence to your attorney at The Flood Law Firm.

Avoid Making Statements or Accepting Settlements

Exercise caution when providing statements to insurance companies or considering settlement offers without consulting your attorney. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize liability with low settlements or encourage premature settlements before seeking legal representation.

Hiring a dog bite attorney ensures guidance on your claim's actual value, protection of your rights, and negotiation of a fair settlement on your behalf.

Were You Bitten or Attacked by a Dog? Call The Flood Law Firm Today for Help

Dog bites can often leave victims with permanent or long-lasting physical and emotional scars.

If you or a loved one suffered such an injury, the team at The Flood Law Firm is here for you.

After experiencing a dog bite injury, reach out to our experienced Middletown personal injury lawyers. Our legal professionals can offer valuable guidance, assess the specifics of the incident, and inform you about your rights and potential compensation.

Given the jurisdictional variances in dog bite laws, you need an attorney well-versed in the laws applicable to Middletown.

To learn more about your legal rights and your claim's value, contact The Flood Law Firm today at (860) 346-2695 or online for your free, no-obligation consultation.