Dog Bite Lawyer New Haven, CT

All across the globe there are people who love dogs. In fact, most people find them to be wonderful companions that provide love. But at Nugent & Bryant, we know there may be situations in which a dog is aggressive or attacks another person, leaving lasting injuries and scars. Dog owners are responsible for how their animals behave. So dog owners have to adhere to dog bite legislation and state leash laws. Owners who are aware of their dog’s dangerous propensity must take precautions to keep the public safe. When dog owners do not look after their animals properly, the law holds them accountable. If you have recently been the victim of a dog bite attack, please contact our New Haven, CT dog bite lawyer so that we can get you compensation for what you have been through. We’ve helped clients just like you for over three decades and are ready to work for you today.

Case Highlight

2024 Dog Bite Case – $175,000

Plaintiff went to hospital following a dog bite where they received stitches. Insurance company Liberty Mutual Offered $35,000 pre-trial. We took the case to trial and the jury awarded our client $175,000.

How We Can Help Victims

There are medical, monetary, and emotional consequences of a dog bite attack. The injuries can be just as devastating and debilitating as other traumatic events. Our dog bite attorney has represented victims who are dealing with a myriad of injuries. In the most tragic situations, dog attacks can be deadly. If your loved one lost their life due to a dog’s aggression, we urge you to contact us immediately for support. Our dog bite attorney works relentlessly toward the goal of obtaining compensation for those in a deep period of grief. You should not have to suffer monetarily after what you are already going through.

Recovering Costs For Injury Care

We have found that many victims and their families are faced with costly medical bills, expensive therapy visits, and rehabilitative services. You should not have to pay out of pocket for what someone else’s negligence caused you to endure. Dog owners are responsible for how their animals behave. If an owner failed to keep you safe when in the presence of their canine and you did nothing to provoke them, then we suggest speaking with our dog bite attorney. If you or a relative is recovering from any of the following injuries after a dog bite attack, contact our New Haven dog bite lawyer now for a consultation:

• Infection
• Puncture wounds
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Soft tissue damage
• Skin grafts
• Emotional distress
• Cosmetic surgery
• Bone fractures
• Mental anguish

Contact Us At Nugent & Bryant

Dog owners are liable for the injuries and suffering that is caused by their aggressive canine. If you sustained a serious injury that required medical attention, then we suggest reaching out to our New Haven dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. We can work to get you the most compensation available based on your degree of injury and financial loss. At Nugent & Bryant, you can depend on us to handle the legal side of this incident as you take care of your health. To learn more about our firm and take advantage of a free consultation, contact us at your next convenience.

Compensation You Can Receive In A Dog Bite Case

Dog bites can cause more than physical pain. Victims may face medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and long-term health issues. In these situations, legal action with the help of a New Haven, CT dog bite lawyer may help cover those losses. Knowing the kinds of compensation available is a key step in moving forward after a bite incident.

Types Of Dog Bite Cases We Handle

At Nugent & Bryant, we represent individuals and families impacted by dog bites in a variety of legal situations. Each case is different, and our approach is shaped by the facts and injuries involved. Common case types include:

• Personal injury involving bites that cause scarring, nerve damage, or serious infection
• Medical malpractice related to improper care of dog bite injuries
• Wrongful death in rare but tragic cases where a bite leads to fatal complications — while not a leading cause of accidental deaths, dog bites can cause death

We understand the details behind these incidents and how to build a case that addresses the damages involved. We also ensure that you are informed along the way to answer all of your most common questions about the case.

Why Experience Matters In Dog Bite Cases

A dog bite claim involves more than proving an animal attacked someone. We must often show the dog owner knew or should have known the animal posed a threat, or failed to follow leash laws. The right legal team will be prepared to investigate and represent the case clearly. At our firm, we are proud to share our experience:

• We have more than 30 years of legal experience.
• We have won settlements as large as $1.7 million for personal injury cases.
• Jim Nugent has more than 20 years as a Board-Certified Trial Advocate.

With this background, we’re able to handle a range of injury cases with focus and precision.

What Compensation Can Include

Compensation in a dog bite case is meant to make the victim whole. That includes both financial and personal losses. One of the first types of compensation is medical expenses. This can include the cost of emergency care, follow-up visits, plastic surgery, medication, and even psychological therapy if needed.

Lost wages are another common part of a claim. If the injury prevents someone from working or results in permanent disability, that lost income can be included in the damages.

In many cases, victims suffer emotional effects like anxiety, trauma, or a fear of dogs that impacts daily life. Pain and suffering is the legal term used to describe compensation for these issues. It covers both the physical pain and emotional toll of the injury as a New Haven dog bite lawyer can explain.

When scarring or disfigurement occurs, particularly to the face, additional compensation may be awarded. These injuries often have lasting effects, especially for children. Besides that they can be visible, they often also require lifetime visits to a doctor for regular check ups which can be expensive.

In rare but serious cases where the victim dies as a result of their injuries, wrongful death damages may include funeral costs and loss of support for the family.

Dog owners may also be held responsible for punitive damages in cases involving reckless behavior, such as knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely.

Get The Support You Need After A Dog Bite

Recovering from a dog bite can take time and support. Having a legal team that understands what you’re going through can make the process more manageable. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the compensation available to you. At Nugent & Bryant, we’re here to offer honest answers and help guide you forward. Talk to a New Haven dog bite lawyer about your case, and let us assist with the legal steps needed to seek justice and compensation.

What To Do Immediately After A Dog Bite

If you have suffered from a dog bite, our New Haven, CT dog bite lawyer is here to help you. Dog bites can lead to serious medical issues and long-term consequences if not handled quickly and correctly. Acting early protects your health and strengthens your position if legal action becomes necessary. If you or someone you care about has been bitten, here are key steps to take right away.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience between our attorneys, our firm is the right choice to represent you in your personal injury case. We have been serving members of our community since 1980, and we are prepared to help you recover compensation for your injuries. To determine how to proceed with your dog bite case, contact Nugent & Bryant today to schedule a consultation.

Get to a Safe Location

Your first move should be getting away from the animal. Putting distance between yourself and the dog helps prevent additional harm. Once safe, take a moment to assess your condition or check on anyone else involved.

Seek Medical Attention

Even a bite that looks minor may lead to infection or internal damage. Head to urgent care or an emergency room as soon as possible. Medical staff will clean the wound, determine if stitches are needed, and provide a tetanus shot if necessary. If there’s a risk the dog wasn’t vaccinated, they may begin rabies treatment. Having a record of treatment is also vital for your case.

Document the Injury

Take clear photos of your injuries from multiple angles and at different stages. It’s also helpful to photograph torn clothing or the location where the bite occurred. Visual evidence supports your case and helps establish the severity of the injury over time.

Report the Incident

Call local animal control or your city’s health department to report the bite. This step creates an official record and may lead to an investigation that reveals whether the dog has bitten before. If the owner is present, ask for their name, contact details, and proof of the dog’s vaccinations.

Gather Witness Information

If anyone saw the bite occur, ask for their name and contact information. Witnesses may be able to provide statements about what happened and who was involved. Their input can be valuable if questions arise later about the events leading up to the bite. Our New Haven dog bite attorney will help you gather witness statements and evidence after the fact, but any information that you can obtain at the scene of the accident can be crucial.

Preserve Evidence

Keep any torn clothing, damaged property, or other physical evidence. Store it safely and avoid washing or repairing anything until photos have been taken. These items may help show the force of the bite or back up your version of events.

Keep Track of Expenses

Save all receipts related to your medical care, including visits, medications, and follow-up treatment. If you miss work or need help with daily tasks during recovery, document those losses too. This information supports a fair claim if you pursue compensation.

Contact Our New Haven Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

After the situation has stabilized, we recommend speaking with our Connecticut dog bite lawyer. Our team can help explain your rights, gather evidence, and pursue a claim if appropriate. Even in cases where the dog’s owner is someone you know, legal guidance can make a difference.

Dog bites can be traumatic, but the steps you take immediately afterward can shape your recovery and any legal process that follows. If you’ve been bitten and aren’t sure what to do next, speak with a dog bite lawyer who can help protect your interests. Reach out to Nugent & Bryant today to learn what options may be available.

New Haven Dog Bite Infographic

New Haven Dog Bite FAQs

When someone is bitten by a dog, the aftermath can be both painful and confusing. Whether the bite is minor or severe, it’s essential to know your rights and understand your options. If you’re looking for a reliable New Haven, CT dog bite lawyer, it’s important to be informed about what steps to take and what legal protections exist. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dog bites and personal injury claims.

How Can I Tell If A Dog Bite Is Serious?

A dog bite should never be ignored, even if it seems minor. Signs of a serious bite include deep puncture wounds, excessive bleeding, swelling, redness, or signs of infection such as pus or warmth around the wound. Bites that involve the face, neck, hands, or feet are more prone to complications and may require surgical intervention. Complications usually involve an infection that has severely progressed.

What First Aid Should I Perform On A Dog Bite Wound?

First, wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water. Apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and then cover the wound with a clean bandage. If available, apply an antibiotic ointment. It’s advisable to seek medical attention immediately, especially if the bite is deep, the dog is unknown, or your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago. Always follow up with a healthcare provider to reduce the risk of infection. Then, contact a New Haven dog bite lawyer for help.

If The Dog Had Never Bitten Anyone Before Can I Still File A Claim?

Yes, you may still have a valid claim even if the dog has no history of aggression. State law does not require proof of a dog’s past behavior to hold the owner liable. The key is whether the person bitten was legally on the property and not provoking the dog. Nugent & Bryant has a 5/5 star rating on Google and is known for helping clients understand their legal rights in situations just like these.

What If I Was Bitten By A Neighbor’s Or Friend’s Dog?

These situations can be sensitive, but that doesn’t mean you should forego medical or legal help. Dog bites often fall under homeowners’ insurance policies, so your friend or neighbor may not have to pay out of pocket. Seeking help from a dog bite attorney can clarify how best to approach the situation while preserving relationships. An attorney also serves as a third party to help overcome tension or awkwardness with the dog owner.

How Can I Prevent Dog Bites In The First Place?

Prevention starts with awareness. Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs, especially those that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Teach children to be cautious and always ask permission before petting someone else’s dog. If you’re a dog owner, proper training, socialization, and supervision are essential to prevent biting incidents. Dogs may pin back their ears, growl, tense up, and more to show they are agitated before biting.

Serving Connecticut residents since 1980, Nugent & Bryant brings decades of experience to each personal injury case. Our long-standing commitment to the community is reflected in our trusted reputation and dedication to our clients. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Connecticut, don’t delay in exploring your options. A trusted New Haven dog bite lawyer can help you determine the next steps and whether you may be eligible for compensation related to your injury.