Connecticut’s dog bite law can be found at Connecticut General Statutes 22-357. The law provides for strict liability for a dog owner, when a dog causes damage to a person or property.
The law permits claims in cases in which a dog causes injury. This is broader than a claim with a dog bite. For example, a large dog may injure a child by accidently pushing the child, causing injury. In these situations, the dog owner can held responsible for the injuries.
It is not a defense that a dog owner did not know that a dog was likely to cause the damage, or the owner used reasonable care to prevent the injury.
There are limited exceptions to liability
- The person injured was trespassing (this exception is very limited – and requires more than a person unlawfully on someone else’s property)
- the person injured was causing a tort – possibly includes person is stealing property
- the dog which caused the injury was being teased, abused, or tormented.
An explanation of the statute can be found at (cut and paste)
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/rpt/2012-R-0459.htm
If you have any questions concerning an injury caused by a dog, please feel free to contact
Attorney Robert M. Singer
2572 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-248-8278
rsingerct@yahoo.com
SERVING NEW HAVEN COUNTY AND ALL OF CONNECTICUT