Connecticut Dog Bite Injury Basics

Connecticut imposes strict liability upon dog owners if their dog bites or injures another person. The only exceptions are if the victim was trespassing or if the victim was teasing, tormenting or provoking the dog prior to the attack. If the victim is under the age of seven, the law presumes none of the exceptions are applicable and holds the dog owner strictly liable.

The dog owner then has the burden to prove otherwise. If a minor owns the dog, the minor’s parents or guardians are liable for the damages. In Connecticut, the dog does not actually have to bite the victim in order for the victim to recover from the dog’s owner. If the person is knocked down and injured when chased by an aggressive dog, then the victim can recover from the dog’s owner.

There are parties other than the dog owner who may be liable for injuries the dog inflicted. There are animal keepers, who are responsible for the care and custody of the animal, example a kennel or animal sitter. The property owner may be liable if the property owner allowed the dog onto their property. Lastly, if the dog owner is a renter, the landlord may be liable for the injuries if they knew one of their tenants owned a dangerous animal.