The attorneys at KKC Law have years of experience handling dog bite claims and other personal injury cases. We know how to assess the value of a case, and we know how to locate sources of recovery for you. This is where the services of an attorney prove to be most valuable. It is critical that you consult with an attorney prior to signing any document presented to you by an insurance company. Without an attorney, you may be signing away your right to additional compensation for your injuries.
Is it true that Connecticut has a “one bite rule”?
No. In some states, before you can collect for injuries sustained from a dog bite, you must show that the dog had dangerous propensities and had bitten someone before it bit you. There is no such rule in Connecticut. In fact, Connecticut law requires most dog owners to pay for any injuries resulting from injuries caused by their pets.
Do I need an attorney for a dog bite / animal attack claim, or should I try to handle the claim on my own?
One of the most significant hurdles in resolving a dog bite claim is locating insurance. Unlike automobile insurance, there is no public data source like the DMV from which to search for homeowner’s insurance coverage. Many dog owners are unwilling to provide their insurance information to a person who was injured by their dog. If the dog owner is uncooperative in providing insurance information or if they have no insurance at all, the injured person’s only chance of recovery is through the filing of a lawsuit against the owner of the animal.
If insurance is located, an attorney can often obtain more money for your claim than you can obtain on your own. It is the goal of every insurance adjuster to minimize claims payouts to increase the profits of the company. Adjusters are often rewarded by their employers for resolving claims quickly for a minimal sum or no compensation at all to the injured claimant. Therefore, the goal and purpose of an insurance company is in direct conflict with your best interests. The job of your attorney is to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Your attorney’s sole job is to work on your behalf and fight the insurance company, in court if necessary, to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
In cases where you have a severe injury (broken bones, surgery, scars, a head injury or other permanent injury) it is critical to retain an attorney to ensure that you are receiving the full value of your claim. Under other exceptional circumstances, you may be entitled to an award of punitive damages in addition to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering and scarring. An attorney knows when to make a claim for punitive damages on your behalf.