If you love dogs, you might be inclined to pet your neighbors dog or a K9 who is out on a walk with his/her owner. A simple pat on the head or rub of the belly won’t be too harmful, but if it turns into a bit from the dog it could be worse than you think.
In the state of Connecticut dog bites are considered strict liability which means that no matter what the intent of the owner of the dog is, if their dog bites another person they can be held liable for that dog’s actions.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you are bitten by a dog, it is important to know some of these following things:
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Seek medical attention immediately
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Dog bites can lead to rabies or tetanus
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Infections will start to look red, start swelling, increase in pain and may result in oozing
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Some dog bites are very minor, but others could be life threatening. Big or small, you should be seen by a medical professional
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Your wound will need to be dressed and depending on the severity of the bite you may need to get a tetanus shot or be put on antibiotics
In most cases there is no harm in approaching a dog, especially if it is a dog you know, but if the dog does show signs of aggression it is important to immediately step away and give the dog some space.
If you or a loved one have bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately and then contact our office for a review of your situation. Our Connecticut dog bite attorneys will work with you to understand your rights.
