A dog bite can happen in an instant, but the physical and emotional trauma can last a lifetime. In Bridgeport, where residential neighborhoods like Black Rock, North End, and East Side are home to thousands of dogs, these sudden attacks leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and psychological scars that persist long after the wounds heal.

Connecticut’s strict liability laws (Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357) should make recovering compensation straightforward, but dog owners and their insurance companies often fight aggressively to minimize payouts. Many victims find themselves overwhelmed by complex legal procedures while still dealing with painful injuries and emotional distress.

If you’re looking for a Bridgeport dog bite lawyer, Ganim Legal, P.C. is here to help. We understand the unique challenges dog bite victims face and have successfully secured substantial compensation for clients across Connecticut. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing.

Bitten by a dog in Bridgeport? Contact us or call 475-252-4289 to speak with a trusted dog bite lawyer today — your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Do You Have Grounds For a Claim?

✔️Our Bridgeport personal injury lawyer will work to establish these grounds relating to your situation:

• Duty of care: In Connecticut, dog owners have a legal responsibility to control their animals and prevent them from harming others. This duty exists regardless of the dog’s previous behavior.
• Breach of duty: The dog owner failed in this responsibility by allowing their dog to bite you, whether through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
• Causation: The dog bite directly resulted in your specific injuries. We establish a clear connection between the attack and your physical and psychological damages.
• Damages: You suffered verifiable losses including physical injuries, emotional trauma, medical expenses, lost income, and other negative impacts on your life.

Damages You Can Recover

• Economic damages: These cover quantifiable financial losses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, plastic surgery for scarring, psychological counseling, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
• Non-economic damages: Compensate for intangible suffering such as physical pain, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, PTSD, fear of dogs, and diminished quality of life.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the dog owner’s conduct was particularly egregious, such as knowing their dog was dangerous but failing to take precautions, additional compensation may be awarded.

⚖️ Connecticut General Statutes § 22-357 provides the legal foundation for recovering damages, including economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages, in dog bite cases. 

💡 Hypothetical Scenario: A postal worker delivering mail in Bridgeport was attacked by an unleashed dog whose owner had previously received warnings about the dog’s aggressive behavior. The victim suffered severe bite wounds to the arm, requiring surgery, resulting in permanent nerve damage and scarring. The settlement included $85,000 for medical expenses, $35,000 for lost wages, and $130,000 for pain, suffering, and permanent disfigurement, totaling $250,000.

Settlement examples

Who is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Connecticut?

• Dog owners: Connecticut’s strict liability statute (CGS § 22-357) holds dog owners responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or took reasonable precautions.
• Property owners: If the attack occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner may share liability, especially if they knew a dangerous dog was present and failed to warn visitors.
• Dog keepers or harborers: Anyone temporarily in charge of the dog, such as a dog walker, pet sitter, or family member watching the dog, may be liable under certain circumstances.
• Parents of minor owners: If the dog belongs to a minor child, the parents typically bear legal responsibility for damages the dog causes.

⚖️ Connecticut’s strict liability law for dog bites means you don’t need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous. The owner is liable simply because their dog caused injury, with limited exceptions for trespassing or provocation.

How to Get in Touch With Our Bridgeport Dog Bite Lawyers

Take advantage of our free consultation to understand your legal options with no obligation or upfront cost.

• Phone: 475-252-4289
• Contact Us Page

Get started with a free consultation!

How Our Bridgeport Dog Bite Law Firm Can Help

We help clients recover from every aspect of a dog bite injury — not just the physical wounds, but the financial and emotional toll as well:

• Investigation and evidence gathering: We collect animal control reports, witness statements, medical records, and other critical evidence to build a strong case.
• Determining ownership and insurance coverage: We identify the legally responsible parties and applicable insurance policies, including homeowner’s, renter’s, or umbrella coverage.
• Documentation of injuries: We work with medical professionals to thoroughly document your injuries, scarring, and potential long-term impacts.
• Psychological impact assessment: We ensure that emotional trauma, PTSD, and other psychological effects are properly evaluated and included in your claim.
• Maximum compensation calculation: We account for all current and future expenses, including potential plastic surgery needs and ongoing psychological treatment.
• Skilled negotiation: We leverage our experience and evidence to counter insurance company tactics aimed at minimizing your settlement.
• Litigation when necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we have the trial experience to effectively present your case in court.

What to Do After Being Bitten By a Dog

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Dog bites create a high risk for infection. Even seemingly minor bites require proper cleaning and potentially antibiotics or rabies prevention measures.
2. Report the incident: Contact Bridgeport Animal Control at (203) 576-7727 and local police to document the attack officially. This creates an important record of the incident.
3. Identify the dog and owner: Obtain the owner’s name, address, phone number, and any information about the dog’s vaccination history if possible.
4. Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if safe to do so. Keep all medical records and receipts for expenses related to the attack.
5. Gather witness information: If anyone witnessed the attack, get their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement.
6. Avoid discussions with the owner’s insurance: Don’t provide recorded statements or accept settlement offers without consulting our attorney first.
7. Contact our Bridgeport dog bite lawyers: We can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected from the beginning.

⚠️ Insurance companies often contact dog bite victims quickly after attacks are reported, offering settlements that may seem generous but typically don’t account for long-term medical needs or psychological impacts.

If you’ve been bitten, don’t wait — contact us to protect your rights and explore your legal options

Your Deadline For Filing a Claim in Connecticut

Connecticut law establishes a two-year statute of limitations for dog bite claims, meaning you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the attack. This deadline is strict, with few exceptions. Claims involving minor victims may have extended deadlines, as the statute of limitations may not begin running until the child turns 18.

Missing these deadlines means permanently losing your right to seek compensation, regardless of how serious your injuries might be. Contact us promptly to ensure all filing deadlines are met and your rights are protected.

Key Evidence to Support Your Claim

• Medical records: Comprehensive documentation of all treatments, including emergency care, surgeries, follow-up visits, medications, and psychological counseling.
• Photographs: Visual evidence of your injuries at various stages of healing to document scarring, disfigurement, and the recovery process.
• Animal control reports: Official documentation of the incident, potentially including the dog’s history of aggression or previous attacks.
• Witness statements: Accounts from people who saw the attack or have knowledge of the dog’s previous behavior can substantially strengthen your case.
• Expert testimony: In severe cases, we may consult with medical experts, plastic surgeons, or psychologists to testify about long-term impacts of your injuries.

✔️Gathering this evidence while recovering from traumatic injuries can be overwhelming. Our team can handle this complex process for you, ensuring no key information is missed while you focus on healing.

What Can I Expect to Pay?

At Ganim Legal, P.C., we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our legal services
• We only collect a fee if we win your case through settlement or verdict
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33%), agreed upon before we begin

✔️This arrangement ensures our interests align perfectly with yours—we’re motivated to maximize your compensation since our payment depends on your success. You’ll never receive a bill for our time unless we recover money for you.

Our Process in Pursuing Your Claim

Here’s what you can expect when you work with our firm — a step-by-step process designed to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

1. Comprehensive case evaluation: We analyze the circumstances of your attack, assess liability, and determine the full extent of your damages.
2. Evidence collection: We gather medical records, animal control reports, witness statements, and other vital documentation to build your case.
3. Insurance claim filing: We identify all applicable insurance coverage and prepare detailed demand packages that fully account for your damages.
4. Medical documentation: We work with your healthcare providers to ensure all injuries are properly documented, including potential future treatment needs.
5. Strategic negotiation: We engage in aggressive but professional negotiations to secure fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
6. Litigation preparation: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we file a lawsuit and begin preparing your case for court.
7. Trial representation: If necessary, we present your case before a judge or jury, leveraging our extensive courtroom experience.
8. Settlement distribution: After achieving a positive result, we ensure you receive your compensation promptly and address any liens or related issues.

Why Choose Us Over Other Bridgeport Dog Bite Attorneys

Ganim Legal, P.C. delivers the best of both worlds — personal attention and serious legal experience. While larger firms may treat you like just another case file, Attorney Paul Ganim personally manages each claim with the care and insight that comes from over 30 years in Connecticut courtrooms.

With deep roots in Bridgeport, we understand the local legal landscape — including how judges, insurers, and opposing attorneys approach dog bite cases. As both a seasoned attorney and an elected Probate Judge, Paul brings valuable courtroom insight to every case we handle.

✔️ Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve helped dog bite victims across Connecticut recover meaningful compensation while providing compassionate, client-focused service throughout the process.

Ganim Legal, P.C.: Your Bridgeport Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog attacks can leave lasting scars — physically, emotionally, and financially. We focus on helping victims move forward with confidence and support. We understand the trauma these incidents cause, and we’re here to pursue the justice you deserve.

⚖️ Attorney Paul Ganim is admitted to practice before all Connecticut courts, including the Supreme and Appellate Courts, and has served as Bridgeport’s Probate Judge since 1998. His decades of experience have shaped successful outcomes for thousands of injury clients across the state.

✔️ Our work has earned recognition from both legal peers and the community, including:

• Connecticut Law Tribune Award for Personal Injury
• America’s Top 100 Attorneys – Lifetime Achievement Award
• Named among the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys in Connecticut

When you’ve been hurt by a dangerous dog, we’re the firm local families know and trust. Contact us today for a free consultation!

General Information on Dog Bites in Bridgeport

Dog bites represent a significant public health concern in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 368,245 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for nonfatal dog bite-related injuries. 

Does Connecticut Have a One-Bite Rule?

No. Unlike some states that follow the “one-bite rule” (where owners are only liable if they knew their dog was dangerous), Connecticut imposes strict liability on dog owners through CGS § 22-357. This means dog owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the animal’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any dangerous tendencies.

⚠️The strict liability statute does have limited exceptions:

• If the victim was trespassing or committing another tort
• If the victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog
• If the victim was committing a crime

However, these exceptions are narrowly interpreted by Connecticut courts, especially in cases involving children.

How Common are Dog Attacks in Bridgeport?

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Animal Control Unit oversees the investigation of property damage, injury, and nuisance incidents involving dogs throughout the state, including serious bite cases that may lead to legal action.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims make up a significant portion of homeowners’ liability claims across the U.S., with the average cost per claim rising to $69,272 in 2024 — an 18.3% increase from the previous year.

How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?

The Dunbar Bite Scale, developed by Dr. Ian Dunbar, is a widely recognized system that categorizes dog bites into six levels based on the severity of the bite and the resulting injuries:​

• Level 1: Aggressive behavior without skin contact.
• Level 2: Teeth make contact with skin but do not puncture.
• Level 3: One to four shallow punctures from a single bite.
• Level 4: One to four deep punctures, with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth.
• Level 5: Multiple bites with deep punctures, indicating a serious attack.
• Level 6: Victim death resulting from the attack.

Medical professionals note that approximately 20% of dog bites become infected, which can lead to serious complications including cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis. Children and elderly victims typically suffer more severe injuries due to their smaller size and inability to defend themselves effectively during an attack.

💡Beyond physical injuries, many dog bite victims develop psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and cynophobia (fear of dogs) that may require long-term therapeutic intervention.

Speak to a Dog Bite Lawyer in Bridgeport, CT Today!

A dog attack can turn your life upside down — but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Contact us or call 475-252-4289 to speak with our trusted attorney. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.

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