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Dog Bite Law
Connecticut

Connecticut is a strict liability state.

Overview

Connecticut imposes strict liability upon the owner or keeper of a dog that injures property or inflicts bodily injuries on a person. The language of the Connecticut dog bite statute is as follows:

    Sec. 22-357. Damage to person or property.
    If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or, if the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, was under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action. (1949 Rev., S. 3404; 1953, S. 1842d; 1969, P.A. 439, S. 1.) 
The Connecticut courts have clarified that merely entering another person's property does not constitute trespass under this statute. "Trespass or tort" means more than mere entry; the statute bars recovery only where plaintiff is committing or intends to commit an injurious act. (133 C. 509: 140 C. 358.)

If the victim was not a trespasser, not committing a tort, and not provoking the dog, there is no defense.

The state also holds any person responsible for injuries by dogs caused by that person's negligence or negligence per se.

More court decisions might be found at the outstanding website of the Connecticut State Library. 

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Litigation forms and other materials for attorneys

Just about all the documents a plaintiff's attorney will need, for less than the cost of typing them. Complaint, interrogatories, document production requests, admissions, witness list, petition for approval of minor's compromise (structured settlement), order approving minor's compromise, and Kenneth Phillips' 50-page deposition outline that covers every issue that can arise in a dog bite case. Save hours of work with the Dog Bite Litigation Forms for Plaintiffs' Lawyers. Good throughout the USA. Available just one minute after you purchase them at the Dog Bite Law Bookstore. Download and use today.

Photo of DVD, "Anatomy of a Dog Bite Case."

Anatomy of a Dog Bite Case is Mr. Phillips' 2-1/2 hour video seminar for plaintiffs' lawyers, containing tips and tricks, practice pointers and winning strategies that cannot be found anywhere else. A highly rated legal best-seller. Covers case selection, establishing liability, dealing with defenses, settlement and litigation throughout the USA. Arrives by mail in less than a week.

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This page last changed on 12/6/07