Dog Bite Liability in Connecticut
Whether a dog owner in Connecticut is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. If a dog damages the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper (or both) is liable for the damage, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing another tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357
| Dog bites | Strict liability. If a dog damages the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper (or both) is liable for the damage, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing another tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. If the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian is liable. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357 |
|---|---|
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for personal injury caused by negligence or by reckless or wanton misconduct must be filed within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and no more than three years from the date of the act or omission. Other tort claims not covered by that rule (for example, many intentional torts) have three years from the act or omission. |
More Connecticut personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Connecticut
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Connecticut
- Car Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Connecticut
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Truck Accident Claims in Connecticut
- Construction Site Injuries in Connecticut
- All Connecticut personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Connecticut?
Strict liability. If a dog damages the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper (or both) is liable for the damage, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing another tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. If the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian is liable.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Connecticut?
A lawsuit for personal injury caused by negligence or by reckless or wanton misconduct must be filed within two years from the date the injury is first sustained or discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), and no more than three years from the date of the act or omission. Other tort claims not covered by that rule (for example, many intentional torts) have three years from the act or omission.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.