New Haven Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
Interacting with dogs is often part of everyday life. You may pass them on walks, visit the homes where they live, or allow your child to pet one. When a dog suddenly attacks, that sense of familiarity can quickly turn into shock and uncertainty.
A dog bite can be traumatic in more ways than one. Beyond the physical injuries, many people experience anxiety around animals, especially children who may struggle to understand why the attack happened. In the aftermath, you may also be dealing with medical care, unexpected costs, and questions about what to do next.
You don’t have to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite alone. In moments like this, having experienced legal representation matters. A New Haven dog bite lawyer at Rob Levine Law can explain your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Find out what your case is worth.
Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
May 18, 2026
How Rob Levine Law Can Help After a Dog Bite Accident
After a dog bite, it’s critical to understand how liability works. Connecticut follows a strict liability standard, meaning a dog owner or keeper may be responsible for injuries regardless of the dog’s past behavior and without needing to prove the owner was negligent. However, a claim still depends on key details, including whether you were lawfully on the premises and whether you provoked the dog.
A dog bite attorney in New Haven can investigate, analyze what happened, apply the applicable legal standards to your situation, and gather the evidence needed to build your claim. They can also help establish the full extent of your injuries and resulting damages.
Legal representation can be especially important when your child is involved, as the law provides added protection in certain situations.
Rob Levine Law manages the legal process from start to finish, handling all communications with the responsible parties and their insurers, investigating to uncover the facts, and preparing a strong case, enabling you to focus on recovery. With flexible meeting options, 24/7 availability, and our Win or no fee™, the Fee Free Guarantee®, the firm works to pursue compensation for a dog bite injury that reflects the full impact of what you have experienced.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Attentive Service and Solid Representation
I would absolutely recommend this law firm if you’re looking for an attorney. The staff makes sure to answer any questions, they make themselves available, and my attorney really took the time to familiarize herself with my case.
Tracy W.
Clear Communication and Exceptional Service
The staff at Rob Levine Law worked diligently and tirelessly to resolve my personal injury matter. They took care of all the details and won my case. I am grateful to Attorney Derrin Almada for his professional, cheerful service and for explaining everything to me in layman’s terms. Could not have asked for a better outcome!
Olivia L.
Highly Recommend for Personalized Legal Care
Best firm for legal services! Customer service is off the charts, and they stay in touch with you throughout the whole process. Big shout-out to Rob Levine and his law firm family. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me and my family.
Cidalia D.
What Can Cause a Dog Bite Accident?
A dog bite is often especially difficult to process because it may involve an animal or pet owner that you or your child trusted. When that trust is broken, it can lead to fear and uncertainty. While Connecticut law holds pet owners strictly liable for dog bites under most circumstances, there are still key nuances that can affect liability.
Provoked vs. Unprovoked Attacks
Dog bite cases can involve different circumstances, including situations where a dog reacts to something and situations where an attack happens without clear warning. The dog owner or their insurer may claim that you or your child provoked the dog as a defense to the claim. Note, however, that simply raising provocation as a defense does not automatically prevent recovery.
For instance, Connecticut law provides added protection for young children, who are generally not expected to recognize or avoid potentially dangerous situations. In addition, a lawyer can counter such defenses by gathering evidence showing that you did not provoke the dog or that the owner was negligent.
Owner Negligence and Lack of Control
Many dog bite incidents result from a lack of proper control or supervision, including allowing a dog to roam off-leash in places like Edgewood Park, failing to use restraints in public, or failing to properly train or handle the animal. In these situations, the owner or handler may be responsible for failing to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Failure to Warn or Contain the Dog
Owners also have a responsibility to take precautions, especially if a dog has shown signs of aggression. Failing to warn visitors, secure a dog in a yard, or prevent it from approaching others in public spaces can increase the risk of an attack. Regardless of breed, any dog may bite if it is not properly managed or if it feels threatened.
Common Injuries After a Dog Bite
Dog bite injuries can vary in severity, but they often involve both immediate physical harm and longer-term effects. In many cases, treatment may extend beyond the initial injury, especially when complications or emotional impacts are involved.
- Lacerations and puncture wounds: Dog bites often break the skin, causing deep wounds that may require stitches or ongoing care.
- Infections: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to infections, sometimes requiring antibiotics or additional medical treatment.
- Nerve damage: Bites to areas like the hands or arms can affect nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or reduced mobility.
- Psychological trauma: The experience of a dog attack can lead to lasting fear or distress, particularly for children.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Injuries may leave visible scars or permanent changes, especially when bites affect the face or exposed areas.
Calculate the Value of Your Case
Use our free personal injury settlement calculator to determine how much your case may be worth. This calculator is designed to give you a value with a range based on thousands of case we have settled.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite Accident in New Haven?
Liability after a dog bite depends on who was responsible for controlling the dog and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Dog owners: Under Connecticut law, owners are typically strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. For example, a dog that runs loose in a residential area on Davenport Avenue and bites a passerby may lead to a claim against the owner for failing to restrain the animal.
- Property owners: A property owner may be involved if they knowingly allow a potentially dangerous dog to remain on the property without proper precautions. For instance, the property owner may be liable if they allow a dog with a known history of aggression to interact with guests without warning or restraint.
- Dog walkers or handlers: Someone temporarily responsible for a dog, such as a walker or caretaker, may be liable if they fail to properly control the animal. For instance, a dog that lunges at a pedestrian near New Haven Green while under a handler’s care may result in liability.
- Municipalities or animal control: In limited situations, a public entity may be involved if there was a failure to enforce leash laws or respond to repeated reports of a dangerous dog. These claims often involve additional legal requirements and deadlines.
Why New Haven Dog Bite Victims Trust Rob Levine Law
Dog bite cases often come down to the details, including how well the incident is documented, how clearly the law is applied, and how clearly the injury’s impacts are established. Rob Levine Law takes an aggressive approach, focusing on building a clear, well-supported claim from the start.
Our track record shows our experience helping those in need by providing exceptional service to our clients while upholding the highest possible ethical standards. Over more than 25 years, the firm has helped more than 50,000 people and recovered more than $2 billion in disability benefits and injury compensation.
Fee transparency is also a key part of how the firm operates. Rob Levine Law maintains clear fee structures, charging a 33% contingency fee for personal injury cases and offering a discount 25% rate for first responders and military members.
Call (888) 791-9135 or contact us online to speak with a dog bite attorney in New Haven today.
Meet Our New Haven Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog Bite FAQs
Can I Recover Damages If I Experience Emotional Trauma or PTSD From the Dog Bite?
Yes, compensation for a dog bite injury may include damages for emotional trauma, including anxiety, fear, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Does Connecticut Follow a One-Bite Rule?
No, Connecticut does not follow a one-bite rule for pet owners. Instead, the law generally holds a dog owner strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before, with limited exceptions.
Can I Pursue a Claim Against the Dog Owner if They Have Homeowners’ or Renters’ Insurance?
Yes, many homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies cover dog bite claims. Thus, compensation is often paid through insurance rather than directly by the dog owner. A personal injury lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company and protect your claim.
What Information Should I Collect From the Dog Owner if My Child Is Bitten?
Taking certain steps after a dog bite can protect your child’s health and the potential claim. Get immediate medical attention for your child and report the incident to the police or other local authorities. Get the dog owner’s name and contact information, along with details about the dog, including vaccination records, if available. Taking photos of the injury and the incident location can also help.
How Long Do I Have to File Suit After My Dog Bite Accident?
Connecticut law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases.
Get Your Free Consultation Now
"*" indicates required fields
Notable Case Results
$250,000
Automobile struck minor client who was skateboarding on Americas Cup Avenue in Newport resulting in his head leaving a dent in the vehicle’s hood. Client suffered multiple abrasions and a concussion resulting in his admission to the hospital for observation. Client lost time from school due to his injuries, but was able to catch back up and graduate on time. The settlement is providing him with critical funds to invest in a new life ahead.
$100,000
Client was a passanger traveling on Coddington Highway in Newport. Car came to stop at intersection, other car did not see the car our client was in and hit them head on. The impact was so hard it caused our client to fracture their pelvis in two places which required surgery.
$500,000
A semi truck began backing on to Davisville Road in North Kingstown, it did not stop for traffic and backed into our clients vehicle. Our client was rushed to South County Hosptial with body pain and facial stitches.
$500,000
We represented two clients that were jetskiing in Newport. Another jetski hit them causing severe injuries, as they were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. Each had fractures to their extremities. We were able to settle for defendants policy limits.
$100,000
Client was at Gurney’s in Newport. The stairs that lead to the clients room were poorly lit, as many lights had not been replaced. The client fell, tearing the quad muscle and needing surgery.
$150,000
Client was visiting a nursing home in Middletown RI. While bringing flowers to her family member she slipped and fell in a puddle of water. Long term pain management and pain injections.
$24,716
Client was living in Jamestown RI suffering from Deep vein thrombosis, Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety leaving him unable to work.
$180,000
Veteran living in Portsmouth RI had suffered hearing loss, PTSD and HTN from his time in the Army we were able to get him nearly $200,000 in back benefits.
$261,000
Secured for a client who was riding his motorcycle from Middletown to Newport. As he navigated the rotary, a car failed to yield to him, knocking him off his motorcycle and causing a fractured ankle. The settlement covered the client’s medical expenses and damages resulting from the accident.
$129,000
Secured for a client who was rear-ended while slowing down on the Pell Bridge in Newport. The severe impact forced the client’s car into the vehicle in front of him. As a result, the client suffered neck, back, and shoulder injuries. Our team worked diligently to recover the compensation our client deserved for their damages.
$235,000
for a client who was rear-ended by a large truck while driving his company vehicle in Newport. The client required several months of treatment for his injuries and lost time from work as a result of the crash.
Exceptional Service and Advocacy for Veterans
Rob Levine Law has been very helpful in my request to receive compensation benefits for injuries I incurred while in service. I’ve suggested their services to a number of veterans seeking legal assistance. I highly recommend them and will continue to seek their services and advice.
Sandyabdullah M.
Above and Beyond Client Care
They have been very responsive to me, even after my disability case was approved and settled. I can still call them anytime with questions and always get a response. Daniela has been great. If you’re lucky enough to work with her, you will enjoy her helpfulness as well as her ability to go above and beyond for her clients.
Carmen T.
Great Results with Fast, Reliable Communication
I am beyond satisfied with how Attorney Daniel LeClair handled my case, and the end result was beyond anything I could have expected. He kept me updated throughout the process and was very fast in replying to any questions I had. Hopefully, I won’t need his services again, but if I do, I won’t hesitate to reach out to him and his office again.
Christopher H.
Helping Veterans Navigate the VA with Expertise
After all these years and all this time, finally, a person and a firm that will stand by me. Jairo Manchola was a complete professional and answered all my questions. I feel like I have a coach in my corner to take on the monster known as Veterans Affairs. I look forward to working with Rob Levine Law in the near future to help me get the compensation I deserve and fought for. Once again, thank you, Jairo, for making this very easy and drama-free. I think every veteran should work with this firm.
Edward C.
Great Service with Compassionate Support
They are very good at what they do and are very understanding and patient. I would recommend them to everyone I know who needs help. Thank you so much.
Tabitha W.
Fast and Effective Legal Assistance
I was afraid of using an out-of-state attorney, but I’m so glad I did! They got right down to business and settled my case swiftly.
Robin H.
Additional Resources
Related Pages
If you have been hurt, in a car accident, injured, or find yourself in a situation where you may need...
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, your world is turned upside down. While you’re trying to recover...
The value of a claim is associated with the amount of compensation each aspect of the claim yields. Every case...